Emotional Support Cat Information

Emotional support cats are cats that provide comfort and support in forms of affection and companionship for an individual suffering from various mental and emotional conditions.

An emotional support cat is not required to perform any specific tasks for a disability like service cats are. They are meant solely for emotional stability and unconditional love. They can assist with conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder/mood disorder, panic attacks, fear/phobias, and other psychological and emotional conditions.

Emotional support cats are protected under federal law

Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), an individual who meets the proper criteria is entitled to an emotional support cat to assist them with their life. The FHAA protects individuals by allowing their emotional support cat to live with them (even when there are no pet policies in place). The ACAA protects individuals by allowing the emotional support cat to fly with them in the cabin of an airplane (without having to pay any additional fees). Any cat can be an emotional support cat, and emotional support cats do not have to be professionally-trained.

Identifying emotional support cats for the public

Emotional support cats are often identified by wearing an emotional support cat tag, letting the public know that it is an emotional support cat; otherwise, their handlers will find themselves having to explain that their cat is an emotional support cat. Some businesses, such as airlines, prefer to see an identification card or vest that indicates that the cat is an emotional support cat.

List of Disabilities

An emotional support cat can assist with various kinds of mental and emotional conditions.

Here is a list of some mental and emotional conditions individuals may have that may be helped by having an emotional support cat:

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Mood disorder
Fear/phobias
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Suicidal Thoughts/Tendencies
Adjustment Disorders
Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Separation anxiety
Dissociative Disorders
Factitious Disorders
Eating Disorders
Impulse-Control Disorders
Mental Disorders Due to a General Medical Condition
Neurocognitive Disorders
Mood Disorders
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Personality Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders
Sleep Disorders
Somatoform Disorders
Stress
Substance Related Disorders

Studies have shown real health benefits for those living with pets, including:
* lower cholesterol
* lower blood pressure
* lower triglyceride
* reduced stress levels
* reduced feelings of loneliness
* better mental health
* increased activity
* more opportunities for exercise
* more time spent outdoors (for cat owners especially)
* more opportunities for socialization

Do you have a Disability?

The National Institute of Mental Health shows that more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some form of mental disorder. If you are suffering from an emotional or psychological condition then you are entitled to an emotional support cat. Consult with your physician for more information.

Living With Your Emotional Support Cat

The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) gives individuals the right to live with their emotional support cat regardless of any building or residences with a no-pet policy. Building managers or landlords may not refuse your emotional support cat with the proper documentation.

Flying With Your Emotional Support Cat

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) allows emotional support cats on airplanes when individuals with emotional support cats are traveling. A written note from your doctor is required by the airlines that is not more than one year old. Also, (example letters are included with your order) your emotional support cat must be trained to behave appropriately in a public setting. There is no additional charge to travel with your emotional support cat. You should let your airline know 24 hours before your scheduled departure that you are bringing an emotional support cat onto the plane.

As of December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies emotional support animals (ESAs) as pets, and airlines only allow trained service dogs on airplanes. However, airlines still allow cats and dogs under 20 pounds that fit in a pet carrier under the seat in front of you for a fee. Some airlines, like Delta and United Airlines, request additional forms.

Landlords cannot: