Animal-assisted services (AAS) are programs where animals help support people with physical, emotional, or mental health challenges. Dogs have traditionally taken center stage in these roles, but more recently, cats have started to enter the picture too.

This shift hasn’t gone unquestioned. Some critics argue that cats are too independent or sensitive to thrive in AAS settings. However, growing research shows that cats can form close bonds with humans, respond to our cues, and even be trained — traits that are important for therapy animals.

Still, while we’ve learned a lot about therapy dogs, cats haven’t received the same research attention. That’s why a team of researchers in Belgium set out to compare the behavioral traits of cats who participate in AAS with those who don’t.

What They Did

To find out whether AAS cats behave differently, the researchers used a validated tool called the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (Fe-BARQ). This is the most widely used survey for understanding cat behavior and includes 85 questions covering topics such as fear, aggression, touch sensitivity, prey interest, and sociability.

The researchers translated the Fe-BARQ into Flemish and surveyed 474 cat guardians in northern Belgium. They then compared the behavioral profiles of AAS cats with non-AAS cats based on the guardians’ anonymous online responses.

What They Found

The results showed that AAS cats significantly differed from non-AAS cats on five out of 19 behavioral traits. Compared to the general cat population, AAS cats were:

• More sociable with people;
• More attention-seeking;
• More sociable with other cats;
• More predatory (potentially indicating playfulness); and
• Less resistant to being restrained.

Importantly, these differences couldn’t be explained by age, sex, or other demographic factors. This suggests two possibilities: either cats with certain behavioral traits are being chosen for AAS roles, or being part of AAS programs might actually shape cats’ behavior over time.

Why It Matters

This study is an early step in understanding how individual personality traits influence a cat’s potential for therapy work. It also highlights the importance of assessing individual behavior, not just assuming all cats — or all dogs — are the same.

The findings may help build tools to better select and support cats in AAS settings, similar to what’s already done with working dogs. However, the researchers also caution that more work is needed. For example, the Fe-BARQ doesn’t assess how much a cat enjoys therapy work, or how well they cope with stress — two key welfare considerations.

What’s Next

Future research should explore whether Fe-BARQ scores can actually predict long-term AAS success and well-being. Combining questionnaire data with behavioral observations and physiological measures (like stress hormones) could paint a fuller picture of a cat’s suitability. This kind of work can help ensure better welfare for therapy cats and more effective support for the people they assist.

Takeaway For Animal Advocates

This research reminds us that every cat is an individual. If we want to include them in therapy roles, we must ensure they’re selected and supported in ways that respect their unique needs and personalities. Behavioral tools like the Fe-BARQ could help identify cats who thrive in AAS settings — while keeping their welfare front and center.