Feline-assisted therapy: Integrating contact with cats into treatment plans.

Introduction Feline-assisted therapy is contact therapy involving cats. Some breeds of cats have innate characteristics that may be desirable in feline-assisted therapy. These include Ragdolls, Maine Coons and American Shorthairs. Cats have to meet certain requirements to participate in feline-assisted therapy: they should be adults aged 1 year or older, they should have a well-developed temperament, they should be vaccinated, sterilized and in good health. Aim The purpose of this paper was to discuss feline-assisted therapy (cat-assisted therapy) as a potentially beneficial form of treatment for various physical and psychological conditions in humans. Material and methods The paper was based on the available literature and publications. Results and discussion Contact with a cat can contribute to the treatment of many diseases, including depression (anxiety and fear), arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, ADHD, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, progressive muscular atrophy (muscular dystrophy), sclerosis, loss of sight and hearing, mental illness, osteoporosis and autism. Feline-assisted therapy may be conducted in nursing homes, prisons, hospices, hospitals, kindergartens and schools. Conclusions Feline-assisted therapy can be used in a variety of settings, and it is gaining increased popularity. Cat-assisted therapy is particularly recommended for patients who are unable to interact with large animals such as horses or are afraid of dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]