Those are words I like to hear! I think all kittens offer humans some therapy! But, there is some proof that kittens actually provide beneficial therapy for humans with cerebral palsy.
The Washington Humane Society's Therapy Live-In Cats (TLC) are working with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Washington DC and Northern Virginia to provide therapy assistance animals for people with cerebral palsy. From the TLC website: Foster kittens residing at UCP locations provide individuals with regular opportunity for sensory enhancement and reaching exercises. The live-in situation helps provide a sense of normalcy and connectedness to the outside world.
Benefits of this program do go both ways! The people benefit from having the kittens to look after, and the kittens receive additional socialization and care.
Have you ever heard of a program like this? I hadn't, and I really love the idea. These kittens from a humane society get the love and care and socialization they need, while helping people who also need it! (photo from istockphoto.com)
What a wonderful idea! A win-win, it sounds like. :-)
Turtlecookie
Posted by: turtlecookie | August 23, 2010 at 09:24 AM
Who would have thought that kittens would make such good "therapists" for this particular medical need? Amazing.
Posted by: Dana | August 23, 2010 at 11:25 AM
What a fabulous idea - hope they have a puppy therapy prorgam, too!
Posted by: Chris Davis | August 24, 2010 at 07:33 AM
There is nothing better than holding a sweet kitty, even my alley cat boy, at the end of a hard day! It is just so soothing to me - I can imagine the good that must do for the patients holding the kitties! There is nothing like a the pleasure of a pet behind the ears and a kiss on my cat's little head, even though he wants "down".......
Posted by: Midge | August 24, 2010 at 01:04 PM