I’m not sure if therapy cats have certain skills that other cats don’t, or if we are just calm enough at hospitals to tap into skills all cats have. Like today, when I went to the children’s hospital near us. The only place where patients are lying down usually is in pre-op, and they don’t do surgery on Friday. So the places I visited were the lobby, the exam rooms, and a waiting room. Nobody tells us therapy cats that a hospital is for only kids, or what the stickers mean that they are wearing. But even though I visited everybody, I usually gravitated to the person who needed purr therapy most — the young patient waiting to see a doctor.
This was our first time without a staff member leading us around, so my human was a little unsure of herself. But once she found out the flags that mean an exam room was occupied, we visited as many as would have us. Only one family didn’t want to see us (they wanted a dog, although we were the only therapy team today). Another room, the doctor shut the door just as we walked past, so we figured we were not wanted in there. One preschool-aged girl we did visit was getting two artificial legs positioned. Although she didn’t want to pet me, the rest of the family did. In another room, there was a teenaged boy who really enjoyed seeing me.
Up in a second floor waiting room, I gave a high five to a young girl and posed with her while her grandmother took a photo. The lobby was very busy. I sat next to a couple of young patients and visited. A couple of kids wanted to pick me up and played with my face and ears. The nurse and their mother reminded them to be gentle, and my human watched over them carefully. But I was okay with most of it. The girl was too small to pick me up by herself, so my human helped her. I usually don’t like being picked up, but I stayed in the girl’s arms long enough to surprise my human.
You would think that because I’m not visiting patients in bed that this would be an easier hospital for me. But actually it is taking some getting used to. As you know, cats like routines, and we are still learning one here. When I’m going from room to room with bedridden patients, I know what to do. But when I’m faced with a lobby full of families, I’m not 100% sure of how I should do things. My human is trying to figure out a way to make it not seem so random. But she did get a hint that I am getting more comfortable… I sat beside one patient that I picked out myself, and made happy paws.
See all of Summer’s merch at her Designercat Shop, available on Zazzle.
These seem new situations for you to learn, but having seen you in action with crowds of people, I don’t think anything will upset you as long as you have good signals.
The very important job that you do is so intricate and complicated, Summer! We are in awe!
Purrs,
The Chans
Sure sounds like you got this down. It’s wonderful that you visit so many patients, and I’m sure most of them really enjoy your company. I think it’s such a good thing you do. Happy Memorial Day weekend, my friend.
You are an amazing kitty, Summer. Well done for taking care of those patients.
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
You’re doing a great job, Summer!
Our mom would love to know why you gravitate towards one particular person, out of the many in there.
Summer, you are showing an innate ability I think. You were born with it. AND you and your Human worked very hard to cultivate it. My mom has seen several therapy animals in the past month. They are all dogs though. She said she always mentions knowing a beautiful therapy cat in CA. One dog’s owner said that there was one in the University’s hospital too, but that he had not seen the cat and owner for awhile.
Summer, you are doing such a good job putting smiles on everyone’s faces.
I can only imagine how many smiles you brought to so many faces sweet Summer!
You are really amazing and do such valuable work as a therapy cat!
The Florida Furkids
Summer, we know you’ll quickly learn what this hospital is all about and how to best serve the little patients. We love that you found a patient yourself that you felt needed your therapy. Good luck next time you visit this facility. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
What an excellent therapy cat you are, Summer!
I will never stop thinking this is amazing.
Bless your sweet itty bitty kitty heart Summer and your human for taking you.
Your treat face is a treat to us
hugs madi and mom
You are one awesome kitty Summer!
You’re doing a pawsome job, Summer ! We’re always amazed on how quick you learn how you should do things. Purrs
Summer, you are just the most amazing cat ever! You are very smart and so is your human to be able to pick up on your abilities! What powerful work you do! We are in awe and you are a goddess! Love Patzy
you are rockin’ the therapy cat role Summer. High Paws!!
You are an amazing therapy cat, Summer. We know you will figure out a routine in no time!
Summer, you bring a ray of sunshine to all you meet. You and your Mom are a remarkable team; keep up the good work! 🙂
You are very wise Summer
Summer, you bring such joy to everyone! It’s extra terrific thst you enjoy it too!
You’ll figure it out in no time, sweetie!
I look everyday but dont comment much.
We are so proud of you sweetheart. We can only imagine what you go through. Like you said we cats are routine oriented. Mom is too, that’s why she gets us. You are a fast and determined learner. You and your mom are doing a fantastic job at detecting the needs of folks in need of your help. High fives to you and your mom! Purrs
you are amazing, Summer. All those new situations and you handle it all with aplomb. Always happy to hear stories of how you help people feel better when they are in the hospital.
Really love to read about your therapy visits Summer!
Summer,
Yoo are so patient and tolerant.
Toffee
You are one in a zillion Summer. XO
Summer, you never cease to amaze us. You do such a great job at all your therapy visits.
Summer, you are just the best girl ever. The Human says she has never known or heard of a kitty who could be so good and friendly to people when she was on unknown ground. The Human has had kitties who were super friendly to people who visited our home, but she can’t imagine what even a friendly kitty could be so outgoing away from home. We bet you made all the kids’ day waaaay better, and prolly their families’ too. Purrrrrr.
Good job as usual, Summer.
Summer, you are such a great ambassador and a super therapy cat. We love how you know exactly what to do in different situations!
You definitely have skills that many other cats don’t.
Aw, Summer, once again you prove just what a darling you are!
We were looking at recent posts of all of our friends and then realized we had already commented the exact same we were going to say today. So i don’t need to but I will say it again “Summer, you are awesome.” I wish I was as brave as you!
Luvz, Patzy
While a lot of today may have been new for you, we think you did very well.
That is the sign of a good Therapy Cat and we think you are pawsome!
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
Can we be your nurse helpers, Summer?
Summer you are smrt. I bet you will have it figured out soon!
Purrs
Marv
YAY Summer! You are so tuned into people and you are learning the “signs” of come see me and not a good time for me that humans “radiate”………..you’re a wonderful therapy kitty and no doubt make what can be a very hard time for humans so much more relaxed. I’m very proud of you and I know your humans are too!
Love, Teddy
You’re the best, Summer…’nuff said!