Therapy cats?

I would like to eventually certify one of my kities as a therapy cat. . . I don't know if any of you have one that is certified or not but I was wondering. . . what are some things you guys think I could do starting now to help them get ready for it when they get older and out of the kitten stage?

I would just contact groups that support person who need therapy from injuries that cause injuries that require rehabilitation to assisted living homes. Your local community volunteer agency should be only to happy to find a place for you and a calm and loving cat. Good luck and thanks for thinking about sharing your kitty's soothing

First, I've heard that therapy cats are supposed to be declawed - so you better check into that with your local therapy group before you do anything!

Second, you need to get the cats/kittens used to being handled by people - a lot. From kids to older adults; rough and gentle. Not sure how you would get them used to smells of a hospital/nursing home, but you just have to wait and see.

The cats should be very people oriented and a calm disposition too.

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

First, I've heard that therapy cats are supposed to be declawed - so you better check into that with your local therapy group before you do anything!

Second, you need to get the cats/kittens used to being handled by people - a lot. From kids to older adults; rough and gentle. Not sure how you would get them used to smells of a hospital/nursing home, but you just have to wait and see.

The cats should be very people oriented and a calm disposition too.

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I've heard the declaw thing too. . . I need to get in contact with them because I would think that soft paws would take care of that problem.

If they allow the Soft Paws that would be great

I think I figured out the perfect way to try the kitties out with the whole thing!! My great grandmother regularly does outreach for church with the older people who do not get out of their houses. She was telling me earlier about a woman she visits who recently lost her kitty of eighteen years. I think I am going to take Mercury over there for a visit tomorrow to see how he reacts. He is still a little young/hyper but I think it is a good idea to get him used to me taking him places now. If this one works out, I think I will have my grandmother see if anyone else would be interested in me bringing one of them over. I would like to try out both Mercury and Trinity and see how they both react. . . What do you guys think?

Sounds like a plan. Take them one at a time to this elderly lady and see how they may react Good luck and let us know what the therapy group says about using Soft Paws rather then insisting on declaw.

I also want to do animal-assisted therapy when the kittens are older. My dog is a therapy dog and we love it.

I would recommend you get your cat used to different people and places. I've been taking my kittens to Petsmart and to visit friends, to help them get used to being in new places with different sounds/sights/smells. I also was able to take Church to a movie set recently. I think the more you expose them to different places, things and people in positive ways the better.