Could Your Cat Be a Therapy Star? New Study Says Some Felines Are Built for Comfort

When most people think of therapy animals, dogs usually steal the spotlight. They visit hospitals, cuddle stressed college students, and brighten long days in care facilities. Cats, on the other hand, are often seen as too independent or aloof for that kind of job. But new research suggests that some cats might actually be perfect for therapy work. A recent study published in the journal Animals found that certain cats share personality traits that make them well suited for animal assisted services. The research was co authored by Washington State University professor Patricia Pendry and researchers in Belgium, where therapy cats are already more common than in the United States. The takeaway for cat owners is simple but exciting. While not every cat would enjoy being a therapy animal, some truly thrive on human interaction and may love offering comfort to others.

What makes a therapy cat different

The researchers surveyed hundreds of cat owners in Belgium using a standardized behavior questionnaire. They compared cats involved in animal assisted services with those who were not. The results showed clear differences. Therapy cats tended to be more social with people and other cats, more likely to seek attention, and more tolerant of handling. One standout finding was that these cats were often comfortable being picked up, a trait many cat owners know is far from common.

According to Pendry, these cats show personality traits similar to therapy dogs. They enjoy being around people, adapt well to new situations, and seem genuinely interested in social interaction. The key difference is that therapy cats are not trained for the role. They naturally have the right temperament.

Dogs bring enthusiasm and energy to therapy settings, which many people love. But not everyone feels comfortable around dogs. Some people find dogs overwhelming, have allergies, or simply prefer a calmer presence. This is where cats may shine. A cat’s quiet companionship, gentle purring, and relaxed demeanor can be deeply soothing. For some individuals, sitting with a calm cat can feel safer and more comforting than interacting with a larger, more energetic animal. This makes therapy cats a promising option for stress relief programs, especially for people who connect more easily with felines.

Not every cat wants the job

If you are imagining your own cat in a tiny therapy vest, it is important to pause. The researchers strongly caution that therapy work is not for every cat. In fact, pushing the wrong cat into these situations could cause stress rather than joy. The study did not look at cat breeds, even though certain breeds like Ragdolls or Maine Coons are often described as more social. Instead, it focused on individual personality differences. This means any cat, regardless of breed, could have the right temperament, or not. A good therapy cat is one that already enjoys meeting new people, tolerates handling well, and remains calm in unfamiliar environments. If your cat hides when guests come over or dislikes being touched, therapy work is probably not a good fit.

In Europe, especially in Belgium, therapy cats are becoming more common in animal assisted services. In the United States, most programs still focus almost entirely on dogs. Awareness is growing, but researchers say more studies are needed before therapy cats become mainstream. Questions remain about whether therapy friendly traits are something cats are born with or something shaped by experience. There is also ongoing research into how to make sure therapy work does not negatively affect a cat’s wellbeing.

A new way to see your cat

The goal of the study is not to turn cats into the next therapy trend. Instead, it encourages people to recognize that some cats genuinely enjoy social roles and may benefit from them just as much as the humans they help. For cat owners, it is a reminder that feline personalities are more diverse than stereotypes suggest. Some cats want nothing more than a sunny window and solitude. Others might happily accept a career built around lounging, being admired, and soaking up affection.

And if that sounds like the perfect job, your cat would probably agree.