Welcome! I wanted to share a little about myself and how my kitties have helped me through a very emotional and challenging time. As mentioned earlier, we are a family with five cats! Yep, Five, and they are a houseful. It’s like having five very independent teenagers who all live by their own rules.

My previous husband had been sick for several years before he passed away. He enjoyed having cats in the home, and he said they helped him emotionally, so we got our first two. He felt they would give him company as his time homebound grew longer, and they would be comforting companions while I had to spend the days at work. Later we adopted a brother and sister, and then our baby girl, Gabbie, not long before Jim passed.

I have always loved cats, but I did not understand the emotional and solid connection both Jim and the cats had developed until he passed away. I had worked two jobs when he was at his worst to help us, plus spending any spare time off at the hospitals with him. At his passing, I didn’t think I could deal with the loss, the endless paperwork, the house, my job, AND five cats. I had considered rehoming our babies, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it, and I can’t put into words how thankful I am that I didn’t. I soon came to realize I was not the only one grieving. I was able to show love to my fur babies as well as them showing love in return.

Cats are susceptible to the emotions of their owners. They can sense if you do not feel well or are struggling emotionally. Cats are, for sure, emotional support animals. When a cat purrs, it has a self-healing effect on humans. It has even been identified that having an emotional support cat can help lower blood pressure! They can also help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and isolation. Cats are intelligent, gentle and can form strong bonds with their owners.

Have you ever considered officially making your cat or cats emotional support animals? Here is the link for this process. There are steps to take, but it is worth it! 

https://uprevenue.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&aff_id=1087.  

Cats are, by nature, loving and supportive. They will hug you, nuzzle you, play with you, talk to you, or just lay down next to you and cuddle up. Studies have shown that having a cat as a companion can lower your blood pressure, increase your mood, and even lower your risk for a heart attack! Numerous archeology discoveries where cats were mummified or found buried with humans testify that cats have been domesticated for several thousand years. They are loyal and loving. Are some cats moody and not interested in being petted? Sure, but for the most part, they are there for you!

We are going to discuss kitties as Support Animals. There are three types of support animals: Emotional Support, Therapy, and Service Animals.

Emotional support animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act. This means you have legal rights and protection for a certified Emotional Cat to live with you even if the landlord has a no-pet policy. However, be forewarned that despite protection to keep your pet, a landlord will often make your stay miserable until you leave. It is unfortunate, but we have heard innumerable stories supporting it. If you can have your companion, these emotional support animals can relieve anxiety and some depression just from them being the nature of animals they are! Did you know that people who own a cat have a 40% less chance of dying of a heart attack??

Therapy cats are trained and are considered part of the owner’s treatment. Some therapists will have a trained therapy cat in their office to help patients relax.

Service animals are trained to identify a medical emergency in their owner. At this point dogs are the only animal that can be designated and registered as a service animal. They are also trained to help owners with specific disabilities. These dogs who are trained are allowed in places where animals are not normally allowed such as stores and hospitals.

If you have an emotional support cat and want to register them, follow the link below for more information.

https://uprevenue.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&aff_id=1087.