Aliah, the Oriental Shorthair, lives with four other cats and Dayna and Bruce.

Aliah is the one cat in the family determined to be not only suitable for therapy work, but perfect for it. Presenting a calm demeanor, Aliah is as independent as a cat should be, but also is drawn to humans. A retired show cat, she is used to being handled and loves to preen for the crowd.

Dayna is a wife, mother, cat lover and very interested in volunteering with Aliah. Wanting to share her vast knowledge of cats and unique understanding of people faced with challenges, set her up for success.

Dayna has been working with Aliah to pass the therapy test for several weeks. The Delta Society test is a bit different from dogs, but not dramatically so. Here are just some of the elements tested to deem if a cat is appropriate for therapy work:

- The cat must enter and exit a kennel or crate on their own without much coaxing

- The cat must be comfortable on a harness and leash

- The cat must be comfortable being passed from stranger to stranger and settle in gently on their laps

- The cat must be comfortable using a portable litter box, such as a tray inside their kennel

- The cat must be comfortable being held in a variety of positions without squirming or jumping

- Cats resist a tight hold so the handler needs to be sensitive to their cat and able to gently instruct people how to hold him

- The cat must accept stroking and petting without hissing or striking out

- All other tests used for small dogs need to be passed

Some tips for the handler in the team:

- Carry a towel so you can cover your cat if it becomes frightened

- Carry a towel so you can cover your cat if it becomes frightened

- Bring litter and an area you can set up for elimination

- Be aware that cats instinctively grab with their nails if they feel they are falling – support your cat at all times our cat and in reach of him

- Don’t hand your cat to a stranger; allow the client to pet your cat while you hold it. If your cat initiates going to a person, allow him to do it with the client’s permission and assist the client for best handling

- Encourage clients to pet your cat from the shoulders to the end of the tail and be aware of any sensitive spots on your cat’s body

Aliah arrived for testing on a leash, inside her carrier. The carrier was placed on the ground, the door opened and out she came. Aliah needed no encouragement to exit her carrier and sat down awaiting next instructions.

All throughout the test Dayna showed concern for her cat’s well being and genuine concern for the “clients” who volunteered to be part of the test. Interaction was natural and fun.

Aliah passed with flying colors and more importantly Dayna showed all the skills necessary to be the strong lead at the end of Aliah’s leash.

They are on their way to making a difference in Las Vegas through the gentle presence of one very extraordinary cat.

If you found this article helpful, please read these prior columns
 

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Photos provided by Sue Grundfest