How Cats Can Help Children with Autism Improve Social Skills

By sandra.caplesc…, 25 October, 2021
Girl embracing family pets, a cat and a dog.

Cats—you love them, or you hate them. What most people don’t know, however, is that these lovable felines make valuable companions for children on the autistic spectrum. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often present communication difficulties during social interactions or behavioral challenges and suffer from separation anxiety.

A new exploratory study suggests that animal interactions can help kids with autism improve their social skills and ease anxiety for children. A cat can brighten anyone’s day and boost moods, so why wouldn’t it be true for children with ASD?

Of course, looking out for a companion animal is hard work. Most parents might not want a service dog because they are challenging to take care of. Hypersensitivity to sound is common in children on the spectrum, so a dog constantly barking can be overwhelming. Cats, on the other hand, are a good alternative. Felines have a calm temperament, so they are less taxing for children with ASD and their families.

Read on to discover how a kitten can help your child develop solid emotional growth.

1. Teaches Empathy & Compassion

Family pets can teach your kid many things, such as responsibility, empathy skills, stress management, relationships, and family bonding. For children living with autism, it’s hard to understand simple social cues or emotionally connect with others. Owning a cat at an early age helps them develop compassion for the pet and other people. This responsibility of caring for the cat helps the child understand emotions—and how to control them during social interactions. A cat will instill positive feelings of care and love in autistic kids.

2. Provides Confidence

A child with autism can spend time talking to the cat and develop their social skills. Cats are good listeners and offer unconditional acceptance. As a result, it suppresses symptoms such as not maintaining visual communication with someone or feeling overwhelmed and isolated in a crowd. Children living with a pet showed improved social behaviors: they may begin introducing themselves or even answering questions. Moreover, it provides them with confidence and builds their self-esteem as they can practice social skills without feeling embarrassed.

3. Relieves Anxiety

Children with autism spectrum disorders see the world differently. They interpret it differently. This makes them highly susceptible to anxiety and stress. Cats have the power to sense and feel emotions, and they can act as a calming balm during a meltdown. Petting or playing with the cat helps children with autism remain calm in situations that might trigger anxiety and, as a result, form strong bonds. In the future, a trip to the dentist, for example, will provoke less stress for the whole family.

Here are some toys that can help you relieve anxiety: 

4. Builds Connections

Kids with autism can feel isolated sometimes due to the challenging comprehension of social cues. It prevents them from bonding with others, but a kitty can lessen anxiety for kids while experiencing companionship. Loneliness will also have a lower impact on children. Quality time with a cat deepens the bond, even if the connection is invisible. A cat loves affection and will provide a comfortable medium for kids living with autism. As such, your child will learn how to connect with others after building a solid foundation with a pet through mutual gazes.

Pet ownership is a big responsibility—and it might be more than you wished for. It’s vital to think this through realistically before adopting a shelter cat that will offer assistance to families. When you decide, pick an affectionate and calm breed. Think about the energy and time devoted to caring for the pet, and don’t forget about your child’s ability and desire. Your kid should be part of the selection process and be ok with the responsibility.

A cat will help parents of kids with autism find peace and strength during hard times. An autistic child will feel more relaxed and experience less stress as they battle the disorder. Empathy and selflessness are crucial to developing social skills, and a cat can help your child deal with mood changes. By practicing kindness, your child will become more assertive and confident and tackle the world. We hope this article will encourage you to consider the possibility of owning a little ball of fur—and create an instant bond that lasts forever.

See also A Guide to Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children with Autism