Blog

A Service Dog
and ESA Blog

Subscribe for our monthly newsletter

Loading

One monthly email • Unsubscribe anytime.

Everything You Need to Know about Emotional Support Cats

April 26, 2022

If you’d like your emotional support animal to accompany you on planes or live with you in otherwise restrictive housing, ESA registration is key. With the appropriate documentation, your rights can be protected. Lacking these essential documents, you’ll have a much more difficult time and could be rejected outright. Emotional support animals can be tremendously helpful, especially if you deal with stress, anxiety, or depression. While ESA and service dogs get a lot of attention and are quite popular, emotional support cats make excellent companions as well. The process is easier than most people think.

Emotional Support Animals

If you have a mental illness and feel that an emotional support animal could be helpful, the first thing you should do is speak with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist. They can discuss the benefits with you, and they should be able to determine if an emotional support cat may be the right choice for you.

Your ESA cat doesn’t have to undergo any specialized or formal training course. This is a common misconception. The primary purpose of an emotional support animal is to give their owner comfort, companionship, and emotional support. An ESA cat could help reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, and could even help you get better sleep. To qualify as an ESA, your cat does have to be well behaved and toilet trained.

Registration

The registration process isn’t overly difficult or complicated. A licensed mental health professional, such as your therapist, can provide you with a prescription letter verifying your need for an emotional support animal. You may visit the National Service Animal Registry website to register your animal. After registration, you’ll receive an Animal ID Card. It should have a picture of your cat on it, as well as additional information. This includes information about your legal rights. It’s important that you keep track of these documents, so you have proof of registration. Airlines and landlords are well within their rights to request proof that your ESA cat is a registered service animal.

Legal Rights

Legally speaking, an ESA cat has several benefits compared to an unregistered animal. The Fair Housing Act allows emotional support cats to be considered as assistance animals. What does this mean for you? Your ESA cat can’t be discriminated against when it comes to housing. Apartments, condos, and other housing that would otherwise have size restrictions or not allow animals at all can’t prevent you from keeping and living with your ESA cat. Additionally, you shouldn’t have to pay a deposit for your ESA cat.

Thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act, your ESA cat can accompany you in the cabin. As you know, animals often have to fly separately. However, your registered animal should be allowed to stay with you in the cabin instead. Remember that almost all airlines require documentation to be provided before boarding. Be sure to have it ready to hand. The airline will need to verify it beforehand.

As you can see, registering your ESA cat shouldn’t be a big challenge. Yet, there are many great perks that come with registration. If you think you could use the assistance of an emotional support animal, be sure to speak with a mental health professional. Your therapist should be happy to help you determine if an ESA cat would be right for you. Contact National Service Animal Registry at (866) 737-3930 to learn more about emotional support animals and the many ways they could assist you.

Join our Partner's Paws Comunity

Loading

Read More Articles

+ 17 more categories
Uncategorized

National Puppy Day & Cuddly Kitten Day

March 23, 2024 3 min read
DogsEmotional Support AnimalsService Dogs

UK Dog Theft Awareness Day: Keeping Our Furry Friends Safe

March 14, 2024 5 min read
DogsEmotional Support AnimalsService DogsUncategorized

Celebrating National Akita Day: Honoring the Noble Guardian

March 8, 2024 3 min read
CatsDogsEmotional Support AnimalsService DogsUncategorized

Exploring Professional Pet Sitters Week

March 5, 2024 3 min read
CatsUncategorized

Celebrating Compassion and Courage: International Rescue Cat Day

March 2, 2024 3 min read
CatsDogsEmotional Support AnimalsHealthUncategorized

Emotional Support Animals and Schizophrenia: The Healing Presence

February 29, 2024 5 min read
CatsDogsHealth

World Spay Day: A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Well-being and Responsible Ownership

February 27, 2024
Dog - TrainingService DogsUncategorized

Socializing Your Service Dog: Fostering Canine Companionship Success

February 26, 2024 3 min read
Uncategorized

National Service Animal Registry (NSAR) Legit?: An Unbiased Exploration

February 24, 2024
Uncategorized

Celebrating National Dog Biscuit Day: A Pawsome Tribute to Our Furry Companions

February 23, 2024
Dogs

Embrace the Pawsome Adventure: Walking the Dog Day Celebration!

February 22, 2024
DogsUncategorized

Skye’s the Limit on International Skye Terrier Day

February 21, 2024
CatsDogsEmotional Support AnimalsService DogsUncategorized

Love Your Pet Day: Celebrating All Companions

February 20, 2024 3 min read
DogsEmotional Support AnimalsService DogsUncategorized

Celebrating National Boston Terrier Day: A Heartwarming Tribute to Our Lovable Companions

February 19, 2024 3 min read
Emotional Support AnimalsMythBusters

Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month: A Comprehensive Guide to Adopting and Caring for Rabbits

February 15, 2024 5 min read
CatsDogsEmotional Support AnimalsService Dogs

Guarding Our Furry Friends: Unveiling Pet Theft Awareness Day’s Significance

February 14, 2024
CatsDogsEmotional Support AnimalsSenior DogsService Dogs

Responsible Pet Owners Month: A Celebration of Love and Commitment

February 12, 2024
Cats

Embracing the Purr-fect Joy: National Cat Month Unveiled

February 8, 2024 5 min read
BehaviorDog - TrainingDogsService Dogs

Unleashing the Best in Your Canine Companion: A Guide to Dog Training Education Awareness Month

February 6, 2024 5 min read
CatsDogsHealth

The Ultimate Guide to Pet Dental Care: Ensuring Happy Smiles for Dogs, Cats, and More!

February 5, 2024 3 min read
Dog - FunDogsHuman Connection

Planning the Perfect Doggie Date Night: A Tail-Wagging Guide for Dog Owners

February 3, 2024 3 min read
Dog - TrainingService Dogs

Unleashing Comfort: A Comprehensive Exploration of Service Dogs and Sensory Integration Therapy for Children with Sensory Processing Disorders

January 22, 2024 3 min read
CatsDogsEmotional Support Animals

The Role of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in Easing Anxiety

January 16, 2024 3 min read
Service Dogs

How to Obtain A Service Dog: A Comprehensive Guide

January 4, 2024 3 min read
New Years 2024
Service Dogs

Celebrating the New Year Safely with Your Service Dog: A Guide to Minimizing Stress and Maximizing Joy

December 27, 2023
Emotional Support AnimalsService Dogs

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals in US Colleges: Enhancing Inclusivity and Support

August 18, 2023
Uncategorized

National Westie Day: Honoring the Endearing West Highland White Terrier

March 20, 2024 4 min read

Register Your Dog as
Service Dog or ESA

Don't miss out on the legal benefits of registering
your pet through NSAR service

Register Now