Although the majority of therapy animals are dogs, cats now are getting in on the action, too. Therapy cats curl up next to hospice patients to offer companionship, greet and entertain hospital patients who are frightened and anxious, and offer friendship and comfort to those in nursing homes. Cats also help therapists develop better relationships with their patients.

According to The Delta Society, which provides training and support for people and organizations using pets in therapy, there are two types of programs pets can participate in: animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activities.

**Get the November 2007 issue of CAT FANCY to read the full article.**