Paws for thought: cat training program shows promise for youth with disabilities
NCT ID NCT05950672
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a new program where early adolescents with developmental disabilities learned to train their family cat using positive reinforcement. The goal was to see if the training could improve the cat's attachment to the child and give the child a sense of responsibility. 36 families took part, with some in the training group and others as a control. The study focused on cat behavior and child participation, not on direct health outcomes for the child.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
cat assisted training (positive reinforcement-based training)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new, accessible way to support children with developmental disabilities using family cats.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study with only 36 participants and no phase. Results may not apply to other families or settings, and the main focus was on cat behavior, not direct child outcomes.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States