Registered Therapy Cat Visits Elderly Community Members

Asheville, North Carolina – April 29, 2024

Phillip Twitter: A Therapy Cat Bringing Comfort and Joy

When people hear the term “therapy pet,” they usually don’t imagine a 13-year-old rescue cat visiting residents in a nursing home – but that’s exactly what a special feline named Phillip Twitter does. Alongside his owner, Dawn Crouse of Asheville, Phillip visits hospice patients, children with disabilities, churches, and even pre-schools where he shares his calm, purring presence with those who need it most.

Phillip Twitter got his name because he likes to chirp more often than he meows. Crouse adopted Phillip almost 12 years ago from the Henderson County Animal Shelter after he was taken in by the shelter as a sick stray. In six months, Phillip was a registered therapy cat.

A Day to Celebrate: National Animal Therapy Day

In honor of Phillip and other therapy animals, The City of Asheville recently designated the date April 30, 2024, as National Animal Therapy Day, which will help promote awareness of the special comfort and support that therapy animals provide. According to the official proclamation signed by Asheville Mayor Esther E. Manheimer, “The need for therapy animals has never been greater to provide comfort and support, especially after the impacts of the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social discord in recent years.”

Phillip is only one of three therapy cats in North Carolina, and there is a need for therapy animals all over the state. Pet Partners is specifically seeking more cats and handlers to become volunteer therapy teams, offering special incentives for new cat teams. The volunteer therapy animal teams interact with a wide variety of clients including students of all ages, veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, students with literacy challenges, patients in recovery, people with intellectual disabilities, and those approaching end of life.

Unique Comfort: The Role of Therapy Cats

Therapy cats have a different style than therapy dogs. They tend to stay in one place for a while, making them especially effective for older residents in facilities. According to a study on the cat-human bond conducted by Pet Partners, cats can provide a special form of comfort that dogs cannot. Crouse describes Phillip’s on-the-job demeanor as relaxed, sedentary, and even a little bit lazy.

The Registration Process

Therapy animal handlers have a strong trust-based bond with their pet and undergo an extensive evaluation process to ensure successful interactions in various circumstances. Both the handler and the cat must pass a rigorous process to become a registered therapy cat team with Pet Partners. Handlers need to pass a criminal background check and undergo an in-person team evaluation to demonstrate the skills required for safe and successful visits.

To learn more about National Therapy Animal Day or the registration process for therapy animals, visit Pet Partners.