Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/sphinx-cat-calming-presence-for-children-after-trauma/

Something amazing happened in November 2019, but much of the world missed it. The Paws for Empowerment team welcomed a four-year-old Sphinx cat to work along with them at the Crisis Center North (CCN).

That nonprofit center helps individuals who have gone through domestic violence and the feline is assisting in an amazing way.

Today reports that children were coming to the center and getting a little feline love before the pandemic, but these days, things are being done virtually.

Thankfully, Thea is still there to help the kids with her own version of mindfulness, even if it has to be done from a distance.

It is all done with the help of Sidney Stephenson, the cat’s handler. As a youth counselor, she knows how to help kids that are struggling after experiencing trauma. As Thea’s companion, she also knows how a loving and calm cat can help them through their problems and the “difficult place” they may find themselves in.

Thea actually helps in many ways, including using her own special form of “meditation” to calm the children. This was something that Thea picked up quickly as she was being trained by Stephenson. I guess you really can teach an “old cat” new tricks.

Along with meditation, Thea helps because she is naturally friendly. It isn’t out of the ordinary for that lovable cat to jump right into the lap of a child, and before long, they are comfortable enough to talk about their problems.

I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking that more of us could use such a lovable cat during this time of crisis.

Watch more in this video:

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog