The Job of a Therapy Cat
September 24, 2026
Ellen Vogel, CFMG, CFVP, Elite FFCP (Veterinary)
Grand Premier (GP) Big Meow Speed Racer (aka Turbo) wears many hats. He earned the title grand premier as a show cat and now works as director of marketing for my small business, providing emotional support when needed. However, none of these roles are as important as his work as a therapy cat.
Having trained several successful therapy cats, I have seen firsthand how much they thrive in their roles. Equally rewarding is the profound impact they have on the people they visit. While therapy dogs are wonderful, there is a distinct, unmatched comfort that a feline visitor brings to a cat lover spending time in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or senior living facility.
I had at least one – and frequently two – therapy cats for a number of years. A large hole engulfed me when Vivo had to retire unexpectedly after an injury. I suddenly did not have any therapy cats. When Turbo entered my life, I had high hopes. He has more than fulfilled all of the requirements of an excellent therapy cat!
Several months ago, a member of the church I belong to had a stroke. For privacy, I will refer to her as “CL” (Cat Lady). Her rehabilitation was going to be long and difficult. Our wonderful pastor for congregational care called me one evening looking for our help. She had asked a member of CL’s family if there was anything the church could do. The family member explained that the rehab facility frequently had therapy dogs come in, which CL enjoyed, but she had always had cats and preferred them. Our pastor asked if Turbo was available to step in and visit with CL.
Turbo now visits CL whenever we can get there. He never fails to make her smile. While speaking is still difficult for her, she will sometimes have something to say to him or for his benefit. He enjoys her lap when she is up in her chair or on her bed. There is always someplace for him to cuddle with her.
While his primary reason for going is to visit CL, many of the staff will also stop by to visit with Turbo. The staff are wonderful, dedicated caregivers, and a quick break to watch Turbo’s antics or give him a pat offers fabulous stress relief. They often gather in CL’s room to pet Turbo, snap photos, and happily share who they plan to send them to. If Turbo is busy exploring, they comment on whatever catches his eye. While these interactions provide a welcome mental break for the staff, the lively conversation surrounding Turbo also creates a rich environment for CL to regain her speech. While she is currently working on this goal, she understands everything, and these engaging discussions are vital for maintaining her vocabulary.
It can take just as long to enter and exit the facility as we spend visiting. Turbo is a Maine Coon Cat and knows how to pose with a commanding presence. He rides in a large stroller with the top down, loudly meowing at everyone he passes. Of course, many of them have questions and want to pet him. He knows his job there and why he comes to visit. Or perhaps he just knows how to get the attention he wants.
Therapy cats can provide wonderful services. Some people do not want to be around dogs, whether it is fear from a bad experience or lack of having contact with them. Cats are typically smaller in size, so less intimidating to some. They are nonjudgmental and provide unconditional affection … at least as long as you are petting them or scratching their head. One of my therapy cats was notorious for the dirty looks on her face when someone stopped petting her.
Cats can provide a wealth of stimulation for someone needing rehab or for older persons needing to retain their mental acuity. They provide a jumping-off point for conversations about cats the client may have had in the past, spark questions about the therapy cat itself, and get arms moving with petting, scratching, and brushing. While this may seem small to someone who has never experienced the difficulties that go with rehab, these opportunities are a huge benefit in making these necessary skills fun instead of the tedious demand of rehab exercises.
My cats have been in many situations over the years, and I am proud of the work they have all done. We have been to high schools to teach a lesson on cat care for an animal husbandry class, and participated in Future Farmers of America meetings, gone to colleges to provide stress relief to students studying for exams, and for the faculty and staff helping them. Assisted living and memory care have been places regularly visited. Vivo the Therapy Cat was a regular at the VA hospital, visiting the veterans in the continuous living unit. We have also made appearances at dog walks, children’s day camps, a homeless shelter, and tutoring elementary school children.
It is important that Turbo is enjoying his visits to CL. We are a team, and we must agree on where we will work. I am Turbo’s best advocate while he is working. My job is to hold the leash and make sure he is happy. If he is not happy, if someone does not want him near, or if someone is not treating him kindly, it is up to me to remove him from that situation. If someone is unfamiliar with cats but wants to meet him, I am his voice to explain how he prefers to be touched, petted, and spoken to.
There are many opportunities for therapy cats, and each of us must find the opportunity that makes our cats and ourselves happy. I always found it humorous that regular clients remembered my cat’s name – not necessarily mine – but most probably know me as simply the chauffeur.