Cats have long been cherished companions, offering comfort, companionship, and a deep sense of connection. For many people living with disabling mental health conditions —such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder—cats can provide critical support that significantly improves quality of life. People with physical health conditions are also able to benefit from a cat as a service animal as apposed to a dog-allergy sufferers, those living with conditions effected by stress, even tachycardia. However, current UK law does not recognise cats as service animals, meaning people who rely on their cats for mental health support or for other tasks such as allergen detection do not enjoy the same legal protections and access as granted to those with other types of service animals, like with dogs and miniature horses.

Numerous studies have shown that interacting with cats can lower cortisol levels (a key stress hormone), reduce blood pressure, and improve mood. For people whose mental health conditions are disabling, these benefits can be life-changing, helping to prevent episodes of acute distress or self-harm.

Cats are also known to be as trainable as dogs when given the correct treatment and early socialisation as dogs are. This means cats can be task trained as any other service animal is.

Not everyone connects with or benefits from dogs. Cats offer a different type of companionship—often gentle, non-intrusive, and attuned to their guardian’s emotional states. People with sensory sensitivities, for example, may find a cat’s quiet presence less overwhelming and more stabilising.

By formally recognising cats as service animals, the UK would ensure equal rights for individuals with disabilities who rely on their cats for daily aid. This includes protection against discrimination in housing and travel, and the right to have their service animal with them in public places.

We urge the UK government to:

• Acknowledge the important role cats can play as  service animals.
• Amend legislation to include cats in the definition of service animals, extending to them the same rights as service dogs and miniature horses.
• Ensure that people with disabilities who rely on cats receive the full legal protections they need to live and travel safely and confidently with their service animal.

Please join us in signing this petition to help secure recognition for cats as legitimate service animals, and to support the dignity of everyone who relies on them.