Challenging Canine-Centric Bias in Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Case for Feline Centered Models
Abstract: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has historically centered around species considered trainable, sociable, and easily transportable—primarily dogs and horses. While effective in many contexts, this
species-limited framework marginalizes animals whose therapeutic contributions do not conform to obedience-based or performance-driven models. Chief among the excluded are domestic cats. This article critiques the systemic bias within the AAT world that requires cats to mimic canine behavior to be considered therapeutically valid. It argues for the development of feline-centered therapy models rooted in environmental consistency, autonomy, and relationship-based healing.
Introduction: The practice of AAT is growing rapidly, with increasing attention to the therapeutic role of animals in mental health, education, and trauma recovery. Yet, within this growth lies a dog-centric paradigm that dominates everything from research to certification. Cats, despite widespread cultural relevance and scientific evidence of their calming physiological effects, are rarely integrated into formal therapy settings. When they are, they are often forced into roles defined by dog behavior: leashed, transported, and expected to tolerate high levels of touch and novelty. This paper questions that standard.
Farm Animals vs. Cats: A Double Standard: In farm animal therapy programs, humans visit animals in their habitat. Goats, cows, and chickens are valued for their presence and rhythm, not performance. There is no expectation of transportability or obedience. This contrast raises the question: why are cats not offered the same consideration? Why must they be molded to fit a canine-based model to be accepted?
Cultural and Clinical Misconceptions: Cats are often mischaracterized as aloof, unpredictable, or unbonded. In reality, they form deep attachments, co-regulate emotional states, and are highly sensitive to trauma. These qualities make them ideal therapeutic companions for individuals who are neurodivergent, introverted, or recovering from complex trauma. Yet without formal training frameworks or institutional advocacy, cats remain excluded from most AAT programs.
Toward a Cat-Centered Therapeutic Model: A cat-centered model prioritizes stability, environmental control, and relational trust over performance. These programs house cats onsite as permanent residents, allowing relationships with clients to unfold naturally. Interactions are based on mutual comfort, not forced engagement. This model supports populations that often fall through the cracks of traditional systems: individuals with sensory sensitivities, PTSD, autism spectrum conditions, and long-term grief.
Conclusion: The current AAT framework must expand beyond its canine-centric roots to embrace the therapeutic value of cats. Feline-assisted therapy, when properly designed, is not only viable but essential. By creating ethical, environment-based, and cat-informed programs, the field can provide inclusive, effective care for underserved human populations—and at last, recognize cats for the healers they have always been.
