Can a Cat Be an Emotional Support Animal? Getting Feline Support

Who says man’s best friend has to be a canine? Cats can make remarkable family companions, and for many, they are actually better suited than dogs. They’re quieter, don’t require as much attention, and tend to live for longer.

They are also extremely loyal and affectionate. While they may not always show their affection in explicit ways, it is visible in their soft purrs, their watchful gaze over their loved ones, and their gentle brushes against their legs.

Cats don’t just make excellent family pets; the comfort their presence brings can provide therapeutic relief to those struggling with their mental health. However, can a cat be an emotional support animal (ESA)? In this post, we answer this question and discuss everything you need to know, including what ESAs are and their legal protections.

Emotional Support Animals: Quick Summary and Their Protections

Emotional support animals relieve mental health symptoms. Unlike service dogs, they do not perform trained tasks to achieve this. Instead, they give relief through their companionship and the reassurance, stability, and consistent affection that comes with it.

While emotional support animals are not legally classed as working animals like service dogs, they are still protected under specific laws. Here’s a closer look at their federal protections:

• Housing Rights: Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), ESAs must be reasonably accommodated in almost every housing type. This even includes rental properties that typically prohibit pets. ESAs are also exempt from pet fees and pet policies like breed bans.
• Public Access Rights: ESAs do not receive public access rights. This protection is only granted to service dogs. This is the case in every state.
• Travel Rights: ESAs do not receive additional travel protections, so standard pet policies and fees apply when traveling with them. ESAs were once protected in air travel, but as of 2021, this is no longer the case.

Some states extend these protections. California, for instance, has enforced legislation that means employers must reasonably accommodate ESAs in the workplace. However, most states follow federal guidelines closely.

Can a Cat Be an Emotional Support Animal?

Yes, a cat can be an emotional support cat! The law is clear: Any animal, regardless of their species, breed, or size, can become legally recognized as an emotional support animal. This includes dogs, birds, fish, reptiles, and of course, cats.

A common misconception is that only dogs can become emotional support animals, but this stems from confusion with service animals.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only task-trained dogs (and in rare instances, miniature horses) can become recognized as service animals. However, ESAs are not bound by the same law. This is primarily because ESAs do not need to undergo any training.

How Do I Get a Cat Emotional Support Animal?

To make your cat an emotional support animal, you must first obtain a valid, legal ESA prescription from a licensed mental health care professional (LMHP). Here’s an overview of what this process typically entails.

Check if You’re Eligible for an ESA

You are only eligible if you have a diagnosed mental health disability that hinders one or more major areas of your life. Common conditions that qualify include depression and anxiety.

Undergo an ESA Letter Evaluation Appointment

You will need to arrange this with an LMHP who is licensed to practice in your state. They will review your symptoms, medical history, and needs to evaluate if an ESA is a suitable treatment for your disability.

Obtain Your Valid ESA Letter

If approved for an ESA, the LMHP will prescribe you an ESA and provide you with an ESA letter that confirms this. This letter can be used immediately to benefit from the FHA.

Some states, such as Arkansas, require you to have an ongoing relationship with the LMHP for at least 30 days before you can receive your ESA letter. Check your state’s laws carefully to ensure you’re in full compliance.

You can work with a third-party provider if you need help obtaining an ESA letter. However, always make sure to work with a reputable one, like US Service Animals.

Can a Cat Be an Emotional Support Animal?

Any species can qualify as an ESA as long as they provide you with disability-relieving support, and that includes cats. However, there is more nuance behind this.

Your cat can only become an ESA if you qualify for this treatment. You must have a diagnosed mental disability and have a valid ESA letter prescribed by a state-licensed LMHP. If you fail to obtain an ESA letter via the legal route, your cat will not be a valid ESA, no matter how much support they give.