Training cats to visit hospitals?

Question

I have a very friendly three-year old neutered male cat that I would like to get into a program for visiting seniors and hospital patients (pet therapy). Has anyone done something similar with their cat? How do you train / prepare the cat?

The program I am considering screens the pets, but I would like to work on his behavior before we apply. He occasionally bites when excited, but is otherwise pretty good.

He also doesn't really sit on laps. Is there any good way to encourage this behaviour, or is it not necessary for pet therapy?

Answer 1

I haven't heard of cats doing this but doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Most cats become attached to places (houses, yards) rather than people so you first need to make sure your cat is relaxed enough to not freak out when taken in the car to another place - try taking to a friends house and see how he reacts.
Secondly probably a good idea to get him use to being on a lead and harness so you have control of him when he is out visiting.

Answer 2

My dog and I are an accredited animal companion therapy team, and all dogs accepted into the program have to be temperament tested and found faultless, besides knowing basic obedience. I have heard of cats doing therapy visits though I don't know of any personally, there are none in our program If your cat doesn't like to lap sit and sometimes bites, then it wont be accepted into a therapy program. My own cats would be both be therapy team rejects... and I imagine it would be a rare cat that was suitable. I also work in a hospital environment with seniors and disabled folk, and besides pet therapy teams who visit we also have volunteers who visit people on their own.... every seniors assisted living facility has some residents who get no visitors. I suggest you call and ask to speak to their occupational therapy department.

Answer 3

Well, lap-sitting is encouraged as it's really the only way for disabled people to hold them, ex. if they are in wheelchairs. Discourage clawing, biting, and meowing, make sure he is relaxed from the trip there. I have never done it with my cat, but I've read lots about it and I can imagine it's comforting to have a cat quietly snoozing and purring in your lap. :)