Are Cats Good For Autistic Children? Pros, Cons & Benefits

If you have an autistic child at home, adopting a cat can be really helpful. Here's how.

Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by Catster Editorial Team

Are Cats Good For Autistic Children? Pros, Cons & Benefits

Cat adoption is associated with greater empathy and less separation anxiety for autistic children, according to a study published online in December in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing.

The study, which was the first randomized controlled trial of cat adoption in families of children with autism spectrum disorders, was funded by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and the Winn Feline Foundation and was led by researchers from the University of Missouri.

Cat adoption was also associated with fewer problem behaviors in autistic children. Shelter cats were temperament screened to identify a calm temperament prior to adoption.

About the Author

Jackie Brown

Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet magazines, including Dog World, Natural Dog, Puppies 101, Kittens 101 and the Popular Cats Series. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.