The first cat cafe started operating in Taiwan in 1998 and was dedicated to people, who could not have their own cats but wanted to enjoy the comforting touch of an animal. Since then the same concept has spread through Japan and also to the rest of the world.
Some airports have little dogs “employed” who help people scared of flying, to calm down and relax.
Nevertheless, animal therapy doesn´t have to end with the usual pets. Some companies are animal friendly since a long many years, others are now opening their doors to dogs, cats and also turtles, rabbits or even piglets in the hope of offering relaxing breaks to their employees and decrease cumulated stress.
The world is generally divided between dog lovers… / Photo: Shutterstock
…and cat lovers. / Photo: Martina Advaney
Animals are also a great help in hospitals… / Photo: Shutterstock
…and hospices. / Photo: Shutterstock
Harvard report: dogs reduce stress