Cats as emotional support animals

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are becoming a vital part of people's lives. For those suffering from mental or emotional illness, having an ESA can play an important part in someone’s recovery and everyday life. But can cats be emotional support animals? If so, what are the benefits of an ESA cat, and can you register your own favorite feline as an ESA? Let’s mindfully explore the world of ESA cats, the amazing work they do for us humans, and whether an ESA cat could benefit your life. 

Can cats be emotional support animals?

Cats can be known to have rather interesting and different styles of communication, sometimes perceived as being aloof or uncaring. In reality, cats are very emotional animals that are sensitive to our feelings as much as their own. They are constantly watching and monitoring us, especially if they’re closely bonded or imprinted on us. Having this ability to read human emotions means they make for great emotional support animals.

Combined with being able to read our body language, cats offer their own form of furry comfort and mental nourishment for us, too. The calming and stress-relieving effects of cuddling and stroking a happy, purring kitty have been known for ages but have also been tried and tested by millions of pet parents. A soothing presence as a calming companion is exactly what emotional support animals are for.

What’s the difference between an ESA cat, a therapy cat, and a service animal?

An emotional support animal

Emotional support cats are used to help treat mental or emotional illness or distress. They live full-time with their human to over 24/7 mental health relief to reduce anxiety, depression, or chronic loneliness. Cats registered as an ESA will be allowed to live with owners in any type of residency, regardless of their tenancy agreement. They can be recommended as part of a person’s therapy by a licensed mental health professional but are trained by their human at home.

Therapy cats

These noble kitties are professionally trained for short-term therapy. This includes offering comfort for hospital patients, nursing homes, rehab facilities, and even prisons. They may even be present during in-person therapy sessions if the licensed mental health professional believes they’ll offer calm and comfort during sessions.

Service animal

While cats can be great for emotional support and mental health, unfortunately, they cannot yet be classified as service animals. This title can currently only apply to dogs who assist people with day-to-day life if they have a disability, for example, guide dogs. But, who knows, perhaps in the future we’ll learn how to train cats to call emergency services or bring us cans of soda from the fridge! Maybe…

The benefits of emotional support cats

Like all emotional support animals, ESA cats are used for a range of mental health benefits, including:

• Reducing anxiety
• Reducing depression
• Reducing feelings of loneliness
• Relieving stress
• Soothe PTSD symptoms
• Improve sleep quality

Of course, this list is very broad in mental health terms and is not exhaustive of all the benefits associated with an ESA cat. For some, they’re an essential part of their day, a lifeline to help them when they’re unwell, relieved crippling symptoms, and allow them to begin to live a normal life.

Registering an emotional support animal

This will very much depend on where you live. However, generally speaking, you will need to register your cat as an emotional support animal with a local or federal government body. This often needs to be done by making sure you have a consent letter from a licensed mental health professional stating your reason for an ESA, along with whether your cat can qualify for an emotional support animal.

If this is allowed and your cat is registered, this will mean you can live with your ESA cat in any residency, even if it stipulates you cannot have pets. However, as of December 2020 under the Air Carrier Access Act, ESAs cannot be taken onto aircraft without a suitable carrier case, but they can still travel with you.

Our Community Forum is a great place to connect with other feline fanatics who might be able to give first-hand experience on having an ESA cat. Head there now to connect with other like-minded cat carers and share the love. Or if you’re in need of a sitter, check out all the cat sitters currently available in your area who would love to care for your precious pet.