MORE than just a pretty face, nine-month old ragdoll cat Doctor Leopold is a calming companion, an entertainer and – as his name suggests – a healer.
As headspace Mount Gambier’s resident therapy cat, Doctor Leopold interacts with clients in whatever way is helpful for them.
“He is affectionately known as Doc Leopold and he is the first therapy pet we have had at headspace Mount Gambier,” therapeutic youth worker Kym Galluccio said.
“As far as we know he is the first therapy pet at any headspace centre nationally.
“We have been very thorough in our processes to make sure everything is safe for our clients and safe for our cat and so far the service has proven very popular – he is fully booked.”
Though still in training, Dr Leopold has perfected a number of therapy techniques.
“He’s quite large and looks like a fully grown cat, but he’s only nine months old, so he’s still a baby really and he is still in training,” Ms Galluccio said.
“He does tricks and will often entertain clients with some antics depending on his mood – he’s very good at being playful and engaging with the client.
“Clients are able to hold him and hug him and they find it very soothing and calming.”
Young person Georgia said she felt relaxed around Dr Leopold.
“You can be yourself around him – he’s a very good listener and he’s cute and fluffy,” she said.
“With humans, you have to tell them everything for them to understand – animals just get it.
“Dr Leopold can sense if you’re tired and he will sit there for a pat, or if you’re energetic he’ll play with you.
“He helps to calm you down – it’s nice to have an animal there to comfort you.”
Young person Tom had his first interaction with Dr Leopold last week and said the fluffy feline made headspace feel “more like home”.
“He makes me feel more comfortable,” Tom said.
“I like the idea of a companion pet – having him here makes expressing your feelings a lot easier.”
Ms Galluccio said sessions with Doc Leopold were available on Wednesdays via a booking system.
“We actually have a waiting list at the moment – he’s a very popular cat,” she said.
“When he’s here he does work hard – he makes it easier for the clients to come in and creates a calmer space.”
