A Newly Recognized Benefit From the No. 1 Companion Animal
Sharing a home with a pet has been found to offer many benefits for children with autism.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Having a pet may lower stress and anxiety in children with autism, but researchers from the University of Missouri wanted to check on the animal’s welfare as well
The study screened cats for ideal social and calm temperament and followed their adoption into families of children with autism
Cats acclimated well to their new homes and became significantly less stressed over time
Screening cats to find those with a calm, laid-back temperament may be key to finding the best matches
Other animals, including horses and guinea pigs, also have a positive effect on children with autism, so families should explore which companion animal is the best fit for their home and lifestyle
Sharing a home with a pet has been found to offer many benefits for children with autism, including an opportunity to learn responsibility and providing companionship.1 In one survey of families, 94% said their child with autism had a strong bond with the family pet and enjoyed interacting with them.
Often, dogs are singled out as being the "best" option for a pet for children with autism, in part because they provide unconditional love,2 but cats are actually the most common companion animal in the U.S.
More than 86 million cats live in U.S. homes, and 1 in 54 children have autism. This means that a significant number of children with autism are likely living in homes with cats.3 It turns out that not only the children benefit from living with a cat — cats also become less stressed when they’re adopted by families with children with autism.4
Cats Thrive in Homes With Children With Autism
While it’s generally the case that having a pet may lower stress and anxiety in children with autism, researchers from the University of Missouri (MU) wanted to check on the animal’s welfare as well. Speaking with Phys.org, Gretchen Carlisle with MU Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, explained:5
"It's not only important to examine how families of children with autism may benefit from these wonderful companion animals, but also if the relationship is stressful or burdensome for the shelter cats being adopted into a new, perhaps unpredictable environment."
Cats do best in stable, safe and predictable environments, while they often become stressed during times of transition or in stressful home environments. Surveys suggest that the majority of children with autism may have severe temper tantrums at some point, with 60% having one on a daily basis.
Loud noises associated with these could trigger noise-related phobias in cats, which in turn could cause behavioral problems or medical conditions in the cat. The study screened cats for ideal social and calm temperament and followed their adoption into families of children with autism.
Stress in the cats was measured using fecal cortisol, weight and a behavior stress measure that was taken two to three days after adoption and again at 6, 12 and 18 weeks.6 Overall, the study revealed that the cats acclimated well to their new homes and became significantly less stressed over time. Carlisle explained:7
"Cortisol is a stress measure we tracked through collecting samples of the cats' feces, and we noticed a significant decrease in cortisol over time … Cats also tend to lose weight due to not eating if they are stressed, but we found the cats actually gained a bit of weight initially after adoption and then maintained their weight as time went on, so both findings indicated the cats acclimated well."
Screening Cats May Be Key to a Good Fit
Screening cats to find those with a calm, laid-back temperament may be key to finding the best matches. The study used the Feline Temperament Profile (FTP), which objectively measures cat temperament, but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that only 15% of shelters they surveyed used a written score to evaluate cats’ social skills.
Further, not all cats are likely to pass such an evaluation; in the featured study, only 34% "passed," meaning they met the criteria to be adopted by a family with children with autism.8 However, such criteria may ensure the best fit between the adopters and their new furry family members. Carlisle noted:9
"It's crucial to look after the welfare of the cats from a humanitarian standpoint, and this research also helps animal shelter staff overcome the financial and management hurdles that can result when cats are returned to shelters if there is not a good fit with the adopted family.
Obviously, the shelters want to place all of their cats in homes, but some families may require a more specific fit, and using research-based, objective measurements for screening temperament may help increase the likelihood of successful, long-term matches."
Children With Autism Benefit From Pet Cats
While most companion animal research involves dogs, Carlisle and colleagues previously conducted a study to evaluate how children with autism far when they adopt a cat. During the 18-week study, the child’s caregiver assessed social skills and anxiety, with strong bonding reported in most cases within two to three days of adoption.
By week six, social skills, including reduced bullying behavior, reduced hyperactivity and inattention and lower separation anxiety were noted.10 Further, by week 12 an increase in empathy was noted among the children.
"If parents of children with ASD [autism spectrum disorder] are considering acquiring a pet, it would be best to consider the needs/desires of their child and their family rather than just defaulting to a dog because they have heard a lot about dogs for children with ASD on social media," Carlisle told PsyPost.11
In fact, it’s possible that cats may be an even better choice than dogs for children with autism, in part because they tend to be calmer. Other animals, including horses and guinea pigs, also have a positive effect on children with autism, so families should explore which companion animals’ personality and individual needs are the best fit for their home and lifestyle.
Healthypets Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.