Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals? The Science of Emotional Support Cats

Do you want to get your cat certified as an emotional support animal (ESA) so that you can take them with you in places where pets are usually not allowed? Cats can be emotional support animals, and with an emotional support animal letter from a licensed mental health professional, they can help people who are struggling with mental health issues by providing emotional support.

Even though cats' standoffishness and independence may not make them the most obvious choice for an emotional support animal, we'll look at the studies that show that cats can provide emotional support and help their owners feel less anxious. From research on cats' social skills and their ability to form attachments, to research on the psychological and physiological benefits of owning a cat, we'll take a deep dive into the science that shows that cats can be emotional support animals.

What Are the Laws Regarding Emotional Support Cats?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is defined as a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, according to the Disability Rights North Carolina resource. The primary federal law that protects ESAs is the Fair Housing Act, which mandates that landlords must allow these animals in housing even if a "no pets" policy is in place.

For an animal to be considered an ESA, it must be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to help with a disability. This usually means the person seeking the animal will need an ESA letter that explains their condition and the need for the animal. It's important to note that cats and other domesticated animals can be considered ESAs, not just dogs.

That said, state laws can affect the specifics of ESA requirements and protections. For example, some states such as Alabama and Arkansas offer fewer protections, while California has stricter rules about what qualifies as a legitimate ESA and what doesn't.

It's important to note the difference between ESAs and service animals, which are trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals are covered by more extensive federal laws when it comes to public access. ESAs are not trained to perform tasks and are primarily there for emotional support, so their protections are limited to housing and vary when it comes to public access based on location and the policies of individual businesses.

One common misconception is that ESAs need to be trained or certified in some way in addition to having an ESA letter. According to the guidelines cited by Nolo, this is not typically required by law, although it's still a good idea to make sure your animal has at least basic obedience training if you're going to take them out in public. Knowing these key legal differences can help people make sure they're getting the emotional support they need from their animal companions.

How to Get an Emotional Support Cat Letter

Getting an emotional support cat letter is an important part of legally certifying your cat as an emotional support animal (ESA). An ESA letter is a prescription letter written by a licensed mental health professional that confirms the person's need for an animal to help them with their mental or emotional disability.

As explained by Pettable, the process usually involves finding a licensed therapist, scheduling an appointment, and getting the ESA letter within 24 hours if the application is approved. The letter should be on the therapist's letterhead, include their license number, and explicitly state that the animal is required to help the owner manage their disability.

In addition, the requirements for an ESA letter can vary by state. For example, California has a 30-day waiting period for first-time therapy appointments. Moreover, according to ESA Doctors, the letter must specify the species of the animal that's being prescribed and provide the therapist's contact information for verification.

If you're looking for a reputable ESA letter, online platforms like Pettable and CertaPet offer a step-by-step process to connect with a licensed mental health professional and get the letter you need. These platforms are designed to make sure the letter is compliant with the law and to protect you from potential fraud and scams.

How Cats Can Be Emotional Support Animals

Cats can be great emotional support animals, offering the kind of companionship and soothing comfort that can help people manage their mental health issues. According to the American Kennel Club, having a pet like a cat can "ease a person's anxiety or give them a focus in life." Cats' soothing presence and independent nature may make them especially good at this.

Studies have shown that the human-animal bond can be very impactful, and research has shown that interaction with cats can lower stress and increase relaxation. As explained by Transitions to Adulthood, emotional support animals "provide a therapeutic benefit (e.g., emotional support, comfort, companionship) to a person with a mental health or psychiatric disability." Cats' specific qualities, including their ability to offer comfort without being overly demanding, can help them fulfill this role.

Although cats don't require the same level of training as service animals, OneHealth notes that it's still important for them to receive basic obedience training and socialization so that they can behave well when they're out in the world. With the right training and support, cats can be an important source of emotional support for people who are dealing with mental health issues.

Emotional Support Cat Training and Certification

Unlike service animals, emotional support animals, including cats, are not required to have any special training or certification. However, it is important that your cat is well-behaved and well-cared for. The ADA states that the only difference between service animals and emotional support animals is that service animals are trained to perform tasks that help with their owner's disability, while emotional support animals are there to provide emotional support for their owner.

While emotional support cats don't need to be trained to perform tasks like service animals, some basic obedience training and socialization can help ensure that they are well-behaved when they're out in public. This can include training them to respond to commands like sit, stay, and come, as well as making sure they are housebroken and don't engage in destructive behaviors.

Although there are no federal laws that require emotional support cats to be registered or certified, some experts suggest that it may be a good idea to get an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional to prove that the animal is an emotional support animal. However, it's important to note that the most important thing is to make sure that the animal is well-cared for and that their needs are being met so that they can fulfill their role as an emotional support animal for their owner.

Conclusion: Recognizing the Emotional Support of Cats

Cats can make excellent emotional support animals, offering the kind of emotional support and companionship that can help people with mental health conditions. By following the steps to get an emotional support cat letter, people can make sure that their cats are able to get the legal rights and accommodations they need.

The bond that can develop between a person and their emotional support cat can have a profoundly positive impact on mental well-being. As a result, we urge readers to consider the possibility of having a cat as an emotional support animal if they think it would help them improve their mental health and well-being.