One fine day, the police department in Columbus, Ohio, received a 911 call, except no one was on the phone. Worrying about the person’s well-being, the police were dispatched to the location.

When the police entered the apartment, they were shocked to see a man lying on the floor, alive but unable to move. What’s even more shocking than the lying man was that the only other living being present in the apartment was an orange tabby cat.

It turns out that the man—identified as Gary Rosheisen—suffered from osteoporosis, which caused him to fall unexpectedly. Since he had no one else to help him, Gary trained his cat—Tommy—to press a speed-dial button on his phone that was pre-programmed to call 911.

Gary later confirmed that he had never called 911 that day, and it appeared that it had been done by none other than Tommy. Gary and everyone else who heard the story termed the cat a ‘Hero.’

Despite Tommy’s heroic act, it’s going to take a lot more than saving a man’s life for cats to qualify as service animals. That title is reserved for dogs only—and, in some cases, miniature horses.

Can Cats Be Service Animals for Anxiety or Depression?

A service animal is a specially trained animal that helps differently-abled individuals with certain daily tasks, such as guiding the blind or retrieving an item. It doesn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to determine why cats cannot be service animals. While highly intelligent, they lack the trainability and reliability needed for service dogs.

However, cats can still provide emotional support and comfort to their owners. This is why many people ask if cats can be service animals for anxiety or depression. While they cannot be classified as service animals, they can be registered as Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).

What Is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides comfort, emotional stability, and support to individuals with mental health conditions. They include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

ESAs and service animals are not the same, and the biggest difference is that the former aren’t trained to perform tasks. They’re prescribed by licensed mental health professionals.

Moreover, ESAs aren’t allowed in public spaces like restaurants or airports. They can, however, live with the owner in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

The Benefits of Cats for Emotional Support and Well-Being

Reduced Stress: Cats make a rhythmic purring sound, which is linked to reducing stress and anxiety. The sound also creates a calming effect on the human mind. Studies also show that the purring can help lower blood pressure and promote relaxation.

Lower Maintenance: Not to take away from dogs, but they’re often high-maintenance. Cats, fortunately, require minimal upkeep while offering companionship. You don’t have to give them constant attention, though they really appreciate it.

Emotional Connection: Humans yearn for a connection, and sometimes, cats provide that better than any other living being. That’s why many individuals consider cats more than just cats. They treat them as family and cherish the bond between each other.

Playful Distractions: Nothing cheers you up more than watching cat videos after a tiring day. Now imagine having a cat in reality and being amused by its antics, be it their funny interactions with other pets or them throwing things despite you repeatedly telling them not to.

How to Register Your Cat as an Emotional Support Animal

If you believe your cat provides emotional support, take the companionship up a notch and register it as an ESA. Here’s how you can do it:

Consult a Licensed Mental Health Professional: As we mentioned, only a mental health professional can evaluate and prescribe an ESA. Therefore, consult with one to determine whether you’re eligible.

Obtain an ESA Letter: An ESA letter is a formal document stating that you need an ESA for mental health reasons.

Negotiate with Your Landlord: Your landlord may raise objections when you bring home a pet. Remind them that it’s an ESA and, under the FHA, they’re allowed.

The Legal Rights of Emotional Support Animals

In the past, ESAs were also allowed on airplanes under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). However, recent rule changes mean airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs. Instead, most now classify ESAs as regular pets, requiring them to be placed in a carrier and follow standard pet travel policies.

How Cats Compare to Dogs as Support Animals

Dogs and cats provide comfort and companionship, but their abilities and personalities make them suited for different roles.

• Trainability: Dogs are more receptive to training, making them ideal for service roles. Cats, on the other hand, operate on their own terms and may not follow commands consistently.
• Independence: Unlike dogs, which require structured routines, cats are more independent and need less direct supervision.
• Space Requirements: Cats adapt well to small living spaces, making them a great choice for people in apartments. Service dogs, in contrast, need more room and regular outdoor activity.
• Emotional Support: While dogs often display overt affection, cats provide comfort in a quieter way, such as sitting near their owners or purring to create a calming effect.

While dogs remain the preferred choice for service work, cats excel as low-maintenance companions for emotional support.

Famous Cats That Have Helped Their Owners

Tommy, the orange tabby who called 911, isn’t the only cat to have made headlines for assisting humans. Here are a few other remarkable felines:

• Pudding – In Wisconsin, a cat named Pudding saved his diabetic owner’s life by waking her up during a diabetic seizure and alerting her son for help.
• Tara – Known as the “Hero Cat,” Tara became famous when she fought off a dog attacking her owner’s young son, proving that cats can be both protective and caring.
• Oscar – This nursing home cat, Oscar, gained attention for seemingly predicting when patients were about to pass away, offering comfort in their final moments.

These cats show that while they may not qualify as service animals, they can still make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Can Cats Be Service Animals in KY? The Final Answer

No, cats cannot be service animals because they lack trainability and cannot perform specific activities. However, they can be an ESA, as they’re known to help reduce stress and anxiety.

If you want to learn more about this or train your cat to be an ESA, we provide extensive training programs that will significantly help your situation.