Therapy Cats - Meet Aria and Marshmallow from South Africa

What Are Therapy Cats?

You may be wondering: what are therapy cats? These are certified service cats trained to support people with anxiety and depression disorders. Healing cats, in particular, are intuitively inclined to help and offer spiritual guidance wherever they are needed.

Sacred Powers

The idea of healing or therapy cats stretches back to ancient cultures like Egypt, where cats were revered and protected, believed to possess sacred powers. In other traditions, such as Wicca, cats are believed to be spirit guides, helping practitioners on their journeys. Our ancestors understood what we are now rediscovering: cats are intuitive healers who not only nurture us but also rely on our care in return.

Meet Some Healing Paws from South Africa

Healing Aria

Cat Aria and her guardian Natalie share a special bond. They live together in Kommetjie, a small town near Cape Town, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Natalie, an energy healer, recounts how Aria would often sit in during distance healing or protection sessions. Natalie remembers one client, Charlie; whenever affirmations were placed around, Aria would repeatedly knock them down. Eventually, Aria would calmly lay next to Natalie, sometimes moving crystals to different spots. Natalie decided to trust Aria’s instincts, leaving the crystals where Aria placed them. Aria even showed particular care by laying her paws on photos of clients who needed extra healing. Today, Aria’s intuitive guidance is a welcome part of Natalie’s healing sessions.

Sweet Healing Companions, Speckles and Marshmallow

Malikah, who lives a holistic, homeopathic lifestyle in Rondebosch - one of the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town - noticed her cats’ healing tendencies when she wasn't feeling well. Among her four cats, Speckles, Marshmallow, Zarah, and Mo, Speckles and Marshmallow were always the first to comfort her. Speckles would curl up in Malikah’s lap, purring like a soothing vibration, while Marshmallow would knead her shoulders gently, almost like a massage. However, when Malikah’s husband walked in, they would immediately run to greet him as they are very much "Daddy’s kitties." Malikah realised that her cats were deeply intuitive, sensing when she needed emotional or physical support.

Healing Visits Beyond Home

Some therapy cats even visit nursing homes, walking between patients, gently sniffing or licking their hands as simple acts that convey love and comfort. These cats are especially helpful for patients with anxiety disorders, providing a calming presence during turbulent times.

Could Your Cat Be a Healing Cat?

While therapy and healing cats are still relatively uncommon today, the idea is far from new. We are simply rediscovering ancient tales of long forgotten stories. In Istanbul, where the world's largest free-roaming cat population lives, cats are cherished and respected for their deep intuition and spiritual presence.

If you're wondering whether you have a healing kitty in your midst, simply observe how they act when someone is unwell or emotional. If you are a healer yourself, you may find your feline companion quietly guiding you along your journey.