We therapy cats are a little different from other kitties. We’ve got just a tad more of the good feline qualities, and just a bit less of the bad ones. But what exactly does a therapy cat need? I thought I’d put together this quick list. Let me know what you think!
A therapy cat needs:
- A strong purr
- A cheerful demeanor
- Soft fur… or, if a Sphynx, skin that’s as warm and cozy as a hot water bottle
- A quiet meow that is rarely used
- The ability to cuddle well
- To adapt to an infinite variety of touches, hugs, and pets
- The ability to wear a harness and vest with grace and maybe a little bit of style
- To allow for human frailty and awkward handling
- To revel in a child’s delight and ignore her grabby hands
- To absorb both tears and smiles and reflect back only sweetness




You got what it takes!
What lovely qualities
Summer,
That’s a very comprehensive check list.
Toffee
You’re such a star, Summer!
That’s quite a list, and I’m sure it takes a very special kitty to have all of those qualities! You sure are one special girl!
My cat would never cut it.
Summer, the last thing on the list is just the sweetest. That’s a quality you have in abundance.
That is an extensive list, Summer. Not a one of us would make a good therapy cat, but we know you sure do. Good job, Summer. You bring a lot of joy and comfort to a lot of people. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy
That is a good list, and you have all of those qualities in abundance.
You Rock Summer all of us would fail miserably at being a therapy cat.
Would add one more: and have a wonderfully kind mama or papa who helps get you ready and well adjusted for this incredibly important job! Love you Summer and mama
You are the very model of a modern therapy kitteh.
My cat would flunk Therapy Cat School.
It takes a very special cat to do these things.
How wonderful that you have ALL of those qualities, Summer!
That’s a lot of good qualities for any kitty to have, and you have them all!
You have all those admirable qualities and so many more, Summer!
You are very special.
The quiet meow part leaves most torties out! MOL The last one is beautiful.
That’s a very impressive resume you therapy cats have!!
Mum says I could use a bit more of my good qualities and a few less of my bad ones too… 😉
Lots of licks, your new friend Morrie!!
We’ve got the strong purr and soft fur but that’s about it. This list is amazing, and even more amazing is that you fit the bill so well!
We would fail on most of those, Summer! 🙁
The one of my cats that would have had a chance at being a therapy cat was Phoebe. All the take cover when my great niece is here. You are a special girl Summer.
Such a special job you have dear Summer – AND that makes you a most special kitty too!
Love, Teddy
Summer, you are just such a good therapy cat. Don’t think any of us would make the grade.
*wipes away tears* Great list, and you fit every one of them!
I like to cuddle but overall I am shy with strangers. So I guess I will just be mum’s therapy cat.
Aww, Summer…just reading that list made me mellow out some!
That’s a pretty good list for anyone…
well diego-san got the furthest down the list but the second to the last one might trip him up. we admire your work.
You were born this way 🙂
Pretty Summer, your soft warm purrs would put ANYBODY at ease!!
Summer you were born with the ‘therapy DNA’ and we think it is wonderful how you share your kind spirit with all and no telling how many “I don’t like cat’ people you have converted to “I love cats”!
Hugs madi your bfff
You are such a great roll model Summer!
You are so gery special sweet Summer!
We only meet two criteria: strong purr and soft fur. We are very impressed with with you meeting all those criteria, Summer!
those are qualities you have in vast amounts.
You are more than qualified for the job, Summer! 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
And we know you have all of that…plus beauty!
Wow! That’s a lot of unique qualities. You definitely fit the qualifications purrfectly. We admire you sweet girl. Keep up the great loving work you do. Purrs
That’s ALOT! Even more proof of how amazing you are. We love reading about your therapy visits and how you know just what is needed. Thank you and your human.
That list describes you very well, Summer. Purrs
That pretty much describes a therapy cat.
You fit that bill quite well too Summer 🙂
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
Great qualities, Summer. You are an excellent example!