Cat for autism/s needs

[Satch76]

Posting for traffic.

My son has autism and learning difficulties, can anyone recommend a good breed which are good with children, who are happy to be house cats with access to garden. Excuse if any ignorance in my post - we are first time cat people! I am home majority of day, bar two hours of work and school drop off and pick up at a specialist provision for my son.

Thanks!

How old is your son?
You would be better to get a cat rather than a kitten as their personality will be known.

Depends what size cat you want. Maine Coons are amazing cats, they are huge, but friendly and daft. Although that said, you are probably better going to a rescue like cats protection and adopting one, the personalities of the cats will be known and they will be thankful for being rescued.

Totally agree. Get an adult cat and get one from local rescue place. They will be able to recommend which ones suit your needs.

British shorthairs. More like dogs than cats, don’t really enjoy being picked up and hugs but will come and sit next to you, let you pet them, sleep next to you/on you, very talkative and affectionate.

One of mine rides round on my shoulders like a scarf. Also has her own spot in the bed.

Whenever I feel Ill or depressed she won’t leave my side. They’re a very good breed for comforting imo. I had Burmese cats that couldn’t give a shit

Does it have to be a cat? In the main, they’d be a poor choice for a service animal as they’re extremely self-interested creatures who have little desire to please (unless there’s food involved)

Guinea-pigs are lovely.

Can you ask MN to move this to the Litter Tray forum? I promise you'll get lots of good advice!

I’d recommend getting a rag doll, very gentle loving and forgiving. I’d recommend to keep an eye out for a retired breeding cat. We got ours at 18 months old, been brought up with kids, dogs, rabbits and birds. She’s the friendliest cat I know, if you were going to let into the garden you would probably have to install a cat fence. They are too friendly and as such people pick them up and take them home...

Rag doll Rag doll Rag doll

Thank you. My son is 5. I wonder is Maine coones might be a little big? But again am non the wiser in this situation so far with breeds. I'm thinking a gentle cuddly cat if this is poss. I am so ignorant on this subject!

Are you looking for a cat that will act as a service pet, or just a cat that can tolerate some rough-handling?

If you're hoping for a service animal, I'd strongly recomend you think of another animal. While there are some lovely stories about cats who become incredible support animals, that's not likely to happen.

I agree with people above - look for an adult, both to avoid the kitten phase and to get an already established personality. If you're interested in a pure-bred cat, once you determine the breed you want you could contact some breeders about rehoming retired cats from their breeding program (possible with dogs, not so sure about cats).

A full breed Maine Coon would probably be a bit big, they grow up to 5ft long. My cat is part Maine Coon, he is bigger than most cats but not too big, he is soft and cuddly, good with kids too, when he has had enough of my 2 he just runs off. I believe rag dolls are very cuddly too, never had one though. There are gentle cats out there, cats tend to get more gentle with age, my last cat wasn't when she was a kitten but once she hit 3 she was a real softy, my current cat is too. I do think a rescue cat would be your best option, one 2+, the rescue Center will know their individual personalities so will be able to find you one that fits, if you buy a kitten you won't necesarilly be able to do that.

I'm going to third the suggestion of a ragdoll. We got ours in September ostensibly as a family pet, but mostly for my autistic 9 year old. The cat is aged 2, so not flighty and high needs like a kitten. He is the gentlest cat I have ever known. Great company, but not demanding. He sleeps in his bed next to my son's bed every night and is an absolute joy to share our house with.

I don't know much about cat breeds as we have just always had moggies, never a specific breed.

I would suggest that you spend some time at a shelter. They may let you and DS spend some time with a number of cats so you can find one you like. Rescues can be very nice pets and often they are much cheaper as the adoption fee covers first shots and spay/neuter (desexing) surgery. Two of our babies came from shelters/rescues. Gatsby didn't but I still consider him a "rescue" because his mother rejected him and he was hand-reared and syringe-fed. Kittens can be very rambunctious and may take longer to settle in. An adult cat may be more subdued.

Another one here saying British shorthair. Extremely affectionate and great with children. A real best friend to my ASD dd.

You would need one that's good with children. I have an ASD child, cat won't go near him, he's quite gentle but they both panic round each other. Maybe one from a rescue home that's grown up used to kids but not one that has been mistreated, would be too nervous. I thought dogs were supposed to be better.

Some rescue organizations don't actually have a "shelter" but place animals in the care of foster families. You might like to see if such an organization exists in your area. They may be able to help you find a cat that is experienced with children.

Maine coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdolls... Just off the top of my head, very timid and loving breeds, excellent with children and extremely intelligent.

My friend chose to get a cat over a dog for her ASD child, dogs can be a bit intimidating and overbearing which can cause upset, barking is not ideal if has sensory issues.