Cat-training Research Program for Children with Developmental Differences

Enrollment is currently closed for this project.

Stay tuned for future research!

Free black bombay cat image, public domain CC0 photo.

Who participated?

  • Children ages 8-17 years
  • with a developmental difference
  • and a pet cat

What are developmental differences?

  • Examples include
    • Anxiety/depression
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Dyslexia
    • and more

About the program

  • Each child and cat pair participated in six training sessions, each lasting approximately 45 minutes
  • Each family participated in three assessments – one before training, one after training, and one 1 year later. Assessments included answering survey questions and cat behavior activities
  • In gratitude for participation, we provided a $25 gift card at each assessment

Our purpose

The primary purpose of this research study is to investigate the potential benefits of a cat-assisted intervention on the physical activity and social wellbeing of children with developmental differences.

Participation in this program might also offer an engaging experience for your family cat, potentially fostering a deeper bond between your child and their kitty.

  • Smiling woman sitting on floor near black and white cat with tail up
  • Grey tabbycat wearing orange harness and black leash sitting on a wooden chair
  • Grey and white cat looking up with little pink tongue sticking out
  • Orange and white piebald cat wearing blue harnesswalking on a leash and touching a training target stick with nose
  • Grey and white cat looking under a shelf st a plastic dish of food
  • Calico cat laying on the floor near multiple bags of cat treats
  • Cat standing up on hind legs looking at human hand offering a treat
  • Smiling research assistant sitting on floor in our lab with tortoiseshell cat on her lap
  • Research investigator sitting on floor smiling down at brown tabby cat sitting in her lab
  • Research participant sitting on lab floor looking at and petting grey tabby cat who is also looking back at her
  • Black and white tuxedo cat carrying green, red, and white stuffed toy in her mouth

For more information, please contact us at

delaney.frank@oregonstate.edu