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Pinecone the Therapy Cat Aids Anxious Students
27 Oct
Summary
- A cat named Pinecone works as a therapy animal at a middle school.
- Pinecone helps anxious students find quiet moments between classes.
- Videos of Pinecone's school visits have gained significant online attention.
A middle school in Rhode Island is experiencing the calming influence of Pinecone, a registered therapy cat. Pinecone, aged three and a half, regularly visits the school with his owner, art teacher Kayleigh Smith, about three times a week since January 2026.
His presence aims to reduce student stress and anxiety, offering a quiet, comforting interaction. Students facing difficult days often seek solace by petting Pinecone in Smith's classroom. Pinecone's official status as a therapy animal was obtained through rigorous online courses and an in-person evaluation to ensure he could navigate busy environments.
The cat's engaging antics at school have led to viral videos, sparking widespread positive reactions online. Many viewers have expressed admiration for Pinecone's role and suggested similar programs for other schools to foster empathy and ease student stress.
