Cat Tales
~The Project~
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about service animals? Most people will answer with guide dogs for the deaf and blind.
But did you know cats can make great service pets too? Animals like cats often help with emotional and mental disabilities like anxiety and depression.
Unfortunately, these sorts of disorders often go overlooked since they don't always have obvious physical manifestations. Severe emotional distress is often dismissed with a comment like "oh, it's just in your head." But mental disorders are just as important as physical disabilities.
More and more people are recognizing the legitimacy of problems like anxiety and depression. Even some colleges are demonstrating their support for people with psychological problems by expanding their scope of service animals.
Ithaca College is one such example. Just this semestre, the offices for residential life have begun allowing service cats for people with emotional disorders. Previously, the only pets allowed were service dogs in training, but with this new rule, it is clear that the school is treating disabilities with more fairness.
It may not seem like much, but this is truly a breakthrough. Allowing cuddly little critters in the campus dorms can really help students who are experiencing stress, depression, homesickness and loneliness.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about service animals? Most people will answer with guide dogs for the deaf and blind.
But did you know cats can make great service pets too? Animals like cats often help with emotional and mental disabilities like anxiety and depression.
Unfortunately, these sorts of disorders often go overlooked since they don't always have obvious physical manifestations. Severe emotional distress is often dismissed with a comment like "oh, it's just in your head." But mental disorders are just as important as physical disabilities.
More and more people are recognizing the legitimacy of problems like anxiety and depression. Even some colleges are demonstrating their support for people with psychological problems by expanding their scope of service animals.
Ithaca College is one such example. Just this semestre, the offices for residential life have begun allowing service cats for people with emotional disorders. Previously, the only pets allowed were service dogs in training, but with this new rule, it is clear that the school is treating disabilities with more fairness.
It may not seem like much, but this is truly a breakthrough. Allowing cuddly little critters in the campus dorms can really help students who are experiencing stress, depression, homesickness and loneliness.
~The Background~
On April 25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) worked to define the parameters of service animals. They found that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only trained service dogs would be considered service pets. This means that emotional support animals were not recognized under the ADA. However, the Fair Housing Act (FHAct) states that anyone with emotional or mental disabilities are within their rights to request an emotional support animal. HUD therefore mandates all housing agencies, including residential life at universities, must comply with the FHAct to ensure that anyone with legitimate disorders can receive the support to which they're entitled.
Pet owners have been proven to be happier people! According to a 2011 study by psychologists from Miami University and Saint Louis University, people with pets were less lonely, more physically fit and had better self esteem.
The facts:
Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States, making this the most common mental illness in the country.
Only about 1/3 of people with anxiety disorders receive the treatment they need, even though it is certainly treatable.
3 - 5 % of people suffer from depression.
Depression not only affects the way you feel, but can also manifest physically. It can harm study habits, interfere with work, and negatively affect eating and sleeping habits.
Almost 1/2 of those diagnosed with depression also suffer from anxiety disorders.
You can screen yourself or a loved one for depression here!
More useful links below:
Therapy Cats: Sharing the Love
Cats as Service Animals
On April 25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) worked to define the parameters of service animals. They found that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only trained service dogs would be considered service pets. This means that emotional support animals were not recognized under the ADA. However, the Fair Housing Act (FHAct) states that anyone with emotional or mental disabilities are within their rights to request an emotional support animal. HUD therefore mandates all housing agencies, including residential life at universities, must comply with the FHAct to ensure that anyone with legitimate disorders can receive the support to which they're entitled.
Pet owners have been proven to be happier people! According to a 2011 study by psychologists from Miami University and Saint Louis University, people with pets were less lonely, more physically fit and had better self esteem.
The facts:
Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States, making this the most common mental illness in the country.
Only about 1/3 of people with anxiety disorders receive the treatment they need, even though it is certainly treatable.
3 - 5 % of people suffer from depression.
Depression not only affects the way you feel, but can also manifest physically. It can harm study habits, interfere with work, and negatively affect eating and sleeping habits.
Almost 1/2 of those diagnosed with depression also suffer from anxiety disorders.
You can screen yourself or a loved one for depression here!
More useful links below:
Therapy Cats: Sharing the Love
Cats as Service Animals
Kayleigh McKay, a junior at Ithaca College, recently adopted a therapy cat to help her deal with anxiety and depression. During her interview, McKay turned to Gracie the cat with a question of her own. Gracie responded with a confused glare, then walked away because she had very important cat things to do.
Click on the video thumbnail to watch a trailer for Cat Tales!
