National Geographic, June 1997
Author: Stephen J. O’Brien
Art by: Mauricio Antón
Pages: This article appears in the June 1997 issue and spans multiple pages, featuring detailed insights on the evolutionary and emotional connections between cats and humans, including the work of Carole Wilbourn, a pioneering cat therapist.
In New York, I make a house call with Carole Wilbourn, cat therapist. The patient, P. (professional confidentiality, you understand), an eight-year-old black-and-white shorthair, has been diagnosed with aggressive cat syndrome. He has chewed the stereo, phone, and VCR wires. He will not use the litter box. He attacks his owner. Valium has been prescribed.
“Look at it from P.’s point of view,” Carole says empathically. “A traumatic kittenhood. Inadequate nurturing. Little wonder P. suffers from low self-esteem and anxiety. Cats have feelings too,” she says.
As she talks, Carole sprinkles catnip from a tiny velvet pouch and makes soothing sounds. This is P.’s seventh session (at $95 a visit). “When someone suggested a cat therapist, I wondered if I needed one instead,” P.’s owner confesses. “But it works.”
Carole clicks on a tape with New Age music. P. rolls over on his back, thrusts his paws up in the air, and promptly closes his eyes. I am tempted to curl up myself.
What is it about cats? I ask Carole, who majored in psychology, then worked with a veterinarian before starting her practice as a cat shrink 24 years ago. In reply, she reminisces about the cats she has owned. The pets who provided companionship through difficult times and two failed marriages.
What is it about cats? “They’re always there for you,” Carole answers. We stare at each other for a moment. She looks as if she may cry.
