Can Cats Serve As Emotional Support Animals?

By Author: Grey Cat
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Whenever you think about emotional support animals, dogs are the first thing that will come to your mind. Owing to their aloof personalities, cats aren't considered to be great ESAs. But nothing could be further from the truth.

If you suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety issues and depression, cats can greatly help. Read on to know more about how cats can help you through your tough times.

What Do Emotional Support Animals Do?

ESAs aren't like normal house pets. They help their owners deal with emotional and mental health concerns.

Service animals are very different from ESAs. The animals that fall under the former category have to undergo training to assist blind people in crossing roads, fetching food and medicine, and other day-to-day tasks. Meanwhile, ESAs do not undergo any training.

While cats can be great at being emotional support animals, they can't be service animals. Dogs, capuchin monkeys, and horses are the only animals that fit the bill.

What are The Benefits of Having Emotional Support Cats?

Having an emotional support cat to see ...
... you through the day has a lot of benefits. Let's have a look.

 Emotional Support Cats Are Covered under Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act
The Fair Housing Act is a blessing for many pet owners. It allows owners to bring their emotional support pets into apartments and condos, wherein pets aren't generally allowed. The Act serves as a safeguard against unfair treatment towards pet owners by landlords and homeowners.
If a landlord rejects you for having an emotional support animal, you can file a complaint against the HUD person.
The Air Carrier Access Act allows you to travel with your emotional support cat. You need not pay any additional fees either. Make sure to get in touch with the airline 48 hours before flying to be aware of your situation.

 Emotional Support Cats Can Ease Your Anxiety and Depression
If you are troubled by depression and anxiety issues, your cat can help you get back to your everyday routine. Not only can cats be exceptionally gentle, but their quirks will amuse you and make you forget about your worries.

 Emotional Support Cats Can Help With PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People who have faced abuse or been in violent situations can be diagnosed with PTSD. Cats can help them in getting back on their feet.

 They Reduce Stress
Emotional Support Cats reduce stress levels like no other. If you had a tiresome day or a terrible day at the office, returning home to your cats and playing with them can boost your mood easily.

How Can You Qualify to Get an Emotional Support Cat?

If you have any one of the following mental health conditions, you can bring home an emotional support cat.
 General Anxiety Issues
 Depression
 PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
 Bipolar Disorder
 Panic
 Issues
 Depression
 OCD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
 Post-Partum Depression
 Phobias and Fears
 Seasonal Affective Disorder

Requirements to Get an Emotional Support Cat

Before you get an emotional support cat, here are some steps that you need to follow.

 Bring home a cat from a breeder who has a good reputation. You can get in touch with your local branch of Humane Society or ASPCA.
 Your feline friend must be capable of providing you with extensive emotional support.
 Ask your therapist for an ESA letter.
 If you are planning on shifting base or traveling, make sure to keep the ESA letter handy.

What Are the Best Breeds for Emotional Support Cats?

According to experts, these are some of the best breeds for emotional support.

 Ragdoll
Cats belonging to this breed are furry and extremely adorable. Why is this breed known as Ragdoll? Well, these cats will spot a limp whenever picked up.
Cats belonging to the Ragdoll breed are very affectionate and can be of great help for people suffering from mood swings and PTSD. They will follow you around looking for companionship and keep you entertained throughout the day.
These cats are well-natured and charming. You can also train them to play fetch and do other fun activities. They are also known as "puppy cats" because they resemble dogs.

 Siamese Cats
Siamese cats can be very loud. They are very outspoken in nature and will express their needs freely. Different Siamese cats have different personalities. However, they are generally very playful and devoted to their owners. You can also train them to play games with you.

 Bengal Cats
These smart and playful kitties come off as tiny versions of bigger wildcats. Thanks to their markings, they look unique and elegant. Unlike cats belonging to other breeds, they are known to be very social. Bengal cats can get bored easily and need a lot of attention from their owners. Want lots and lots of affection from your emotional support cat? Well, get a Bengal cat for yourself.

 Sphynx
Cats belonging to this breed get a ton of comments for the way they look. According to some, sphinx cats resemble dressed chickens!
Contrary to what the naysayers think of these cats, they have a very affectionate nature, making them the perfect candidate for emotional support cats.
If you have respiratory allergies, getting a sphynx is the best possible decision.

 Persian Cats
Besides being very elegant-looking and composed in nature, Persian cats are very affectionate towards their owners. Their faces are unique, and they have lovely feline hair.
If you live in a tiny flat or condo, Persian cats are the best choice due to their reserved nature and tendency to stick to a corner.
Overbreeding has led to Persian cats becoming increasingly prone to health issues. If you don't have any problem with the same, then cat a Persian cat for yourself to make your life brighter and better!

Emotional Support Cats Considerations

 Feral Cats Aren't Recommended as Emotional Support Animals
Feral cats are usually wary of humans. Their wild nature and anxiety can be arduous to tame.

 Get a Kitten to Form a Better Bond
If you get a kitten, you can establish a close bond early on.

 Have Your Cat Spayed or Neutered
Cats that haven't been spayed or neutered will want to go outside and breed. Instead of offering emotional support, they can easily trigger stress in their owners.

 Get an Indoor-Only Cat
Indoor-only cats are more social and bond with people easily. Also, they are less prone to injuries and diseases.

To Sum Up

Just like dogs, cats can also be exceptional at showering their owners with love and affection. Thinking of getting an emotional support animal? Get a cat from a reputed breed today!