Are cats a good pet for children with autism?

For many parents with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, there comes a time where you think a pet might be a good idea. A pet can be a wonderful addition to the family but choosing the right one takes a little research.  If you are considering a cat, this is the blog for you. You might also want to check out this very interesting article:

Affectionate Interactions of Cats with Children Having Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bringing a cat into your home opens up many valuable teaching lessons, such as compassion, daily care, and various social skills.  Cats, like humans, each have their own individual personality. This helps to teach children that we are all different.  One way cats bond with humans is by showing affection and building friendships, something that many individuals with autism struggle with. Cats will bond with us by showing affection, this helps to create a friendship, something that is extremely important for autistic individuals who often struggle with making friends.

Scientists have proven that the act of petting an animal is a stress reliever and can actually help reduce anxiety. This is huge! Imagine seeing your child cuddle up with their cat and having their stress melt away before your eyes….Well it might not happen that easily but still worth the try, don’t you think? Perhaps your child may even talk to them!  Having a companion in life to share your thoughts with is extremely important to  all of us. Depending on your child’s interests, They may even read to your cat.

Best cat breed for autism?

There are approximately 70 different breeds of cats. That’s a lot! So when choosing what kind of cat to get it’s important to do a little research. The most affectionate cat breeds are Ragdoll, Scottish fold, Maine Coon, Burmese and Persian. That being said I’ve had several domestic shorthair cats who have been the most affectionate cats ever.  Some would also say that an orange tabby is the most affectionate cat around.  Most orange tabby’s warm up to humans quickly and almost prefer our company over other cats.  Luna, our Director of Snuggles, definitely exhibits these qualities. When choosing a cat for your family it is best to get one that is young, this way the cat can grow with your child, creating a stronger bond.