Do Cats Make Good Emotional Support Animals? Yes — and Here’s What You Need to Know

Everyone seems to love cats. However, how cats feel about us remains to be a topic of discussion. The snobby bossy creatures can also be soft and loving. When you think of emotional support animals, cats aren’t the first ones on your mind. However, studies suggest that our feline friends pay more attention than we realize. They are sensitive to emotional gestures and can tell when we are happy or upset.

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What Is an Emotional Support Animal?

Most people get animals for joy and companionship. However, some people need them for emotional support. Emotional support animals can help ease the signs of mental health issues. The popularity of emotional support animals has been growing as more people learn about their benefits. Since their main role is to offer companionship, emotional support, animals don’t need any type of special training. If you are wondering how to get an emotional support animal, speak with your doctor. They’ll recommend one for mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Why Cats Are Great As Emotional Support Animals

They Are Low-Maintenance

Cats are low maintenance in comparison to other emotional support animals. They are independent and don’t demand too much of your time and attention. If you don’t have much experience in looking after pets, you’ll love them. They are excellent choices for people who don’t spend too much time in their homes.

An emotional support cat would make it easy to strike a balance. It responds to your affection and attention but doesn’t demand too much. Unlike dogs, your cat won’t get lonely if you leave for a few hours. Most cats enjoy being by themselves for long spells. If you’ve had a difficult day, you won’t need to worry about walking them. Your ESA cat is happy to sit on your lap and play. The more love you give them, the more they give back.

Rented Accommodation

If you live in rented accommodation, cats are some of your best options. Most landlords don’t mind them as much as other pets. However, the Fair Housing Act (US) states that you shouldn’t be discriminated against or charged extra if you have a companion pet certification. You simply need to ensure that your emotional support animal acts in accordance with the needs and rules of the property and other tenants. Since cats are generally clean and quiet, they’d make an excellent fit. In the UK this is covered by the new standard tenancy legislation.

Easy Travels

Traveling with cats is a lot easier than traveling with dogs. Most dogs are bigger than cats, and they take up a lot of space. Traveling with them can be a challenge. If you travel often and would like to have an emotional support animal, cats are great choices. You can take them on airplanes, trains, or cars.

With an ESA letter, your ESA should be able to get in the cabin with you. While some animals are obviously exempted, cats are typically accepted. Ensure that your ESA cat is registered and that they will be on their best behavior during the flight.

They Make Great House Pets

Cats are amazing as house pets. Certain breeds are particularly great for being indoors. They are affectionate and more laid back than regular cats. The American Burmese and Ragdoll cats are some great breeds. They have a positive response to attention and equable temperaments. If you need constant reassurance and comfort, consider getting them.

Whether you have a psychological disability or have emotional support needs, you could benefit from cats as emotional support animals. They can help you deal with panic attacks, anxiety, and the signs of depression. Finding the right ESA can improve your quality of life. It can eliminate the need to rely on eds for the rest of your life.

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2 thoughts on “Do Cats Make Good Emotional Support Animals? Yes — and Here’s What You Need to Know

  1. letarosetree says:

    Cats don’t need walking, true; however their other needs are far more than those of dogs. Cats, particularly young ones, need interactive play at least once or twice a day. They need a cat tree or tower for exercise, a scratching post; and claw trim every few weeks. Brushing or combing every few days, for stimulation and skin check (tumors or abscess especially if an outdoor cat). Litter box placement is crucial as is litter type. Food (Wet/canned is healthiest because of hydratio and UTI issues especially with males and older cats.

  2. 3wallaces says:

    I’m simply not here without my cats. As a writer, firstly they are my muses as well but as a desperately damaged hooman they are my lifeboats and the oars that allow me to keep rowing back to the shore of my slippery sanity. My cats are the only reason I am here.

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