Fear Free approach in cat care within Animal Assisted Interventions

Fear Free® is an approach based on the principles of minimising stress, fear and anxiety in animals, which has become fundamental in modern veterinary care and Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in recent years. The program was officially launched in 2016 by American veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, who has long sought to improve the well-being of animals in human care. Founding experts include behaviorists such as Dr. Karen Overall and Dr. Sophia Yin, who have contributed to the formulation of principles for working with animals without coercion and pain.

At AAI, the application of the Fear Free approach is particularly important - cats tend to be sensitive to environmental changes, handling and the presence of strangers. The Fear Free approach encourages building trust, using positive reinforcement, respecting fear and stress signals, and creating a safe, predictable environment. In therapy with cats, this means, for example, establishing contact slowly, allowing the animal to retreat, choosing an appropriate meeting space, or respecting the individual nature of each cat.

Fear Free principles can greatly enhance the effectiveness and ethics of AAI with cats. They help ensure not only the welfare of the animal, but also the safety and psychological well-being of the client. A cat that is relaxed and confident can make deeper connections and better fulfill the therapeutic potential of these interventions.