When it comes to finding a therapy pet, people will think of a dog. But actually, a cat can fit the bill as well.
Meet Donny, a blind and emphatic therapy cat. Dubbed “the most charming cat in the world” by North Shore Animal League America, Donny was adopted by Susan Smith and her husband.
Other than having no eyes, the 2-year-old cat also has a neurological condition known as cerebellar hyperplasia, which affects his motor skills and coordination. As a result, the feline often falls down whenever he walks. But Donny’s disabilities didn’t deter him from joining NSALA’s Outreach Program to become a certified therapy cat.
As part of his role, Donny often spends time with patients and elderly folk in hospitals, nursing homes, and Alzheimer’s facilities.
Speaking about Donny’s behavior, Smith said: “It’s amazing how when he’s at home he’s a ball of energy, antagonizing his brother and sisters, but when he’s ‘working’ he will sit on a patient’s lap for as long as they want never trying to jump down, and then being passed to the next patient’s lap,” Smith says of Donny’s demeanor.
Donny regularly visited Smith’s 88-year-old mother, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, at the hospital to offer her succor and strength.
“I immediately started bringing Donny there to cheer her up and it worked. He would lay on her for hours while she petted him, often both falling asleep,” Smith told PEOPLE.
A video clip posted on Smith’s Instagram account “blossom_and_her_family”—set up for her pets—shows Smith’s mother stroking Donny repeatedly while the cat curls up on her chest.
Smith wrote in the post that her mother was deemed not suitable to undergo surgery. Instead, she was given the option to undergo five radiation treatments at the hospital.
Fortunately, the radiation treatment worked. Her mother underwent 12 more treatments, and eventually, she was discharged cancer-free!
Perhaps it was the healing power of cat Donny that also helped Smith’s mother recover? According to studies, vibrational sound frequencies of 25–150 Hz can help heal bones and repair tendons and muscles. This sound range happens to be the same as a cat’s purr. In addition, the purring sound supposedly lowers blood pressure, stress, and decreases one’s risk of a heart attack.
Some social media users, who have watched the footage of Donny comforting Smith’s mother, are truly convinced cats have healing powers.
“Yes I believe pets like cats and dogs indeed help us to live longer, I am so much happier to have two kittens in my life, they changed my life entirely,” one wrote.
Whatever the reason may be for the grandma’s recovery, this was a wonderful miracle! We’re so glad Smith’s mother is well again.
