We’ve all thought that spending time with our cats is like therapy—and Roger the Registered Therapy Cat is showing the world that it really can be!
Since 2016, Roger and his human Tracy have volunteered through Pet Partners, providing comfort and companionship to over 10,000 people at hospitals, schools, community events, and more. Roger has spent the last 7 years volunteering at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where his gentle presence soothes patients and their families facing difficult times.
How Roger's story began
"I had some friends who had an Italian Greyhound and they told me how every night a cat came to their backyard to play with him," Tracy says. "One night [the cat] didn't come, and the next morning they found her in their shed with kittens!
"3 of the kittens were white with gray, but one kitten was gray with white (Roger)! At the time I already had two cats and I was nervous about getting a third, but all my friends pressured me onto take him—and I'm glad I did!"
Tracy had always wanted a grey cat who would walk on a leash. After adopting Roger, Tracy quickly found out that he loves car rides, wearing a harness, and exploring the outdoors.
Considering Roger's friendly and easygoing temperament, a social worker suggested Tracy apply to a therapy animal program. Tracy’s application for Roger to become a registered therapy cat was approved after one try!
Therapy cats are uncommon, but through Tracy’s TikTok and Instagram—where she shares glimpses of her and Roger’s volunteering routine—she hopes to raise awareness about these special kitties and the emotional support they can bring.
In honour of Roger’s 10-year anniversary, we asked Tracy some questions about his decade-long journey as a therapy cat.
What does a typical volunteer day look like for you and Roger? Do you have a routine to prepare him for visits?
"These days Roger only visits the Children's Hospital, so on a day we visit we do a morning bath and brush. Right before we leave I clip his nails so that I am removing any dirt that's built up since the bath.
On the drive there I have a special song I sing to him—Taylor Swift's "King of My Heart." He rides in a backpack as we enter the hospital so we don't get too much attention before he's ready—especially since we want people using hand sanitizer before touching him. When I take him out of the bag in the volunteer office he is always purring loudly—he only really purrs at the hospital. We have an assistant who works with us at the hospital and she is in charge of washing hands, putting down sheets and charting visits. I carry Roger on his back through the halls and between rooms—I know most cats don't like being carried like this but he loves it!
We work off a list of kids that have asked to be visited by pet therapy. Because they are given posters with the animals, a lot of them already know about Roger and are looking forward to seeing him. Once we are in there he either cuddles up on someone or next to them!"
Any particularly memorable or heartwarming stories about Roger?
"We've had a lot of memorable moments over the years but one of the most special was a young boy who had experienced profound trauma and wasn't speaking. We put Roger on his lap in his wheelchair and wheeled them around for a few minutes. The next week the nurse told us he couldn't stop talking about Roger!
Roger generally only likes to work at night (and we have assigned days of the week) but one day [the assistant we work with] asked if we could come in way earlier than normal on a different day of the week. In one of the rooms we visited, the parents and patient were extremely shocked that we were there. They asked if someone had called us and I said no, this is probably the only time we will ever be here this early. Apparently the little girl was desperate to meet Roger and they told her there was no chance, that we only came on Wednesday nights. She was so happy she cried, and in fact she was about to be discharged so it was very lucky we met her. I really like the idea of kids having this special memory of a cat coming to visit them during what could be a traumatizing experience."
What is your advice for someone who thinks their cat might be a good fit as a therapy animal? Are there particular traits that can make a strong therapy cat?
"My advice would be to do it! I've met so many people who think their cat could [be a therapy cat] but something stops them. But if your cat likes people, doesn't mind car travel and can wear a harness, you have a good candidate. I would just start taking them places and exposing them in a safe way to as many people as possible. Call local businesses and ask if you can bring your cat by to train—they may say yes!"
How does Roger like to spend his down time?
"Roger likes to do typical cat stuff—bird watch, sun bath, nap. He's also known for visiting the neighbors in our condo complex."
Congratulations to Roger and Tracy on their 10 years of volunteer service! To learn more about Roger’s journey as a registered therapy cat, follow @therapycatroger on TikTok and Instagram.
