Liza isn’t just any cat, she is a little miracle wrapped in fur. Her owner, a woman who never thought she’d be raising a therapy cat, often marvels at the incredible journey they have been on together.
It all started unexpectedly one day at a pet store where she had gone in to buy food for her older, medically fragile cat. Adoption wasn’t even on her mind. But fate had other plans.
In the corner of the store sat Liza, a tortie tabby cat about a year old. Surrounded by playful kittens stealing all the attention, she stretched her tiny paws through the crate bars like she was saying, “Hey, over here! Don’t miss me!”
Her eyes had this spark like she was determined to be noticed, even while people kept walking past her.
The woman’s heart ached as she stood there. She wanted so badly to take Liza home, but she reminded herself she already had a cat to care for, as she shared in a YouTube video:
“Right next to her were all the kittens where everybody was giving the kittens a lot of attention, but not her. And I was like, ‘Oh I’d love to take you home but I really can’t.’”
She tried to walk away, but luckily, she didn’t. By the time she found herself back in front of Liza’s crate, the decision was made. That’s how Liza found her forever home that day.
Her mom recalled that special moment, sharing:
“Walked around the store, came back, and I’m like, ‘Okay, no, this cat has to come home with me.’ She really just chose me. We have been inseparable ever since.”
Liza hadn’t had an easy life before that day. She was a rescue from Hawaii, shuffled between homes, and maybe even part of a hoarding situation. But despite her rough start, she was still full of love and warmth.
From the second Liza got home, it was clear she wasn’t just any cat. She stuck to her owner like glue, always nearby. Sometimes she loved to cause trouble, snatching ham right out of a sandwich and bolting off.
But the moment she put on her tiny bandana, she turned into the sweetest, most calming presence, winning over hearts wherever she went, as her mom shared:
“She’s very sweet and loving… Always seeking out someone new or laying on someone’s lap maybe falling asleep with them. She’s really good at what she does because she is so sweet but also because she is so outgoing and so personable.”
The idea of making Liza a therapy cat started at a Halloween costume contest at their vet’s office. She was surrounded by people and dogs, even a big, bouncy Labradoodle that jumped right toward her, but Liza didn’t even blink.
She stayed calm, soaking up the attention like she was born for it. That’s when a vet tech suggested that Liza would be a perfect therapy cat.
Training her wasn’t instant, but her mom took it step by step. Luckily, Liza was already used to wearing a harness from their little adventures together. Six months later, she was ready to shine.
Now, Liza spends her days visiting hospitals and schools, bringing comfort to those who need it most. At a children’s hospital, she helps kids recovering from severe injuries practice motor skills.
She lies patiently as they pet her or use spoons to feed her treats. The kids light up whenever Liza hops onto their laps and curls up for a nap, as her mom shared:
“A lot of these kids are very medically fragile and maybe they’re recovering from different traumatic brain injuries so we would use Liza as a way that they can work on their motor skills. And she’ll just lay down, let them pet her… It’s really rewarding.”
Liza’s work hasn’t just changed the lives of those she visits – it’s transformed her owner’s life too. Once a homebody who’d rather curl up with a book, she’s now going out all the time and meeting new people.
Liza has inspired her in ways she never imagined, sharing:
“She’s really a calming presence and I’m still shocked that a little cat can be so calming and so amazing when she came from so much chaos before. It’s been an amazing journey I think for both of us.”
Liza perfectly shows how one furry friend can change lives and how much love and comfort it can bring to those who need it, as Liza’s mom put it:
“The world needs a lot more therapy cats. They are such an underutilized resource… Having them available makes it much more equitable and accessible for everybody who could use some therapy work.”
It’s amazing how much of a difference animals can make and turn this world into a much better place. We really do need more therapy cats!
Leave a comment