The Impact of Live and Robotic Cat-Assisted Therapy on Symptoms and Happiness Levels in Patients With Cancer Following Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of live and robotic cat-assisted therapies on chemotherapyinduced symptoms and happiness levels in patients with cancer. SAMPLE & SETTING: 45 patients were randomly assigned to live cat therapy, robotic cat therapy, or control groups in a university hospital. METHODS & VARIABLES: Data were collected between June 1 and September 1, 2023. Patients in therapy groups interacted with a live or robotic cat for 20 minutes twice weekly for three months. RESULTS: Although the live cat therapy group had higher median happiness scores than the robotic cat therapy group, differences in happiness and symptom scores between groups were not statistically significant. Both therapies alleviated chemotherapy-induced symptoms and enhanced emotional well-being, with robotic cat therapy showing slightly greater overall effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Robotic pet therapy offers a feasible alternative where live animalassisted therapy is impractical. Integrating these therapies into oncology nursing can enhance symptom management and psychological support, promoting holistic, patient-centered care.