Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 As my 7 year old daughter with HFA says, You're. Just. Kidding. Right? " Karin In a message dated 3/13/2008 10:32:17 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tenerekingdom@... writes: does anyone else use a service cat for aspergers? **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Allie (12, PDD-NOS, OCD, ADHD) has very high anxiety levels. Our three cats are a constant source of calm and emotional release. We placed their very large scratching posts ( " nap spots " ) right by all the busiest intersections in the house, and she never goes by w/o stopping to touch them and cuddle. Watching her relax instantly when she pets a cat, and smile in delight when it purrs is always amazing. I don't know if you could call them " service cats " though. They don't go outside our home with her, as they're not the type to like that at all! One of Allie's closest friends, " C " , is diagnosed AS and she and her family have two cats. When she comes over to play the girls usually spend a good bit of time enjoying the cats together. Sandi Houston In a message dated 3/13/2008 9:43:14 A.M. Central Daylight Time, tenerekingdom@... writes: does anyone else use a service cat for aspergers? .. **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 We got out kitty because my daughter was seking out Tactile stimulation in all the wrong places, Stranger's arm and leg hair, any one with afro hair ect... So we got our cat and she hasnt done it since. Service cat does anyone else use a service cat for aspergers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 As someone who has had cats in her life for 30 years, I can definitely agree that cats are the best therapy around! I learned to control my blood pressure from being with cats. I taught myself to reach for that feeling I have when a cat is in my lap, and relax my body into the same state. There is nothing more relaxing than a napping cat. :-) I will have to look for that Cat's Purr CD. Allie has a sound generator to sleep with. Her favorite " track " plays bird calls and wind in the trees. She would just love to sleep with purring. Sandi In a message dated 3/13/2008 1:57:05 P.M. Central Daylight Time, cathybuckley@... writes: I don't understand why some people think this is so far-fetched. Cat's are well-known therapy animals, who help with blood-pressure, depression, chronic pain and many other issues. Cats get such a bad rap in so many ways. A cat's purr has incredible healing and soothing qualities, and in fact, I use a special CD with called " Cat's Purr " , which has purring overlaid with sounds of rain and other environmental sounds and she's never slept better. I use it in the background when she's agitated or when she's sick and it helps tremendously. Better to have the real thing sitting on you purring while you pet them, but the CD is the next best thing! **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Wow, that's a good point. The original question was: did anyone else use a service cat for aspergers? Is a service dog for someone who is blind expected to have the same skills as a dog for someone who is hearing-impaired? Cats can absolutely be trained to meow at a given stimulus, but would a service cat for someone with AS need to do tasks such as herding or traffic safety? For someone with AS, I'm thinking that the more desired service functions might be companionship, stress reduction, and comfort when out of the safe usual environment? Maybe someone with better knowledge than I can comment on that? Unfortunately, cats are not very portable by nature. Many cats are really unhappy when outside their homes, and 'travel is not their friend!' When I was younger I had two cats. If you put a leash on one, she would curl up into a fetal position and stay there until it was taken off. The other came running if the leash appeared, mewing with excitement. She loved to walk the streets of downtown, visiting with people and seeing the sights, and was totally indifferent to the traffic and noise. People would stop and stare in amazement when she passed by, to see a cat so self-possessed and confident walking along on leash enjoying the city. Cats really do get stereotyped rather badly, but occasionally for perfectly good reason. Skipper was truly an unusual cat. If someone wanted a service cat that could go outside the home, it would be best to search to find a cat whose personality gave an indication that they would really enjoy it. Adopting from a no-kill shelter, one where the cats have been " fostered " in actual homes, can give really good insight into a cat's personality. They will often welcome you to communicate with the foster family to learn details about a cat's personality before you adopt it. You can ask if the cat is a lap cat, or more aloof? Does it like meeting people, or does it run and hide when the doorbell rings? Will it adore children, or hate them? While kittens are cute, you don't know what they will be like when grown. A cat that's a year or two old has a definite personality that you can learn about. Also, the no-kill shelters I know of will take back the cat if it doesn't work out. Sandi In a message dated 3/13/2008 2:23:07 P.M. Central Daylight Time, fightingautism@... writes: I think that's the key, they could easily be therapy animals, but service animals are task-oriented. I know cats can be trained, but getting them to herd and meow on command, stop at intersections, and other tasks typically performed by service animals would be very, very difficult for a cat. Therapy animals have more restrictions on them than do service animals. Debi **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Ooh, thank you very much! Sandi In a message dated 3/13/2008 2:28:49 P.M. Central Daylight Time, cathybuckley@... writes: Sandi, Here are some resources: _http://www.animalvohttp://www.animhtt_ (http://www.animalvoice.com/catpur.htm) _http://chetday.http://chetday.htt_ (http://chetday.com/catspurrcd.php) _http://www.purrfecthttp://wwhttp_ (http://www.purrfectsymphony.com/) With is one you can download a 40-minute .Mp3 file for only $2 and burn it to CD or use it in an .Mp3 player _http://www.catsleephttp:_ (http://www.catsleep.com/) also has a sound generator and she prefers " babbling brook " and " ocean waves " . On Mar 13, 2008, at 12:16 PM, _D22@..._ (mailto:D22@...) wrote: > > As someone who has had cats in her life for 30 years, I can > definitely agree > that cats are the best therapy around! I learned to control my blood > pressure from being with cats. I taught myself to reach for that > feeling I have > when a cat is in my lap, and relax my body into the same state. > There is > nothing more relaxing than a napping cat. :-) > > I will have to look for that Cat's Purr CD. Allie has a sound > generator to > sleep with. Her favorite " track " plays bird calls and wind in the > trees. > She would just love to sleep with purring. > > Sandi > > > > > > In a message dated 3/13/2008 1:57:05 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > _cathybuckley@cathybu_ (mailto:cathybuckley@...) writes: > > > > > > I don't understand why some people think this is so far-fetched. > Cat's are well-known therapy animals, who help with blood-pressure, > depression, chronic pain and many other issues. Cats get such a bad > rap in so many ways. A cat's purr has incredible healing and > soothing qualities, and in fact, I use a special CD with called > " Cat's Purr " , which has purring overlaid with sounds of rain and > other environmental sounds and she's never slept better. I use it in > the background when she's agitated or when she's sick and it helps > tremendously. Better to have the real thing sitting on you purring > while you pet them, but the CD is the next best thing! > > > > > > > > > > ************ ************<WBR>**It's Tax Time! Get tips, for > Money & > Finance. (_http://money.http://moneyhttp://money.<WBhttp://mo_ (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) ) > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > _Autism_in_Girls-Autism_in_Autism_in_GiAut_ (mailto:Autism_in_Girls-subscribe ) > ------------ ---- > _Autism_in_Girls-Autism_in_GiAutism_in_GiAut_ (mailto:Autism_in_Girls-unsubscribe ) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 In a message dated 3/13/08 9:49:35 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, unusualangel2001@... writes: Stranger's arm and leg hair, any one with afro hair ect ive had hairy legs since i was 12. it never bothered me when a little kid would feel my leg hair. abby used to too...lol. eric abbys dad **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 In a message dated 3/13/08 9:49:35 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, unusualangel2001@... writes: Stranger's arm and leg hair, any one with afro hair ect ive had hairy legs since i was 12. it never bothered me when a little kid would feel my leg hair. abby used to too...lol. eric abbys dad **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 In a message dated 3/13/08 1:44:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, D22@... writes: Allie (12, PDD-NOS, OCD, ADHD) has very high anxiety levels. Our three cats are a constant source of calm and emotional release. that is so good to hear. we had ginna pigs that helped . eric abbys dad **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 I don't understand why some people think this is so far-fetched. Cat's are well-known therapy animals, who help with blood-pressure, depression, chronic pain and many other issues. Cats get such a bad rap in so many ways. A cat's purr has incredible healing and soothing qualities, and in fact, I use a special CD with called " Cat's Purr " , which has purring overlaid with sounds of rain and other environmental sounds and she's never slept better. I use it in the background when she's agitated or when she's sick and it helps tremendously. Better to have the real thing sitting on you purring while you pet them, but the CD is the next best thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 " I don't understand why some people think this is so far-fetched. " If you are referring to me, I laughed at the term " service animal " used in conjunction with a cat because when I heard that I pictured a leashed cat leading her person across the street, going to school with her, soothing her when she seemed anxious, sitting next to her in class, etc. I love cats- I have three, one of whom is lying across my keyboard right now with his big fat paws blocking the keys. Karin In a message dated 3/13/2008 2:57:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cathybuckley@... writes: I don't understand why some people think this is so far-fetched. Cat's are well-known therapy animals, who help with blood-pressure, depression, chronic pain and many other issues. Cats get such a bad rap in so many ways. A cat's purr has incredible healing and soothing qualities, and in fact, I use a special CD with called " Cat's Purr " , which has purring overlaid with sounds of rain and other environmental sounds and she's never slept better. I use it in the background when she's agitated or when she's sick and it helps tremendously. Better to have the real thing sitting on you purring while you pet them, but the CD is the next best thing! **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 I think that's the key, they could easily be therapy animals, but service animals are task-oriented. I know cats can be trained, but getting them to herd and meow on command, stop at intersections, and other tasks typically performed by service animals would be very, very difficult for a cat. Therapy animals have more restrictions on them than do service animals. Debi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 In a message dated 3/13/2008 5:21:27 P.M. Central Daylight Time, abbysdad42@... writes: Allie (12, PDD-NOS, OCD, ADHD) has very high anxiety levels. Our three cats are a constant source of calm and emotional release. that is so good to hear. we had ginna pigs that helped . eric abbys dad we've got three dogs, a duck that thinks she's a dog, a pig that thinks she's a dog, a cat that thinks he's a dog. they are great. isn't it Guinea Pig, though? **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Sandi, Here are some resources: http://www.animalvoice.com/catpur.htm http://chetday.com/catspurrcd.php http://www.purrfectsymphony.com/ With is one you can download a 40-minute .Mp3 file for only $2 and burn it to CD or use it in an .Mp3 player http://www.catsleep.com/ also has a sound generator and she prefers " babbling brook " and " ocean waves " . > > As someone who has had cats in her life for 30 years, I can > definitely agree > that cats are the best therapy around! I learned to control my blood > pressure from being with cats. I taught myself to reach for that > feeling I have > when a cat is in my lap, and relax my body into the same state. > There is > nothing more relaxing than a napping cat. :-) > > I will have to look for that Cat's Purr CD. Allie has a sound > generator to > sleep with. Her favorite " track " plays bird calls and wind in the > trees. > She would just love to sleep with purring. > > Sandi > > > > > > In a message dated 3/13/2008 1:57:05 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > cathybuckley@... writes: > > > > > > I don't understand why some people think this is so far-fetched. > Cat's are well-known therapy animals, who help with blood-pressure, > depression, chronic pain and many other issues. Cats get such a bad > rap in so many ways. A cat's purr has incredible healing and > soothing qualities, and in fact, I use a special CD with called > " Cat's Purr " , which has purring overlaid with sounds of rain and > other environmental sounds and she's never slept better. I use it in > the background when she's agitated or when she's sick and it helps > tremendously. Better to have the real thing sitting on you purring > while you pet them, but the CD is the next best thing! > > > > > > > > > > **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL > Money & > Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Debi, You're right that you certainly can't compare them to service dogs, but I would argue that they are still performing a very important, albeit different, service. > I think that's the key, they could easily be therapy animals, but > service animals are task-oriented. I know cats can be trained, but > getting them to herd and meow on command, stop at intersections, and > other tasks typically performed by service animals would be very, very > difficult for a cat. Therapy animals have more restrictions on them > than do service animals. > > Debi > > > > > > Autism_in_Girls-subscribe > ------------------------ > Autism_in_Girls-unsubscribe > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 That's just what my Skipper would do when she was learning. It's nice to know she wasn't the only cat who would do that! It makes me wonder how often people have discovered that a cat can learn to walk on a leash? Sandi In a message dated 3/13/2008 6:23:23 P.M. Central Daylight Time, fightingautism@... writes: There was a man at the 4-H cat show with a cat on a leash. I'm not kidding, it was the funniest thing. The cat acted like a dog. I watched them, it was almost like a RDI exercise. Sometimes he would slightly nudge the cat in a direction, the cat would turn. Then other times the cat would pull on the leash ever so slightly & the man would follow. He said he started him out really slow & made it fun. I reached down to pet him, he walked over like a dog. Debi **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 LOL! We have the three cats, and a little Papillon dog who would so gladly be a cat if only the cats would play with him! Poor baby! He even uses the litter box. Sandi In a message dated 3/13/2008 6:28:34 P.M. Central Daylight Time, autisticcrystal@... writes: we've got three dogs, a duck that thinks she's a dog, a pig that thinks she's a dog, a cat that thinks he's a dog. they are great. isn't it Guinea Pig, though? **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 I have a service cat for epilepsy. Her name is GABA and she is the greatest little critter ever. Kassiane autistic/epileptic/etc --- samuel traineer wrote: > does anyone else use a service cat for aspergers? > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Fortunately, our NT son, age 17, was taking psychology this year and decided to try an experiment. We have 2 cats: Hunter, 20 pounds, & Punkin, 10 pounds. Philip told everyone in the house to not pet them unless you get them to meow first. Guess what? They do this all the time now. They will come up to you and meow loudly and they know they are going to get petted! What is so funny is that we have had them since 2001 and they learned this just recently. Amazing how that behavioral modification works even for the cats. , autism-age 13, really is rough with the cats. I have caught her doing all kinds of things with them and they still will approach her and let her grab them. I mean awful things that she has done. Animals are amazing. Shanna ('s mom) > > I think that's the key, they could easily be therapy animals, but > service animals are task-oriented. I know cats can be trained, but > getting them to herd and meow on command, stop at intersections, and > other tasks typically performed by service animals would be very, very > difficult for a cat. Therapy animals have more restrictions on them > than do service animals. > > Debi > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 LUV IT...the name!!!!!!!!! Shanna > > > does anyone else use a service cat for aspergers? > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 Melody (Autism, age 3), is completely indifferent to our cats. Maybe because we got them when the girls were really little, so they have sort of always been there, but when they come around to rub up against her, she seems more annoyed than anything by them! Funny how people can be just as different as cats! :-) Lynn Shoop www.mycmsite.com/lynnshoop Re: Service cat Fortunately, our NT son, age 17, was taking psychology this year and decided to try an experiment. We have 2 cats: Hunter, 20 pounds, & Punkin, 10 pounds. Philip told everyone in the house to not pet them unless you get them to meow first. Guess what? They do this all the time now. They will come up to you and meow loudly and they know they are going to get petted! What is so funny is that we have had them since 2001 and they learned this just recently. Amazing how that behavioral modification works even for the cats. , autism-age 13, really is rough with the cats. I have caught her doing all kinds of things with them and they still will approach her and let her grab them. I mean awful things that she has done. Animals are amazing. Shanna ('s mom) > > I think that's the key, they could easily be therapy animals, but > service animals are task-oriented. I know cats can be trained, but > getting them to herd and meow on command, stop at intersections, and > other tasks typically performed by service animals would be very, very > difficult for a cat. Therapy animals have more restrictions on them > than do service animals. > > Debi > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 It seemed appropriate to name a cat who can detect seizures after a neurotransmitter that controls them...and she is SOOOOO mellow. Kassiane --- joans_java wrote: > LUV IT...the name!!!!!!!!! > > Shanna > > > > > > > does anyone else use a service cat for > aspergers? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > ______________ > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs > > > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 In a message dated 3/13/08 6:18:22 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, fightingautism@... writes: hubby & kids to the same thing to my hairy legs. rotfl eric gutter boy **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 In a message dated 3/13/08 6:28:09 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, autisticcrystal@... writes: isn't it Guinea Pig, though? yes im spelling impaired eric abbys dad **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2008 Report Share Posted March 13, 2008 In a message dated 3/13/08 6:28:09 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, autisticcrystal@... writes: isn't it Guinea Pig, though? yes im spelling impaired eric abbys dad **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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