That having a young animal around the house helps psychologically and contributes to keeping depression and anxiety at bay had been known for some time. As had the benefits that pet therapy activities with animals of all kinds – from horses to dogs, from cats to rabbits – can offer to people who are ill, disabled or elderly.

Recently, however, science has provided fresh confirmation of the positive effects that pets can have on children with psychological difficulties. A new study carried out in the United States argues, in fact, that the presence of a cat at home can be of great help to children affected by mild or moderate forms of autism.

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An important aid for childhood and adolescent autism

The study, published in Frontiers of Veterinary Medicine, yields important findings on the subject of childhood autism and on the specific contribution of cats in mild or moderately advanced childhood forms of the condition. Researchers from the University of California, Davis and the University of Missouri interviewed 64 parents with a child affected by moderate autism spectrum disorders. They subsequently involved a further 44 parents with children with moderate or severe disorders. In all the cases examined, the interactions between the cats and the sick children were found to be similar, as were the positive effects of the animal's companionship on the young patients.

The American study demonstrated that the benefits arising from contact and interaction with cats are truly significant for children with autism. And although felines are elusive animals that tend to be less affectionate and sociable than dogs, their contribution to helping sick children is considerable. The children improved their ability to relate to others and experienced a growing awareness of the outside world and their surrounding reality, gaining self-esteem, empathy and self-confidence.

The initiative bringing autistic children together with the residents of a cat shelter

Another study confirms these findings. In Tucson, Arizona, the Autism Society of Southern Arizona launched a collaboration with the local cat shelter – the Hermitage cat shelter – which allowed autistic children to visit the facility regularly and play with the cats housed there. The initiative was subsequently extended to adolescents with the same autism spectrum condition and was offered free of charge in order to include those from less well-off backgrounds as well.

The children's self-esteem increased, as did their ability to engage with the outside world. It is precisely for this reason that the project will soon be extended to other American states and will involve new children and adolescents who will find, in their four-legged friend, a precious source of support in rediscovering their sense of wellbeing.