16 Best Emotional Support Cat Breeds

10 Best Emotional Support Cat Breeds 2024

emotional assistance Cat Breeds provide solace and company, with some varieties excelling in compassion and warmth. These ten best feline companions, which range from the amiable Siamese to the calm Maine Coon, have a unique way of relieving emotional distress. Find out which breed’s distinctive features most closely match your emotional requirements. What contributions might these animal friends make to your life’s journey?

The species of emotional support animals can differ. An emotional support animal certification can be obtained for dogs, cats, and even rabbits. The species selected is determined by the demands of the owner and the animals that provide them with the greatest level of comfort and support. Here is a list of the top emotional support cat breeds, based on studies, for anyone thinking about getting one.

Best Cat Breeds to be Emotional Support Animals

Consider the breed of cat you would want to have by your side before choosing an emotional support animal; certain cat species make better emotional support animals than others. To get the best out of your cat, choose a breed that complements your personality. The greatest cat breeds for emotional support are listed below.

10 Best Emotional Support Cat Breeds 2024

Not all cat breeds are suitable for being outstanding emotional support animals. If your preferred cat breeds are exotic shorthairs or Sphynx cats, such varieties can also function. For those who require it, other cat breeds can provide emotional assistance. There is no one ideal cat that creates the ideal emotional support cat, so you have lots of possibilities!

1. Persian Cats

Persian cats are excellent sources of emotional support since they are all about giving love and affection to everyone who asks for it.

First of all, Persian cats like a quiet life in limited spaces and are never overly thrilled. They’re your greatest option if you live in a small apartment because of this feature. Persians want to be pampered by you rather than engage in physically demanding or excessively physical activities.

Persian cats can overcome their shyness and guarded demeanor as soon as they get to know you, despite their initially hesitant appearance. This breed of cat is very affectionate, so you can get all the love and devotion you require from it.

To prevent matting and tangles, a typical Persian cat with fluffy, white fur and vivid blue eyes needs some grooming maintenance. Most owners will readily accept that caring for others makes having a pet worthwhile.

2. American Shorthair Cats

These American Shorthair cats are not needy, but that doesn’t mean they won’t cuddle with you or listen to your worries. The American Shorthair breed is adaptable and will settle down anyplace. These cats are very docile, which makes them excellent with children and appropriate for households that have other pets or family members living with them.

Due to its short, dense, suede-like coat, an American Shorthair cat makes an excellent emotional support pet because it doesn’t require much grooming. They are fairly good at expressing their feelings and have a lighthearted attitude.

3. Bengal Cats

One of the breeds of cats that is the most energetic, intellectual, independent, and athletic is the Bengal cat. They have a lighthearted attitude. They look a little wild, but they’ll always entice you to play fetch with them.

Bengal cats are big cats, but they’re not as cuddly as other emotional support cats on this list, and they might not be interested in physical touch. That doesn’t mean these cats don’t need to be noticed, though. They are enthusiastic, inquisitive, and inherently interested travelers who will enjoy taking walks with you.

4. Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are gregarious and spirited. Because of their canine personalities, most people refer to these cats as the dogs of the cat world. They have all the wonderful traits of cats, but they also tend to be very affectionate and devoted.

Siamese cats are the ideal emotional support animals. A Siamese cat provides consolation and assistance. Siamese cats enjoy going on walks on a leash and engaging in fetch activities. They take pleasure in playing and lending a hand. These cats benefit from emotional and mental health care through all of the physical touch you are prepared to provide.

5. American Bobtail Cats

Most notably, the American Bobtail does everything according to its terms. If it desires affection as well, it can envelop you in love and offer you a comforting shoulder to weep on. It doesn’t matter if you desire a little bit more once it has had enough.

Nonetheless, these breeds frequently start games like fetch or hide-and-seek with their owners because they like them so much. They are a calm breed that would like to take you on a walk when they’re not hunting or stalking their toys.

6. Ragdoll Cats

Look for a Ragdoll cat if you are emotionally challenged and need a huge breed of cat akin to canines that can be cuddly cats.

Not only are these cats among the biggest that have ever existed, but they are also incredibly affectionate, gentle, and amiable. Because of their fur, Ragdoll cats are great for petting because they resemble plush animals.

Ragdoll cats are a wonderful option if you require emotional support since they are caring and laid-back. They enjoy cuddling, holding, and snuggling, and they behave well around children and visitors at all times. They work well in homes with additional family members or pets.

7. Maine Coon Cats

One of the large domestic cat breeds is the Maine Coon. They resemble medium-sized dogs in appearance and are huge and fluffy.

The main reasons Maine Coons are such great stress relievers are because they are gregarious, easily trained, and form bonds with both children and strangers very fast. They are a fantastic choice for a support or service animal.

What’s most amazing, though, is that Maine Coon cats are smart and hairy enough to detect the emotions of their owners. They are the greatest to hug and stay close to because of their intellect, which can help with almost any mental health issue.

8. Manx Cats

Manx cats are devoted, energetic, and loving animals that love to please people.

The Manx cat breed loves to play favorites despite their eagerness to please. They frequently show their undivided attention to one family member while neglecting the others, making them feel excluded. You will have the most loving therapy cat you could ever want if you just make sure you are the only one it gives its whole attention to.

9. Russian Blue Cats

When you acquire a Russian Blue cat, you will have a support system and companion that understands and can relate to you when you require emotional assistance. Russian Blue cats are excellent for introverts because they are less demanding as support animals than other breeds.

You can always rely on them, even if they like to keep to themselves most of the time. These cats make wonderful support animals for people with emotional problems because they are incredibly athletic, deliciously friendly, and have exceptional climbing ability.

10. Abyssinian Cats

Like American Shorthairs, Abyssinian cat breeds are friendly and among the oldest. Because they are so reliant on love and affection, you can find yourself providing care and worry instead of companionship, yet these cats make the ideal pets.

Given their capacity to support mental health issues or their need for their owner’s attention, Abyssinian cats are excellent choices for support animals.

11. American Curl Cat

If you’re seeking a cat that will support you emotionally, go no further than the American Curl breed. A short-haired breed with American roots is called American Curls. Their coat is curly, and they have peculiar ears that twist up toward their faces. This is because the ears of this particular breed of cat are wired genetically to permanently fold back at a specific age.

Personality Traits

The capacity of the American Curl breed to feel your mood is rather special. They will instinctively approach you if they sense that you could use a little affection and care. In addition to being extremely loving and affectionate, this breed of cat is a fantastic option if you’re searching for an emotional support animal.

Additionally, amiable, American Curls get along well with children. Because they shed less than other cat breeds, they’re also a great option for allergy sufferers.

Furthermore, because of their smooth coats and large, expressive eyes, American Curls are quite popular as pets. They are smart, energetic, and loving cats who fulfill all your needs for an emotional support animal.

12. Bombay Cats

India is the birthplace of the Bombay cat breeds, a kind and loving breed. They are medium-sized, short-haired cats with a glossy black coat like that of a panther.

This breed is lively, smart, and likes to socialize with both people and other animals. Additionally, they are incredibly devoted pets that adore spending time with their owners and would follow them around the house if given the chance. Bombay cats typically form a tight attachment with a single human. It’s usually the one who plays with them and feeds them most of the time.

Personality Traits

Because they get along nicely with kids, dogs, and other cats, Bombay cats are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. Additionally intelligent and incredibly trainable, bombays can learn many orders and tricks from you.

Because of its friendly disposition, this cat breed is a great option for households looking to add a new member to the family. They used to amuse themselves a lot by running after shadows on the wall or by playing with toys!

13. Burmese Cats

The name of the Burmese breed is derived from its birthplace, Burma. These medium-sized, robust emotional support cats have almond-shaped eyes and a short, suede-like coat. They are renowned for loving human company and having gregarious, canine-like dispositions.

The cats are energetic and loving, making them the ideal pet if you enjoy cuddling! One of the characteristics of Burmese cats is their love of sitting on laps. The cats are renowned for having a kind and gentle nature. Burmese people are fun, clever, and naturally interested.

Personality Traits

Burmese cats are active and loving, making them the ideal companion if you enjoy cuddling! They are well-known for their kind, friendly disposition and love to curl up on their owners’ laps. In addition, Burmese cats are playful, intelligent, and naturally interested.

Burmese Cats

The Burmese cat may be just what you’re searching for if you want a pet that will make you smile every time they gazes at you through their large eyes!

These cats require lots of time for play and exercise because they are also highly gregarious and active. Aside from that, they frequently create close ties with their owners and are incredibly loyal to them.

14. Cornish Rex

The short, tiny, and curly-haired Cornish Rex cat needs little maintenance. Their head is shaped like an egg, and they have curling whiskers and big eyes. This breed is well-known for its intelligence, playfulness, and devotion.

A vivacious and energetic breed of cat, the Cornish Rex is a great playmate for kids. They should get along well with other dogs and cats as well, but if they become violent or possessive around other animals regularly, you should keep an eye on them.

Personality traits

If you’re searching for an emotional support cat to help you unwind after a demanding day at work or school, the Cornish Rex is a great option.

Rex cats are gregarious creatures that enjoy spending time with their owners. They are excellent companions for families as well since they enjoy playing games like fetch and hide-and-seek.

The Cornish Rex does have certain peculiarities, though. They like scaling furniture and drapes, and when they notice something outside the window, they just jump off. They are quite trainable, and with enough time and effort, you can educate them to unlearn this behavior.

15. Devon Rex

With a silky, curly coat, the Devon Rex is a compact, powerful cat. Their warm disposition, lively playfulness, and amiable disposition make them stand out. The Devon Rex cat breed gets along well with other pets and is a great choice for a family cat.

These cats are particularly wonderful for homes with small children since they may provide them with lots of opportunities to exercise their bodies and minds, as they love to climb and jump. They also have a lot of vocalization and enjoy responding to you with meows, chirps, and trills, which is their language.

Personality Traits

An adult Devon Rex is a perceptive, adventurous, and clever person. They are excellent companions for those who enjoy playing with their dogs because they are also highly active.

Kittens of the Devon Rex breed are renowned for their gentle disposition and loving character. They can support their owners in overcoming anxiety or despair and are extremely well-behaved by nature. They’re also excellent at offering company to people who are grieving or who are constantly alone.

Even if they won’t require much care, these independent cats will nonetheless support you in your hour of need. This is the reason why veterinary doctors and other industry experts frequently suggest them as emotional support animals.

16. Exotic Shorthairs

The Exotic Shorthair is a great option for anyone looking for emotional support and a cuddly cat. This cat is medium-sized, with a short coat and a robust, muscular build. The reputation of exotic shorthair cats is built on their devotion and warmth.

Because they are short-haired Persian cat breeds, these cats are excellent for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Their temperament, flat face and snout, and short, thick coat are among the numerous traits that make them comparable to Persians.

Personality Traits

This breed makes wonderful companionship. This is great if you already have a dog or cat at home because they get along well with other animals. They may be timid at first, but they will soon warm up and form bonds with you and your other pets. This breed enjoys playing games, especially fetch or hide-and-seek, once they get comfortable.

These cats adapt well to a variety of surroundings, making them easy to train and great house pets. Because they shed little, they are very simple to maintain and groom.

How To Make A Cat Breeds An Emotional Support Cat?

10 Best Emotional Support Cat Breeds 2024

Pet retailers do not sell emotional support to cat breeds that have undergone particular training. A typical cat can serve as your emotional support animal. Purchase one from a pet supply store, adopt a homeless feline, or receive one from a friend. You can qualify your cat as an emotional support cat breeds if your mental health condition allows you to have an emotional support animal.

You need an ESA letter signed by your state-licensed health professional to designate your cat breeds as an emotional support animal. You can apply here for it. To certify your cat as an emotional cat and obtain a valid ESA letter signed by a state-licensed health expert, simply follow our simple 3-step process. It proceeds as follows:

  1. Apply on our portal by completing a brief form with information about your mental illness and your Cat.
  2. Your application will be reviewed by a licensed mental health professional in your state when it is submitted.
  3. On the same day that your application is approved, you will receive an ESA letter from the medical professional.

Assess Your Requirement: Assess whether owning an emotional support animal is good for your mental well-being. Speak with a mental health specialist who can determine whether you require an ESA and, if so, give the appropriate paperwork.

Select the Correct Cat: Not every cat is a good fit to serve as an emotional support animal. Seek out a cat whose temperament is appropriate for offering consolation and assistance. Generally speaking, sociable, calm, and affectionate cats can be suitable candidates.

Training and Socialization: Cats can be socialized and trained to behave appropriately in a variety of scenarios, even if they may not be trained in the same manner as dogs. Instill in them the values of composure, affection, and good manners among people.

Veterinary Care: Ascertain the health of your feline companion. To make sure they are in good physical and mental health, they need to have regular checkups and veterinarian care.

Legal paperwork: A letter or other paperwork from a licensed mental health practitioner confirming your need for an emotional support animal may be required, depending on your location.

Respect Laws and Etiquette: Recognize the obligations and privileges associated with owning an emotional support animal. Recognize the areas where you can take your cat with you and abide by the policies established by housing, transit, and public areas.

Emotional Support Cat Breeds

FAQs

What is an emotional support cat?

A cat friend who assists someone with emotional or mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, is known as an emotional support cat. The consensus is that an ESA must be a dog. But any kind of animal, even a cat, can qualify as an emotional support animal as long as it can offer its owner consolation and support.

Who can have an emotional support animal?

According to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a mental or emotional disability, you can be eligible for an emotional support animal. Your cat can offer substantial emotional support and assist you in reducing some of the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or any other qualifying mental health condition. Your cat will provide you with company, solace, and affection when you most need it as an emotional support animal owner.

Can I Have Multiple Cats as ESAs?

It is possible to have two or more emotional support animals, including cats, in addition to one. You are allowed to have more than one emotional support animal as long as they don’t break any local or state regulations and your therapist certifies that they are necessary for your well-being. It also needs to make sense how many emotional support animals you own. For instance, it might not be possible to keep one or more horses in a city flat.

Which Cat Breeds Are Best to Have If I’m Allergic to Cat Hair?

You may still be able to get an emotional support cat even if you are allergic to just cat hair. A Sphynx would be among your top alternatives because of its well-known hairlessness. Short-haired breeds, including the Javanese, Devon Rex, and Oriental Shorthair, are still excellent choices if you still want an adorable and cuddly companion at your side. To choose which breed of cat is best for you, it’s critical to identify the precise trigger for your allergies.

Can I Train My Cat to be an Emotional Support Animal?

You may still teach your emotional support animal (ESA) cat basic etiquette so they can behave in public, even though they don’t need any training like service animals do. But only a registered mental health expert can offer the appropriate evaluation and paperwork to certify your cat as an emotional support animal, so that’s where the certification process ends. To put it succinctly, you can teach your cat, but not become an official ESA.

Conclusion

In summary, emotional support for cat breeds —especially those of the breeds mentioned above—provides unmatched comfort and companionship to people who are struggling emotionally. Selecting the ideal breed and giving it the care it needs can significantly improve emotional health.

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