Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals?

The world is filled with feline lovers. Despite their somewhat aloof personalities, cats make great pets.

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

They are adorable and perfect for cuddling. Plus, they tend to be overflowing with personality.

Because of the detached personality that many cats possess, you might assume that they are not eligible for being emotional support animals.

However, the answers contained below might just surprise you!

What Are Emotional Support Animals?

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are designed to help people who have suffered from psychological or mental health problems.

These animals will provide a level of support and relief, allowing their owners to overcome their issues. They relieve mental health issues such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Social anxiety

These animals are different from service animals. While emotional support animals aid with emotional and mental health issues, support animals deal with different conditions, such as physical disabilities.

Because of this, service animals are trained to help their owners perform specific actions.

For instance, they can help guide the blind or visually impaired. In contrast, emotional support animals are not designed for such specific tasks.

Another key difference between them is that service animals are more limited in terms of species, mainly dogs and some ponies.

Meanwhile, lots of different animals can provide emotional support.

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals?

Yes, cats can be emotional support animals. While they are unable to be service animals, cats can be effective at providing emotional support.

Many owners find their cats to be loving a presence in their lives, enabling them to deal with their mental health problems.

What Are The Best Cats For Emotional Support?

Now that you know that cats can be excellent for emotional support, you might decide to get one to relieve your emotional problems.

While this is a great idea, you should seriously think about what breed you want.

This is because some will be better suited to emotional support than others. Here are some of our recommendations:

Manx Cats

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

Manx cats are quite easy to identify because they lack tails. They tend to be very playful and tender.

Because of this, they like to play with their owners. This is great for people who need emotional support, as a Manx cat will enjoy interacting with you.

Just be sure to give your max cat plenty of attention and love.

Siamese Cats

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

Among the most sociable breeds are siamese cats. These highly intelligent animals are also known for being loyal to their owners, so you can rely on them when support is required.

The only thing you should bear in mind is that they can be very playful, so they might not be best for people with low energy.

Persian Cats

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

Known for their thick and fluffy fur, Persian cats are quite distinctive. They have developed a reputation as gentle cats, making them ideal for emotional support work.

While it is important to maintain a Persian cat thanks to its fur, this also means that they are brilliant for cuddling.

Persian cats don’t tend to be overly active, so you can receive support whenever it’s needed.

Bengal Cats

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

With a distinctive pattern that runs across their bodies, Bengal cats are intelligent and loving.

While they might not be as affectionate as other cat breeds, they nonetheless show lots of love to their owners. Consequently, you can turn to them when you desire assistance.

Maine Coone

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

These large and fluffy cats can pick up on emotions. Consequently, they are perfect for sufferers of mental health disorders. They are also great with children.

Ragdoll Cats

Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals

Ragdoll cats adore interacting with humans. They enjoy being cuddled and carried around by their owners.

They will often seek human companionship, so don’t be surprised if your ragdoll starts to follow you around.

This desire for affection results in ragdolls being an outstanding option for emotional support.

How Can You Get A Cat As An Emotional Support Animal?

If you think that you are eligible for an ESA, then you must obtain a prescription. To do this, talk to a mental health professional who can provide this.

This could be an ordinary doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist. They will be able to confirm that you suffer from a mental health condition that could be improved with the use of an emotional support animal.

Most landlords will allow you to have an animal in the house if you have permission from a professional.

Since any pet can become an ESA and no training is needed, you can register your existing pet as an ESA. If not, you can find a pet and transform it into an ESA.

It can be hard to decide what ESA is best for you, but we have a few tips to help you:

  • Think about what animal calms you the most. If you are afraid of snakes, they may not be the best option. However, if you adore cats, they will make the perfect pet.
  • Talk to your mental health professional. They might have some recommendations about what animal is best suited to you based on your specific condition.
  • Consult with your landlord. They may only allow you to bring certain animals into the household. Unless you want to move house, it is best to follow their rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cats Relieve Anxiety?

Yes, playing with a cat is a magnificent method for reducing anxiety. Simply petting a cat can also relieve symptoms.

Why Do Cats Sleep Next To People?

Casts might choose to sleep next to their owners as a form of security. This can be considered a sign of trust, as cats will not sleep near someone they distrust.

Final Thoughts

Because they have a reputation for being quite stubborn and difficult animals, you might assume that cats aren’t suitable for emotional support.

You may think that dogs are superior to cats in terms of emotional support. Yet, you might be surprised to learn that they can be incredibly effective.

Plus, some people simply feel more comfortable around cats. Just make sure that you seriously research what breed of cats is best for you.

Anna Granger
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