When people ask, “Can cats be service animals?” it’s typically because they have just experienced how a cat can provide comfort. But the full answer begins with the law.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as a dog that is purposely trained to perform a task for someone with a disability.
The law is relatively clear: the only types of animals that are recognized as ‘service’ animals are dogs (and, in very limited circumstances, miniature horses).
So, regardless of how wonderful or loving you think your cat is, the ADA does not permit cats to be service animals.
Why are Cats Not Service Animals?
The biggest reason cats aren’t service animals is basically due to the kind of help service animals are there to give.
Service dogs may be trained to help guide the blind, alert the deaf, or even assist with medical issues in an emergency. To perform these types of jobs takes serious training and a certain temperament.
Cats are incredible creatures in their own way, but they are not made for that work. Most cats prefer to do things the way they want to do them!
This independence makes it difficult to train them for the exact, reliable work that service animals are best at performing, as taught and directed by the trainers.
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Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals?
This is where all the cat lovers get excited. While the answer to “can cats be service animals” is No, however, they can be emotional support animals (ESAs). An ESA is different from a service animal.
Emotional support cats do not need specific training. They provide comfort just by being, and if there is someone with anxiety, depression, or some other mental health issue, a licensed mental health professional can write on a letterhead that your cat has a therapeutic benefit to you.
This letter can help you keep your cat in housing that might not normally allow pets, but it doesn’t mean your cat can go everywhere a service dog can.
My Opinion as a Cat Owner
As a lifelong owner of Maine Coon cats, I am fully aware that many people would ultimately like to have their cats recognized as service animals. My Maine Coon, Max, is a furry therapist after a rough day.
He knows when I’m down and has a way of finding a way to see me smile. But as charming as he is, there is no way he would last five minutes guiding someone through traffic or getting medicine from the other room.
Max would be more likely to be asleep in the sun than performing a trained task.
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Are There Any Exceptions?
Some states may have their own regulations, but under federal law, “Can cats be service animals?” will always be “No.” Always check your local laws if you’re curious, but shouldn’t expect a cat leading someone through a busy airport anytime soon.
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Sum Up
There is no provision for cats to be “service animals” in the ADA or in most state laws. Cats can be emotional support animals, which is still pretty important for those who are in need of comfort and companionship.
If you intend to turn your cat into an ESA, you should explore this option with your doctor or therapist.
And if you see someone claiming their cat (or any animal) is a service animal, it is helpful to remember, it could be an emotional support animal—and not a legitimate service animal at that.
References:
- https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals
- https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/
- https://cunninghampllc.com/blog/can-a-cat-be-a-service-animal/
- https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals
