Can my cat get certified as a therapy cat?

Every cat owner knows the comfort of a kitty curling up beside them after a long day. Calm, affectionate, and endlessly soothing so it’s no wonder cats make purr-fect therapy pets.

We all wish we could channel our inner feline when life gets overwhelming. Our whiskered companions are experts at finding the calm in the chaos, and just being near them can help ease anxiety and lift our spirits.

But did you know some cats are officially trained and certified to offer this kind of support to others?

What Is a Therapy Cat?

Therapy cats are specially trained to provide emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical support. You’ll often find them in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and care facilities helping people of all ages feel calmer, connected, and cared for.

Just by being their usual, loving selves, they can:

• Encourage mental stimulation
• Promote light exercise and play
• Bring calm to high-stress environments
• Provide quiet companionship

Before they can get to work spreading cuddles and comfort, therapy cats need proper training and certification.

What’s Involved in Certification?

Your cat will need to be assessed by a recognised therapy animal organisation. Evaluations usually include:

• Age (typically over 1 year)
• General behaviour and temperament
• Comfort wearing a leash or harness
• A live behavioural test
• Health checks including diet, vaccinations, and parasite treatment

Are Certain Breeds Better?

It’s all about personality… but some breeds are naturally more suited to therapy work. The ideal therapy cat is calm, gentle, social, and affectionate.

Top traits to look for:

• Tolerant of handling
• Comfortable with strangers
• Relaxed in new settings

Popular therapy breeds include:

• Burmese – incredibly affectionate and people-oriented
• American Shorthair – calm and child-friendly
• Siamese – loyal, vocal, and loving
• Ragdoll, Russian Blue, Balinese, Manx – all known for their easy going nature

Cats that are aggressive, possessive, or prefer solitude are unlikely to enjoy or succeed in therapy work and that’s totally okay too!

Can You Take Your Therapy Cat on a Plane?

In Australia, therapy cats and Emotional Support Animals aren’t granted special access on planes or in public spaces under current regulations. Unlike assistance animals, ESAs don’t have legal protections for air travel or entry into places like cafés, shops, or public transport.

That said, there are still plenty of places your cat can go:

• Pet-friendly accommodation – Many hotels and Airbnb’s welcome cats. Always check their pet policy ahead of time.
• Vets and pet stores – These are your go-to spots for essential care and supplies.
• Cat-friendly cafés or events – While rare, some venues host pet days or cat-themed events where feline companions are welcome.
• Secure outdoor spaces – If your cat is leash-trained or travels in a pet backpack or pram, you can enjoy parks or walking tracks that allow animals (though dogs tend to be more common visitors).
• Your own adventures – Whether it’s a weekend away or a road trip, certified therapy cats travel well in the car and enjoy being part of the journey

The Power of a Purr

Therapy cats can make a huge difference to people living with:

• Anxiety and stress
• Chronic illness or disability
• Emotional or psychological challenges

They may not say much, but with every head bump, slow blink, or soft purr, they remind us we’re loved, supported, and not alone.

All it takes is the right temperament, a lot of love, and a willingness to share their calm with the world.