CRESTVIEW — Karen Bell believes a household cat is just what her autistic son, George, needs. Even though the 6-year-old is allergic to cats.
Since being diagnosed with autism at age 4, George has trouble interpreting the environment, especially when there's a lot of commotion, Bell said.
Her son never bonded with therapy dogs; in fact, most dogs seem to scare him, she said. George is more of cat person.
“I think it’s their gentle nature that he likes,” Bell said. “Dogs tend to be excited and jump around … cats are more laid back."
In addition to helping people reduce anxiety and improve social skills, Siberian cats are known to bond with at least one person in a family. Bell hopes a kitten would bond with George.
And his allergies may not be a problem. The Russian breed seems less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to others, according to Wedmd.com. Although Siberian cats typically have shaggy fur, the breed produces a low level of the allergy-affecting protein enzyme in its saliva.
Bell is optimistic, but now cost is a concern.
She found an Orlando cat breeder who sells Siberian kittens for $900. The family has set up a Gofundme.com account to help raise money for the kitten.
So far, the account has raised $800 of a $1,200 goal. Bell said the family could afford the travel costs to retrieve the kitten in Orlando.
She hopes it works out.
“I think it would help George improve his quality of life,” she said.
WANT TO HELP?
Visit http://www.gofundme.com/ckn5gg donate toward the purchase of a Siberian cat for 6-year-old George Bell.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family seeks cat, donations to help autistic son