The Hardest Working Therapy Cat In Minnesota

Hi everyone, Katie here.

It's Labor Day today. A holiday devoted to honoring the working people in the US and Canada. We think this holiday should be extended to our furry working friends too – from animals that serve in our military and help keep us safe to therapy animals who bring joy, compassion and smiles to people who really need them.

It's our honor to introduce you to a very special friend of ours – Spaghetti Bob. Some of you regulars here may know him as my *boyfriend.* But Bob is much, much more. He's a Registered Therapy Cat. We originally met on Facebook and learned that we were neighbors. The friendship (and the romance) blossomed.

We thought it would be fun to interview Bob today so that you could get to know him too.

KATIE:  Hi Bob. *blushes* Thank you for letting me introduce you to my friends today. I bet everyone would love to know what kinds of things you do as a therapy cat.

SPAGHETTI BOB:  Thank mew, my lub. I'm very happy to be here. When I'm on a therapy visit, I walk around nursing homes and let people pet me. Sometimes I let them hold me too.

Sometimes it can be a bit stressful, but the people are so happy to see me and even those who report not liking cats smile when they see me.




KATIE:  Smiles are good, Bob. We specialize in smiles here.

SPAGHETTI BOB: *looks coy and shuffles paw back and forth*




KATIE:  Awwww, Bob. I bet it's very rewarding, being a therapy cat. What do you love the most?

SPAGHETTI BOB:  The best part is all the positive energy I feel and getting to go out of the house to see all sorts of new and wonderful things and people. Flirting with nurses is great too! Er, I mean, um... I like making the staff's day brighter too!

KATIE:  Phew! Well just as long as you're not flirting with any other ladycats!

SPAGHETTI BOB:  I only have eyes for mew, my lub.



KATIE:  So Bob, I know that you are a *registered* therapy cat. What kind of license or documentation do you have? And did you have to take any tests?

SPAGHETTI BOB:  I'm registered through Pet Partners, formerly Delta Society. They are a national organization that registers many species, such as rabbits, cats, dogs and guinea pigs. I needed to be checked for parasites, viruses, etc and be current on all my vaccines. Cat's don't need to take a class or anything but must pass an evaluation. You and your human partner are tested by being presented some challenges you may see on a typical visit, such as: rough handling, noises, toys and dogs. The human's main job is keeping you safe! Trust me... that's important, as it really is a partnership.

KATIE:  Does is matter how old or young you are?

SPAGHETTI BOB:  You must be at least 1 year-old to register and it's probably easier to work with younger cats, but you can register as an older cat too!



KATIE:  Bob-dear, where can people go to learn more?

SPAGHETTI BOB:  Well certainly the best unofficial resource would be the Therapy Cats Facebook Page I just started!

There are several organizations throughout the US, but Pet Partners is probably the largest and they only have 179 registered cat therapy teams! I would recommend looking at their FAQ section here: Pet Partners FAQ.

KATIE:  Thank you SO much for mewing with us today, Bob. And thank you for all the love you spread. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us, Bob?

SPAGHETTI BOB:  Harness, leash and clicker training are things that everycat can work on with their human! There are so many adventures our humans can take us on!

Be sure to visit Spaghetti Bob on Facebook and show him some *lub.*

All photos courtesy of Spaghetti Bob - Registered Therapy Kitten.