Meet the Professional Therapy Cat Who Takes His Hospital Job Very Seriously
Many people enjoy the company of animals, and it’s often assumed—sometimes more by perception than by hard data—that being around pets like dogs and cats can ease stress and support mental health. That idea is at the heart of therapy animal programs, where trained pets provide comfort in hospitals and other community spaces.
Roger, a gray tuxedo cat with little white paws, is one of them. Now 10 years old, he has spent nearly a decade working as a therapy cat. He moves easily through hospital corridors and seems to sense when someone could use the calm of his presence. Over the years, he’s become a familiar part of life at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and beyond.
A Cat With a Calling
In 2016, Roger’s owner, Tracy Howell, decided to sign him up with Pet Partners, a national therapy animal organization. What she thought would be just another day turned into the start of something big. Roger quickly demonstrated he had the calm temperament and warm personality to work with patients of all ages. Together, they began volunteering not only at Phoenix Children’s but also at Hospice of the Valley, Arizona State University, and the Scottsdale Public Library.
At the children’s hospital, Roger became famous for his gentle nature and his ability to perform little tricks that light up kids’ faces. Hospice patients with dementia were equally touched by him, often breaking into smiles their families hadn’t seen in ages.
In March 2020, Roger’s hospital visits came to a sudden stop. His last day on site was busy: in just two hours he spent time with 13 patients. The following day, in-person sessions were suspended.
Instead of taking a break, Roger and Tracy shifted to Zoom. Reading emotions through a screen wasn’t the same, but Roger still managed to hold people’s attention. One nurse recalled a patient who smiled at his tricks during a call—something they hadn’t seen in weeks. It was a small moment, but it showed how much impact he could have, even from a distance.
More Than Just a Feline
In 2021, Roger received the Service to the Community Hero Award from the Arizona Pet Project. For Tracy, it was recognition not only of Roger’s work but of therapy cats in general, a cause she has long supported. She often says it takes the right cat and the right handler to form a team, and she hopes to see more of them in the future.
That same year, a second cat entered the picture. A stray orange-and-white cat showed up on Tracy’s patio, and she decided to take him in. She named him Sal. His calm behavior made him a natural candidate for therapy work, so Tracy began training him and documenting their progress online. Today, Roger and Sal work side by side while also gathering a following on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.