The project was created to help people who have experienced difficult life circumstances, including the effects of war, the loss of loved ones, or forced displacement. The organizers note that interacting with animals can help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and restore psychological balance, according to kyiv.ua.
The center plans to use rescued cats as participants in therapeutic sessions. A safe space will be created for visitors where they can relax, interact with animals, and receive psychological support.
The center’s main areas of focus will be the psychological rehabilitation of people affected by the war, helping them cope with the emotional consequences of losing loved ones or their homes, and promoting mental health awareness.
The organizers note that the opening of the Cat Therapy Center is intended to draw attention to the role of animals in psychological rehabilitation and the development of modern approaches to mental health support in Ukraine.
What is felinotherapy?
Felinotherapy is a branch of animal-assisted therapy that involves interacting with cats as a complementary method of psychological support. It is believed that contact with animals helps reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote emotional recovery. At the same time, this method does not replace professional psychological or medical care but is used as a supplementary tool for rehabilitation.
The Experience in Moldova
An attempt was made to introduce felinotherapy in Moldova many years ago with the opening of a cat café in one of the capital’s shopping centers—a place where people could eat pizza and interact with cats. However, the initiative did not gain further traction.
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