Felinotherapy and haptic stimulation in institutional care

Felinotherapy, i.e. therapeutic work with a cat, is used in various institutional settings such as nursing homes, Alzheimer's centres, long-term care facilities, school and pre-school facilities or low-threshold centres. Here, the cat does not only act as a source of emotional support, but thanks to the specific quality of its touch, movement and the softness of its fur, it becomes an important tool for haptic and bilateral stimulation.

The cat's touch activates sensory perceptions and stimulates the involvement of both hemispheres of the brain. Bilateral stimulation, known from trauma therapies, promotes calming of the nervous system and processing of stressful stimuli. Smooth, repetitive movements during contact with the cat have a regulating effect - calming and promoting a sense of security.

In the context of working with clients suffering from anxiety, dissociation or developmental disorders, contact with a cat can also be used diagnostically. Observation of spontaneous motor skills during stroking, rhythm of movements, symmetry of hand involvement or, on the contrary, avoidance of touch provides valuable information about the current state of the client. For people with Alzheimer's disease, the cat can support sensory anchoring and the establishment of contact in the "here and now".

Felinotherapy thus links stress work, sensory integration and the relational level. When the therapist visits regularly with the cat, not only is mood improved, but also fine motor skills, non-verbal communication and an overall sense of security are developed. Research and practice confirm that the touch of a cat can be the key to opening a new dialogue with the client - without words, through the body and presence.

Reference:

Elbrecht, C., & Antcliff, L. (2014). Being touched through touch: Trauma treatment through haptic perception at the Clay Field: A sensorimotor art therapy. International Journal of Art Therapy, 19(1), 19-30.

This study focuses on the use of haptic perception in trauma therapy through clay work, known as "Work at the Clay Field". The authors discuss how tactile sensation and sensorimotor processes can contribute to trauma treatment and promote psychological healing.sensorymotorarttherapy.com+4