Putting Cats on the Spectrum: A Scoping Review of the Role of Cats in Therapy and Companionship for Autistic Adults and Children

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2023 Jun;44(6):505-516. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2195509. Epub 2023 Apr 19.

Abstract

This scoping review brings together existing studies on the use of cats in animal-assisted interventions, as assistance animals and as companion animals for autistic people. A systematic search across PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus in September 2022 identified 13 articles from 12 studies meeting the selection criteria with analysis revealing two key findings, cat-assisted therapeutic interventions, and cats as companion animals. There were five themes that emerged: the characteristics and behaviours of cats that make them suitable for inclusion in homes with autistic people; the bond between the cat and the autistic person; the use of cats as human-substitutes; the multiple ways in which cats improved the lives and social functioning of autistic people; and, some noted drawbacks or considerations of cat ownership. The review generates a comprehensive knowledge base upon which to promote feline therapy in autism and to advocate for further targeted research.

Publication types

  • Scoping Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Autistic Disorder* / therapy
  • Cats
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Ownership