The Purrr-fect Companion — Sharp Grossmont’s Pet Therapy Cat

Elliot the Therapy Cat
Sharp Grossmont Hospital would like to introduce a member of its pet therapy program — a fluffy Himalayan feline named Elliot. He's the first and only therapy cat for the East County medical center, among 24 therapy dogs.

Inspired by a patient who was unable to bring his pet cat when admitted into hospice care, Eileen Cowles, Elliot's owner, enrolled her cat to receive pet therapy certification in hopes of hospice adjusting its policies to allow certified therapy cats.

A few months later, Elliot received his certification through Love on a Leash, the only national pet therapy organization that certifies animals other than dogs. In addition, Cowles was successful at having hospice change its rules to allow felines to visit patients.

Currently, one can catch Elliot sitting comfortably in a plaid blue pet stroller. Every Sunday, Cowles, accompanied by a junior hospital volunteer, carts Elliot through the halls of Sharp Grossmont's third floor. Patients have the option to pet Elliot, or have him lie at their bedside. Most patients choose the latter.