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Article How Rocky Quietly Became One Child’s ‘Therapy Cat’

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For eight-year-old Nacey, living with ADHD and autism comes with a lot of big emotions. But when Rocky the rescue cat padded into the family home, no one expected he would become a source of calm in a world that can feel overwhelming.

Rocky found his way into Nacey’s life purely by chance. He had been dumped on a friend’s farm when he was just seven weeks old, leaving Nacey’s mum, Jorja, compelled to step in and offer some temporary shelter. But while Rocky was intended to be a short-term guest, his soothing effect on Nacey made him impossible to part with.

“I agreed to take him in for a short time, just to help out. I told myself we weren’t keeping him, but Rocky captured our hearts. Rocky was the calmest and most affectionate little kitten I’d ever met. There was something special about him … something gentle and comforting. My eight-year-old son Nacey noticed it straight away.”

Jorja, mum to eight-year-old Nacey
Nacey and his cat Rocky.
It quickly became clear that Rocky was a keeper. Image: supplied

Nacey has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum, so sometimes he struggles with big emotions and overwhelming moments. From the beginning, he felt a strong connection to Rocky, which Jorja attributes not just to Rocky’s gentle, soothing nature, but also to the fact that he shares a name with Nacey’s favourite Paw Patrol character.

Since his arrival, Rocky has become an essential part of Nacey’s daily routine. Over the past 18 months, he’s been a constant source of calm and comfort during meltdowns, stressful moments and especially at bedtimes.

“Somehow, Rocky always seems to know when he’s needed. He’ll quietly walk into the room, curl up next to Nacey, and just be there. Most nights, he sleeps right beside him, helping Nacey settle and drift off peacefully. Rocky is not just a pet to us. He brings structure and safety to our home, and he’s helped us all feel more connected. In many ways, he has become our therapy cat.”

Jorja, mum to eight-year-old Nacey
Nacey and his cat Rocky asleep in bed.
Rocky became an unexpected source of comfort. Image: supplied

Nacey and Jorja aren’t alone in realising the lasting positive effects of cats in supporting neurodivergent children. While research into animal-assisted support for children with autism is still evolving, a growing body of studies points to the unique benefits of feline companionship.

Some of the key findings include:

  • Increased motivation and responsibility – Caring for a cat helped individuals with autism feel more engaged in daily life, understand others’ needs more deeply, and develop routines, such as feeding, that supported broader life skills.
  • Social and emotional support – Cats were consistently found to reduce anxiety around others, encourage communication and foster empathy and trust.
  • Calming and self-regulation benefits – The act of stroking a cat or listening to it purr was shown to help reduce anxiety and promote emotional control, particularly during stressful times.
A vet holds a grey kitten in her arms.
The Cat Protection Society of Victoria helps connect families with the perfect companion. Image: supplied

Organisations such as The Cat Protection Society of Victoria play a huge role in giving cats like Rocky the opportunity to thrive and helping families find the companions they didn’t even know they needed.

“Rocky hasn’t only supported my son, but he’s brought our whole family closer together. Every day, he reminds us how powerful the bond between animals and people can be. Although dogs are looked at as the key companion animal, cats are amazing creatures that can be quite low-maintenance. There are many cats at shelters waiting for their forever homes. I am so glad Rocky now has his forever home with us.”

Jorja, mum to eight-year-old Nacey

This article first appeared on Best Pet Buys.

Have you welcomed a rescue cat into your life? Leave us a comment below.

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Comments

  • Pets are such a wonderful part of any family but especially for anyone with any sort of difficulty, disability or depression. I can remember cuddling up to my dog as a child and telling him all my woes when I was upset about something. Every family needs a furry companion.

    Reply

  • This is so adorable 😍 a bond between a child and their animals is one like no other! We have 2 dogs and my daughter is so close with our boxer, they’re the best of friends. He became a coping mechanism when we lost our other dog and she clung to him so much.

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  • Awwww! What a beautiful story! You really can’t underestimate the power of a pet and what they can bring into someone’s life! We all need someone to love us unconditionally and I’m so glad that this family has found that! Thank you for being a rescue family and for giving a pet a lovely family to belong to

    Reply

  • Animals have such a sixth sense and can create such strength and bond for some people. It’s such a beautifully story about the power of connection. So nice to hear a positive story,

    Reply

  • I personally am not a big fan of animals – I know that’s an unpopular position -and although I recognise that they’re great for some people, I also wish there’d be a bit of recognition that they’re not for everyone. I’m glad to hear that the cat has worked so well for this family.

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  • A very beautiful story and one that seems to have truly brought this family together despite the affliction. I love seeing people walking their dogs and often end up patting one or two on my daily nature walks, but as I never know when I will be home or off out and about it would be unfair on the pet for me to take on the responsibility of an animal. I also have extremely sensitive skin that tears very easily.

    Reply

  • I think animals are unconditional love and bring to people love, purpose, teach responsibility, and so much more. Animals are brought to hospitals and aged care facilities as we all need someone – or something to show affection to – and the genuine bond that can be created with an animal is nothing short of wonderful. I can not imagine my life without a dog and/or cat or other furry or feathered friend.

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  • I had a rescue dog once when I was growing up but unfortunately my parents had to give him back as it was too energetic for the property we lived at and really needed a bigger space. I am all for taking in a rescue animal if it can give them a better life but I also think it’s important to have the right animal and at the right time, ensuring you can take care of it.

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  • What a warming story to read. I love how amazing pets w be for people. I grew up with a dog.
    Being an only child I found this very comforting to have a pet that loved me so much around me. I think it is so important for kids to have pets and this story just reminds you of how much they can really help our kids.

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  • This is a great read indeed ! How lovely that Rocky the rescue cat has this wonderful impact on Nacey’s functioning and he has become more regulated and calm.
    Both therapy cats and therapy dogs can give great emotional support and can improve the feeling of well being. Everyone is different and some may prefer a cat above a dog or the other way around. I would think a cat is calmer than a dog

    Reply

  • This is such a beautiful read. Pets really are something special. We have a lovely white deaf cat who is so patient and loving to our toddler. He loves laying his head on her and trying to give cuddles. I can only hope they will snuggle up together like these two cuties in the future.

    Reply

  • I am not an animal person myself, but I do know that they can make a huge difference for some people. It is lovely to hear about children – anyone really – finding simple things that can help them with their challenges. Good luck to this young lady and her pet.

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  • What a beautiful story, a beautiful child, and a beautiful cat.

    Reply

  • Animals are absolutely wonderful creatures that can definitely pick up the energy of people they are around!! They can definitely be great therapeutic animals as they have a sense in them for sure. Definitely great for calming people and really giving out love when needed the most. The story of this cat was just wonderful. Happy ending!

    Reply

  • This is beautiful! We have a tabby boy naked Mikey who adores our kids and is constantly playing and snuggling with them. The relationship they have formed is really special. We also foster kittens so we see cats go from scared and hissing to being the most wonderful, loving and loyal pets.

    Reply
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