Cat videos go viral for a reason: Furry felines are silly, majestic, and adorable all at the same time. If watching cat videos can lift your spirits and brighten your day, imagine what a real cat can do! Independent and stubborn, cats are notoriously fickle about choosing their humans. Once you’ve earned a cat’s trust and affection, you’ve got a friend for life. Cats require less attention and maintenance than dogs do, but they provide the same warmth and joy and therefore make great emotional support animals.
The Best Emotional Support Cats
For people who struggle with their emotional health, cats are an excellent option for an emotional support animal. Less attention-seeking than dogs—but much more quirky—cats can add an element of absurdity and fun to each day. If you’re thinking of getting a cat companion for emotional support, the following are six popular breeds known for their ability to lift anyone’s mood.
1. Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats feel just like ragdolls, hence the name. They’re very passive and will enjoy being carried and petted for long periods. They become so relaxed in their owners’ arms that they go limp. Gentle and mild-mannered, Ragdolls sometimes operate more like a canine than a cat. They seek out human contact and are extremely affectionate. Because of their gentle nature, they’re an excellent choice to have as an emotional support animal.
2. American Bobtail
Announced as an official breed in 2002, the American Bobtail has quickly become one of the most popular cat breeds in the US. They’re active, playful, and cuddly, making the breed a perfect choice for owners who need their spirits lifted. The American Bobtail has a soft voice and isn’t very vocal, but they’re very demonstrative with their owners. As an emotional support animal, American Bobtails are great options. They’re eager to show their affection and are outstanding with children. Fun fact: American Bobtails have tails half the length of other cats.
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3. Manx
Manx cats don’t have a tail. What they lack in tails they make up for in personality. Gentle and playful, Manx cats like to interact with their owners. Intelligent and eager to please, they can even be taught to play catch! Endearing and loyal, Manx cats often choose a human in the family to shower with their full attention.
4. Persian
Persians are easy to spot. Regal, beautiful, and quiet, Persians have class. Their adorable faces are expressive, and they’re very gentle felines. They enjoy sitting on laps and being petted. They do, however, need regular grooming because of their long silky hair. If you’re willing to care for their lush coat, Persian’s make excellent emotional support animals.
5. Russian Blue
Legend has it that the Russian Blue was once regarded as the cat of choice for Russian czars. It’s not hard to imagine, because the Russian Blue has an amazingly soft and shimmery gray-blue coat and gem-like green eyes. They’re a mix of cuteness and elegance. The Russian Blue is also well-mannered and attentive with their owners. Although they’re playful, they tend to shy away from visitors.
6. Maine Coon
Be forewarned, Maine Coon cats are one of the largest breeds of felines. They can grow to the weight of a medium-sized dog, though much of that weight is due to their fluffy fur. These cats are beautiful and intelligent, making them one of the most famous cat breeds in North America. Maine Coons are easy to train and are well-behaved. They make excellent family pets because they’re tolerant of small children and enjoy the attention. One consideration is their fur, which requires frequent brushing and can fall on furniture and bedding. However, because of the abundance of this soft fur, Maine Coon’s are a comfort to hold and keep close, making them ideal as emotional support.
Feline Friendship
According to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 85% of pet owners say their pet helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Cats are a great option as an emotional support animal for owners who are unable to take dogs for walks or engage in strenuous exercise, as cats require less activity and engagement than dogs.
They say that dogs are a man’s best friend, but cats are just as warm and affectionate. Cats are a bit more selective about who they want as humans, so the love of a feline feels well-earned. Cats form the same in-depth bonds with their owners as dogs and children do. This bond can help humans manage rough emotional struggles.
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Many of us love cats, but we don’t always understand them. This guide is for any cat owner who is frustrated with their feline’s behavior, and wants to understand the roots of it. We’ll answer questions such as “Why does your cat scratch your furniture? Why do they chew on everything?” and “How to get rid of common behavioral problems like inappropriate urination outside the litter box.
The Persian cat would always love to have all the attention from the owner, and so, would look forward to greeting them whenever they come back from work.
Im 13 and i had a black ragdoll named lui. I swear he was the best, he always sat in my lap whenever i sat down, he loved being cuddled and was very affectionate. He helped me through a lot, until recently my mom through him out.
😭😭😭
That is so very sad. I am so sorry to here that.
I hope she took him to the Humane Society because a mild cat like that might not make it out on his own as a stray cat.😭😭😭
I’m 13 and when I was just a toddler I was in my country (Pakistan) I used to have a siamese cat she was the best cat ever and she would follow me kiss me play with me and even cuddle with me unfortunately we came to America and we couldn’t bring the cat and so after some years she died 😔
I have a Siamese. I’ve been the lucky mother to 5 in my life. They were all lovebugs. My 5 yr old Sealpoint boy is my emotional support and so very loving. Siamese should be in this countdown. They are dogs in a cat’s body!
Honestly, any cat can be a great ESA for someone or even the whole family. A couple of months ago I was in a bad accident going home from work. I fell asleep behind the wheel and went airborne approximately 30 feet. Physically I was fine, mentally I was not, especially after dealing with insurance and stress of trying to get a ride to work.
My four cats, a 9 year old calico, two 9 month old polydactyls (Hemingway cats), and the 4 month old tuxedo, took turns staying with me at all times. They knew I wasn’t in a good place mentally and made sure to show extra affection. If you show a cat love, they’ll return it 1000 times over.
You forgot calico.
My calico is the best
It seems that it’s always the same cat breeds that are supposedly doing all the good deeds, or being the most lovable or affectionate. How do you determine these choices? I have a beautiful, intelligent, green-eyed British Bombay kitty, that’s so affectionate, loving, and loyal to me and my family. He’s one of the best breeds that I have ever had as a part of my family, but this breed is almost never acknowledged in any way. Why?
I also have a Bombay that we adopted 2 years ago when she was 9 years old. She is the sweetest, most affectionate, and most caring cat I’ve ever had. We call her Nurse Nottina because she is always checking that everyone is okay, even the dog. She’s very vocal, opinionated, and very much Alpha. She likes things HER way and you get swatted if you break her rules, humans included.