Evaluating a Novel Cat-Assisted Training (CAT) Intervention for Youth with Developmental Disabilities and Their...

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) for children with developmental disabilities (DD) have traditionally focused on dogs and horses, with less research on cat-centered AAIs. However, many potential AAI participants prefer, or only have access to, cats. The current Randomized Control Trial (RCT) study evaluated a novel Cat-Assisted Training (CAT) intervention designed to promote healthy behaviors in children, while also strengthening child-cat bonds. Participants included 36 children with DD (ages 8-17 years) and their family cats. Participating pairs were randomly assigned to either the CAT intervention (experimental) group or the waitlist control group. Feasibility was supported by 100% session attendance, a 94.4% post-intervention retention rate, and an 81% average homework completion rate. Participants in the CAT group reported increases in health-promoting activities, such as walking with their cat (p = 0.008), and demonstrated a significant increase in cat care responsibility (p = 0.039). Cats showed an immediate increase in sociability toward their child (p = 0.036), and a higher rate of secure attachment to their child partner at the one-year follow-up compared to baseline (p = 0.031). Overall, this initial study suggests that the CAT intervention represents a promising AAI model, providing empirical support that cats can be active and successful AAI partners for children with DD.