How do you make a cat an emotional support animal? Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort and companionship to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities. While dogs are the most common type of ESA, cats can also be a great source of emotional support. Here’s a guide on how to make your cat an emotional support animal.
1. Understand the Definition of an Emotional Support Animal
First, it’s important to understand what constitutes an emotional support animal. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an ESA is an animal that provides therapeutic benefits to a person with a mental or emotional disability. This means that your cat must be trained to provide comfort and companionship to you specifically.
2. Obtain a Letter from a Mental Health Professional
To make your cat an emotional support animal, you need a letter from a mental health professional stating that you have a disability and that your cat provides you with emotional support. This letter should also include a recommendation for your cat to be considered an ESA. Make sure to choose a mental health professional who is familiar with ESAs and their benefits.
3. Provide Proof of Your Disability
In addition to the letter from your mental health professional, you may need to provide proof of your disability. This can be in the form of a diagnosis from a medical professional or other documentation that supports your claim of having a disability.
4. Register Your Cat as an Emotional Support Animal
To ensure that your cat is recognized as an ESA, you can register them with a third-party organization that specializes in ESA registration. This will provide you with an ESA certificate and a registration number that you can use to prove your cat’s status as an ESA.
5. Educate Yourself on Your Rights
Once your cat is registered as an ESA, it’s important to understand your rights and the rights of your cat. ESAs are allowed in most housing situations, including those with no-pet policies, as long as you provide proper documentation. Additionally, ESAs are allowed on public transportation and in certain areas of public buildings.
6. Train Your Cat for Emotional Support
While cats are naturally affectionate and tend to be good companions, it’s still beneficial to train your cat to be an emotional support animal. This can include teaching them to stay calm during stressful situations, providing comfort when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and maintaining a bond that helps you feel supported.
7. Maintain Proper Documentation
Keep your ESA letter, registration certificate, and any other relevant documentation in a safe place. This will help you prove your cat’s status as an emotional support animal if you encounter any issues while traveling or living in a new environment.
In conclusion, making a cat an emotional support animal involves understanding the definition of an ESA, obtaining a letter from a mental health professional, registering your cat, and educating yourself on your rights. With proper training and care, your cat can be a valuable source of emotional support for you.
