Cat-training Research Program for Children with Developmental Differences

For more information, or to sign up for the program, please contact us: delaney.frank@oregonstate.edu

(please include location preference in subject line: Portland or Corvallis)

Free black bombay cat image, public domain CC0 photo.

Who can participate?

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

What are developmental differences?

Not sure if your child qualifies? Ask us at delaney.frank@oregonstate.edu or (541) 737-3273

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

If your child does not currently qualify, please check back as participation criteria may change over time.

About the program

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

Fall sessions are full – contact us to be added to waitlist!

Dates, Times, and Locations

  • Portland/Beaverton OSU Extension Service Education Center
    • October 2nd-November 10th, 2023 (no sessions the week of 10/9-10/13)
    • November 13th-December 13th, 2023 (no sessions the week of 11/20-11/24)
    • “After-school” hours – 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, or 5pm, Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Corvallis OSU Campus
    • October 23rd-December 15th, 2023
    • “After-school” hours – 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays

Not available this fall? Please email delaney.frank@oregonstate.edu to join the contact list for future cat-training classes!

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, or to sign up for the program, please contact us at

delaney.frank@oregonstate.edu

(please include location preference in subject line: Portland or Corvallis)

Not available this fall? Please email delaney.frank@oregonstate.edu to join the contact list for future cat-training classes!