At a middle school in the American state of Rhode Island, a cat named Pinecone now works as a therapist. According to his owner, art teacher Kayleigh Smith, the pet helps students cope with stress and anxiety, reports People.
The three-and-a-half-year-old cat comes to school with his owner about three times a week. He spends most of the day in the art room, where he has everything he needs. During breaks, Pinecone, accompanied by the teacher, makes the rounds of the corridors and looks into other classrooms, sometimes stopping to sniff the contents of students' lockers. At the school, this is called the inspection tour.
He is here for moral support and good spirits. If someone's day hasn't gone well, they can come to my classroom just to pet the cat and spend some time in quiet.
— Kayleigh Smith, teacher
Kayleigh Smith suggested bringing the cat to school, having noticed his calm and affectionate nature. The administration supported the idea. Before starting work, Pinecone was officially granted the status of a therapy animal after passing an in-person evaluation. He demonstrated that he can follow commands and is not frightened by noise or large crowds.
According to the teacher, interacting with the cat also teaches children empathy and respect for personal boundaries. If Pinecone is asleep, students must ask permission before petting him. Sometimes his owner refuses and explains that the pet, like any person, needs to be left alone.
Because of his bright yellow eyes and two protruding fangs, the cat has a somewhat grumpy look. At first, some students were afraid of him, but they soon came to see his patient and affectionate character. Now the children bring him toys, draw his portraits, and ask every day whether Pinecone will come. Some jokingly suggest making the cat the school's mascot or even appointing him principal.
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