Heartwarming Friendship Of A 5-Year-Old Girl With Autism And Her Therapy Cat
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Remember when we wrote about Iris Grace, the incredibly talented 5-year-old girl with autism who paints beautiful pictures? It turns out that she has a behind-the-scenes helper who’s also worthy of praise – that’s Thula, her therapy cat.
Thula, who is almost 1 year old, is a Maine Coon. This breed is known as the intelligent and gentle giant of the cat world and though she’s still small and young, Thula does not disappoint. Her gentle and compassionate character is especially important for Iris, a young girl growing up with autism; “Thula has lowered [Iris’] daily anxieties in life and keeps Iris calm,” Iris’ mother, Arabella Carter-Johnson, told Bored Panda, “but equally has the effect of encouraging her to be more social. She will talk more to Thula, saying little phrases like ‘sit cat.’”
Carter-Johnson had almost given up on the search for an animal therapy companion for her daughter. When Iris happened to connect with a Siberian cat that her family was cat-sitting for Christmas, however, she realized that she “just hadn’t found the right animal yet.” For more info about Thula and Iris, read more of Carter-Johnson’s interview with Bored Panda!
More info: irisgracepainting | Facebook | WordPress | The Little Explorers Activity Club (h/t: modernmet)
“What ever activity we are doing Thula is there and wants to help and be involved,” Arabella Carter-Johnson told Bored Panda. “Waterplay, playdoh, painting, bike rides, iPad, puzzles, marble run, drawing… she offers Iris her companionship, friendship and supports me in encouraging Iris to interact.”
“Thula has lowered [Iris’] daily anxieties in life and keeps Iris calm, but equally has the effect of encouraging her to be more social. She will talk more to Thula, saying little phrases like ‘sit cat.’ ”
“Iris has been through a stage over the last year of hating baths and having her hair washed. Thula has been getting in the bathtub with Iris and even letting me shampoo her as well to help Iris.”
“Iris is more active first thing in the morning now. Before Thula, it was always hard to get the day going. She is easier to get engaged in activities and there have been changes out on our bike rides.”
“It wasn’t advised to get an autism therapy animal, but when you research autism, there are stories that come up from time to time about the wonderful effects that animals can have on autistic kids.”
“We took Iris to Equine therapy but she didn’t seem very interested in horses at that time. Then I began to think about a therapy dog.”
“Iris and the dog didn’t get along – Iris hated being licked and the tail wagging, the hyperactivity of the dog would upset her. So, for a while, I gave up on the idea.”
“Then I thought about a therapy cat after reading more stories about how they have helped children with Autism… but again, no interest from Iris and the cat didn’t seem to like her either.”
“By this point I was getting sick of the idea. I couldn’t carry on with trialing out different animals, it wasn’t fair on anyone and not helping Iris at all.”
“Then my brother’s girlfriend needed a place for their cat over the Christmas holidays and we offered to look after her while they were abroad. She was a beautiful Siberian and Iris connected immediately with her.”
“It was then I realized that I just hadn’t found the right animal yet. So, it took us a long time and a lot of trial and error trying out different options but we got there in the end.”
“Thula isn’t a trained service/therapy cat but I have done certain things – I got her used to wearing a harness when she was a kitten and riding in the car and on the bike. The rest she does on her own.”
“The harness has a very important purpose. Thula comes out on the bikes with us and there is an internal lead in the basket and I hook that onto her harness. She doesn’t normally want to jump out but it’s a safety measure just in case something frightens her, like traffic. She will also walk on a lead and the harness is more comfortable for her than a collar for that, and safer.”
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On the last photo, you can see the cat's face on the painting over the piano.
OMG, I didn't notice that. You totally can. How unbelievable!
Well spotted Kelli.....I thought it was a beautiful pic, before you mentioned and I went on to see the cat's face!
that is freaky and amazing!
I didn't see it 'til I read your reply, so I went back for another look and there it was...Just beautiful !
Yes, there is ! I scrolled back after reading your comment and I saw it. Thank you. The child is really talented.
I'm not the only one then!! ok
I absolutely love the tones in it as well. Blues and greens are so calming :) I'd totally buy that if I could.
you can http://irisgracepainting.com/paintings/ the painting is called "raining cats" her prints start at £38.00
Oh my goodness, you made me scroll back up and then I got goosebumps!
I saw it right away. That is amazing and beautiful. She's a very special little girl with a very special cat.
Look on the left side. See the child's hand reaching out to the cat? Yes, this little girl is a genius.
Thst just awesome, didn't notice until read your comment
This elevates the story to a much higher level of beauty and love between this little girl and her cat.
OMG you can...talk about miracles,
OMG! I didn't know...after reading your comment..i went back up there and see it again...she is indeed a talented painter...
I noticed it immediately! Amazing!!!
First I thought where then I went thats amazing
WOW!! <3
Hey. Youshoud, how perceptive of you! It's very subtle, almost ethereal. Well spotted, you.
I think God may be a cat.. incredible little girl and cat! We all should love so well.
That's amazing! Thank you for pointing it out. I wouldn't have noticed it....so cool.
So wonderful!
Wow, i was just thinking the same. Glad its not just me. For a minute there, i didnt beleive my eyes! Beautiful 😊😀😍
You must be an artist. I thought it was a beautifully colorful painting. But it's so much more. You truly have a wonderful eye for detail.
You must be an artist. I thought, as Kelli, that it was a beautifully colorful painting. But it's so much more. You have a wonderful eye for detail.
I wouldn't have seen that - you are absolutely right. Amazing!
I see it too. The kitty is really important to her. I hope they know when the kitty dies it will be that much harder as well.
OMG YOU ARE RIGHTTT!! WONDERFUL
Yes, I see it...
oh my god... i was shocked... that is amazing
I didn't see it either! Iris must have done it on purpose, she's so amazing. What a beautiful pair.
Wow that is incredible! So beautiful x
With all the troubles in the world, the Middle-East, Ebola and such, it is a heart-warming story.
Whoa! You're right! How cool is that???
I see it! OMG goosebumps!
Wow that's beautiful.
Wow thats beautiful
Wow! I had to go back to look - you are right! That's pretty amazing!
Yes,yes,yes it looks wonderful!
WOW! I didn't see it at first. Amazing !!!!
I can't see it :( can someone help?
Hi Jasmine Lee. You can see the cats eyes 1/4 way down from the top
I noticed eyes but did not see it was the cat until you pointed out!
I noticed that too and was about to comment such when I saw your comment. :-)
wow
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WOW!!!!! I didn't see it until I read your comment. Unbelievable amazing. I truly believe that the cat senses something is wrong.
We don't understand the gifts of children like this little girl. Something is different, not wrong. Kitty is a buffer between worlds.
Why do people always assume something is "wrong"??? Something is right about her. Her level of intelligence we may never comprehend!
I don't think Thula senses that something is "wrong" but that she understands Iris.
I think something is right.
OMG AWHHH!! How can anybody think that the cats are not the most amazing creatures in the world???
I think the horses are too.
Horses are awesooome!!! ;-)
I can think of many animals to be very amazing but I wouldn't label anyone of them as the "most amazing".
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This story is heartwarming but no cats are not the most amazing creatures in the world I'm sorry, this one is great as a therapy cat
Huh? Whatever. There's always got to be someone raining on the parade.
Cats are smart, and very amazing, our cat helped my mother who had cancer one night as she needed to go to the hospital.
But she wasn't trained as a therapy cat! That IS amazing.
Oh for God's sake, how do you not understand the concept of non-literal hyperbole?
I bet you kick puppies, too
Look at that cat's face, she knows what her job is and she's proud to do it. Such a wonderful story.
I am actually in tears at my desk, Wish I had such an amazing pet. Beyond Beautiful ....
I've had cats all of my life but Thula is one of a kind.The bond she herself formed with Iris is great. She looks like she's protecting her.
Me too. My cats don't get me and i also have autism
Adorable <3
beautiful
Damn onions....
Can't believe that Thula gets in the bath! It's absolutely amazing.
Maine coons like water!
Amazing story
wonderul <3 God bless them.
No Freakin' Way! o_O I love your art work :) I love your cat :) You got a Partner In Crime, & a friend ;)
Excellent !
Is there any way we can purchase her creative paintings? Or donate for her art supplies? I love this !
They have a facebook page here with a shop: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iris-Grace-Painting/609967369017975
Not to sound crazy but look at the last picture let your eyes blur a lil don't you see an outline of alil girl& cat #amicrazy?? Lol
I'm sure that Thula knows that it is her job to be a helper to her human. Well done on choosing a Maine Coon, as they are highly intelligent
What an incredible story, I think this girls work is amazing, my deepest admiration to her mother for bringing out these gifts, Wow!
Our cat Lightning has been so healing to our son with Asperger's. They are so very close. My son is now 17 and Lightning is 10.
Never liked cat but now I do.
a cat who's willing to take a bath with you? That IS love
Awww! You can tell that cat loves her gentle little unique human and her human loves her right back. Beautiful story and friendship! :D
My son trains k-9's and thinks cats are useless. I will be sending him this.........I love cats.
My son who trains K-9's thinks cats are useless. I will be sending this to him.............I am a cat lover from way back........
I see the cat's face too. Thanks for sharing this. Make a little book for Iris about her, the cat & paint Kids love books about themselves
THERAPY CAT? I'm so n LUV! My son has a therapy dog, best move ever. You're pics have me in tears, I'm so happy for this little girl AMAZING
Dear Iris-You & Thula are beautiful. I am so happy she is your best friend. Your paintings are wonderful and hope to see many adventures.
The most touching story I've read in a long time. Iris is a seriously talented painter! Pls keep Thula secure in harness if she goes out..!
One of the most beautiful stories I've read in a long time.. Iris is a seriously talented artist. Please keep Thula secure in that harness!
They are both so beautiful! They seem to complete each other.
This made my heart explode! What a spectacular cat.
看了她們倆的互動，我感覺幸福感由衷而生~~
Awesome! Big cat lover myself! Cats are deep thinking and I think Thula really connects and understands, more so than any human.
This is one of the most touching things I have ever seen.
I totally love this and I totally love cats!!! Thank you for sharing this story with the world.
Absolutely amazing/ Fantastic story. I hope Thula lives as long as my old cat, who is over 14 years old now.
Longer even!
I love it. I have two autistic children My daughter has connected with our own Maine Coon mix. My son likes them as well.
Oh dear lord, those furry, tufty ears! What a couple of adorable litte ones!
This cat is wonderful! It is apparent, all the way through, that these two are meant for each other! She is very talented, a beautiful artist, and at 5 years old. My grandson has Aspergers, he writes the most amazing, spiritual poems, he won first place in the entire area for 8th graders with his poem "Who Am I." Autistic children are highly intelligent and insightful. The painting in the last photo is very, very beautiful, such gorgeous colors and the cat's face is extraordinary.
WOW! My grandson has Aspergers, and he was very attached to a Guinea Pig, Sweetheart. She died last Aug, and he was devastated. He had her with him every where when he was at home, and she would sit quietly on his computer table while he worked. He loved her very much, but we all knew Guinea Pigs don't live that long, and she passed away in the night when she was 3 1/2 years old. His birthday was at the end of Oct. and he wanted another Guinea Pig. His parents and I researched bunnies, and I bought a little Holland Lop Eared Bunny from a breeder for his birthday. PROFESSOR DAVID FLOPS, has fit into the home and with Beagle Evie, and is very well loved. As a matter of fact, today is his first birthday, I am going to their home to help celebrate Flops first year. We opted for a bunny because they can live up to 15 years. He is also neutered, and loves sitting on the couch and hopping around the floor. Animals are wonderful, be it dog, cat, bird reptile or rodents!
Hsppy faces on the small girl and the cat. Love one another alot too. Very good
Is the painting for sale I would love to support them. I have a sweet angel with autism too.
Love this!!!! Congratulations on the book it looks awesome! We would love to reprint this story and promote your book in our magazine here in Kuwait! Please let us know how we can collaborate with you and your amazing family. Charlotte S. The Correspondent magazine Kuwait editor@rosette.cc
I used to have a Main Coon as well they just awesome cats! Now I have a service dog and I can do understand that that the Main Coon is helping your daughter. They are very gentle and love to be with you and certainly one of the few cats enjoying water. This is awesome for your daughter and your family. Congrats on finding the right one!
Wow, it's amazing to see how they always be there to each other. I bought kitten for my son at 5 months and now she is 3 years old. She pours only with my son. I gives her food, play with her but she always likes around my son.
This is touching but also heartbreaking because of what she will have to go through when her cat passes. Losing my cat of 18 years was by far the hardest thing I ever had to endure...
Cat dies first...
I saw it too this is a amazing story , cats are a lot more loving than people think , I have one that lays on my pillow above my head and puts her paw against my head when I suffer a migraine .
I love Iris' paintings! She is an amazing artist. The painting over the piano would look fabulous in my living room. Thula is a blessing!
are loud. But I'm disabled and would be home or have it with me 99% of the time.
Parrots are my favorite, I would love to get one classified as a therapy animal so my landlord couldn't make me get rid of it. I know,
I saw a white dove in one of the earlier pictures. What a great story, made my day.
Your right, I thought I saw a white dove in an earlier one. This is such a great story. Made my day.
The painting at the end in the photo has the cats face. Its an imprint taking up most of the painting, overlapping it. Such beautiful love.
Based on the ear and toe tufts, the markings, & general fuzziness, I'd say Thula is a Maine Coon. Her PURRsonality certainly matches! =)
Beautiful......♡♡
I love everything about this!
Amazing story! Just like my autistic four year old daughter with her therapy cat Titi. I think were on to something here :)
Very beautiful and I would design a room around the painting. Then, I found the cat face, now I would like to design a house for it.
These photos are so incredibly sweet. You can tell what a bond the two of them have together.
Cats of other kinds can be just as sweet, but I hope people wanting a Maine Coon will use petfinder or a breed specific rescue, not breeders
Petfinder and breed-specific rescues have Maine Coons. I hope people know better than to support breeders while shelter cats die.
beautiful
Wonderfull
<3 Animals are best friends at all times, I love my 3 dogs- 5 cats- and the 2 horses I have, and will never be without them, ever <3
Great story, and photographs
As the father of an autistic son, whom is now an adult, these small bonds between humans and animals mean everything. Miracles abide.
Look at the picture as if daydreaming, eyes slightly crossed for 3D picture, you will see cats all over little Iris's painting. Very Special
Stare at the picture as if you are day-dreaming, with your eyes slightly crossed like studying a 3D pic U see cats all over. Very Special.
Heart warming story ~ perfect responsive kittty ~ how lovely their lives are with each other ~
That's sooo sweet! What a pretty kitty, too!
animals are pretty amazing beings!! and your daughter is beautiful and will do amazing things!
What a beautiful relationship and beautiful child......the picture with the cap on is gorgeous.
Awww what a lovely story
Kelly Brigham - this makes me want to cry
This is one awesome story and one awesome cat. Stories like this are the things that make life worth living. Thanks for sharing... RRH/KLH
A beautiful story.
Beautiful. So incredible that God would purpose a cat to be so helpful and calming for one of his children.
I think I have NOT seen a more beautiful story. And I would love a painting of Iris'...she is a gifted artist.
I love this story and the photos are outstanding! What a fabulous friendship these two share. I love Iris' paintings - what talent!
OMG. This story brought me to tears. The wonderful therapeutic effect of animals never ceases to amaze me.
Just beautiful...!
Just beautiful.....!
What a awesome story , so much connection between them, animals are just so smart=^..^=
Beautiful child, beautiful cat and beautiful story.
Such a beautiful story :-D the cat is her whole world.
A beautiful article. To see the love and bond between Thula and Iris is heart melting.
thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures!!!!
Bless that beautiful kitty for knowing she has a very important job to do.
Show this to the next person who says cats are ungrateful and selfish!
The story in itself is fascinating and wonderfull. The photography is beautiful. But those paintings … they are amazing! I am blown away.
I almost cried with this story. Though dogs make me feel happier, more alive. I do have a cat as well and she's also the sweetest. ♥
Such a great story! Thanks for the share. Incredible little girl and extraordinary service cat going above and beyond as her soul mate!
I love this little girl paintings!!!!!!
My kitty is like that. Cats are angels.
I love your work :) I love your cat :)
Deeply touching. Thank you so much Mom for sharing Iris... The cat picture is flabbergasting.. Is that a word? Astonishing. Thanks Iris. x
These are really intimate and touching images. Yes, I just saw the cat in the artwork... Amazing. Thank you for sharing this. x
Wonderful story, and gorgeous photos... Regarding last photo, I saw the cat face before I had scrolled down revealing Thula on the piano.
she is a talented girl and she is only five years of age and her cat is loving and adorable,everywhere she goes it follows her.
This is so Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. They bring the Best out in each other. I too have owned a Main Coon.
Spectacular photography, spiritual connection, amazingly beautiful~
Spectacular photography, such a spiritual connection, aMaZiNg!
A very sweet story of a talented, beautiful little girl and her 'guardian angel' kitty. Some connections are definitely made in Heaven.
Wow, amazing story, and I can see the cat face in the picture, this kid is an amazing artiest.
Both Iris and Thula melt melt my heart and reassure my that life DOES have a meaning!
The photos are gorgeous...as gorgeous as the child n the cat...so beautiful to behold...Congrats mum n family...
Wonderful, awe inspiring and uplifting. What a fortunate girl and cat.
Absolutely wonderful and so inspirational. What a fortunate young girl and cat!
I saw that too...amazing!!!
I LOVE IT !! TY SO MUCH FOR POSTING.. as ALWAYS Love Don
I was so touched by this post by Janie, my sister. I had a kitty as a child and it brightened up my day to see a stripped kitty again. .
Does Iris sell her paintings?
IRIS AND THULA ARE A FANTASTIC PAIR!!! I believe that everyone should have a cat. Especially people with mental health issues as well!!
I saw the cat's face in the painting at once.
wow:P the first documented kind cat:P
Cats have a way to your heart. And more.
Incredible love!!!
Wonderful true life story. Beautiful girl and a wonderful cat that brought the little girl to life.
That is the most fantastic true life story that I have ever heard. Beautiful girl and the wonderful cat who has brought the young girl to li
Adorable!
adorable
I think this is just wonderful. Just about the time I start to lose faith in the human race something like this comes along and makes it ok
Невероятно !
They both amazing!!such amazing parents that did everything with patience and love...be blessed all...
Magnificient and so touching exemple for human and cats friendship !
So special!!! Pets are definitely therapy to all of us. God made them for a reason. We are so blessed!
Absolutely magnificant, wonderful!!!!!!
What a beautiful relationship they have and wonderful pictures. Iris is an amazing Artist!
love their bonding
They love each other..so talented
This is beautiful!
This is such a great story, they love each other so much! Her paintings are beautiful and a reflection of her spirit.
It makes me weep. Such a friendship, a friendship that will be beautiful to behold!
Beautiful My son has Autism and our beautiful dog Buster helps me greatly
I would love to know if she sells her paintings? Beautiful
That is so cool, my granddaughter is 2 1/2 and she has a cat that loves her like that, a very special bond
Pets can be so special.
que bello !!! cuanto cariño entre su gato y la niña
Beautiful !
OMG, this is so brilliant. And the child's paintings are unbelievable.
This is darling and looks like our precious Emma... miss her.. xoxoxo
What a beautiful relationship! The photos are amazing. We had a Maine Coon for 14 years, and she was such a blessing!
Absolutely amazing!! Even at bathtime the cat is there!! INCREDIBLE!! Both are blessed by the other!
The cat definitely, at least for me, is the most beautiful of everything in the picture. And seeing those cat's eyes is amazing.
Thats so awesome! and I LOVE that painting! Amazing she can create such a beautiful piece with the cat face "hidden" in it!
A wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. I volunteer in Animal Rescue and am amazed at the great benefits animals bring to our lives.
As someone with an Autistic brother, looking through this almost brought me to tears while at work. Thank you for sharing.
My daughter is autistic and she has a therapy cat as well. From the moment we brought him home he has never left her side.
I think this story and this little girls talent is amazing! I
Thula looks just like my deceased Maine Coon Sidney. What a beautiful story!
Pretty darned amazing!
So sweet & beautiful story. I have had cats that are very intuitive like Thula. Iris has a guardian Angel who happens to have claws!
this put tears to my eyes, one of my cats is a maine coon and we all love here
Such a heat warming story thank you for sharing. The photos are an amazing touch. I can tell they were meant to be.
This is so touching. But I hope, despite that I do believe the cat likes keeping her company, that it dosen't get forced to spend...
Soooo sweet <3
Thank you so much for sharing this truly special relationship. The photos show a unique bond, and confirm my belief that animals have souls.
Such a special relationship! Magical! And I do love Iris's artwork! It's beautiful! xxx
Congrats on finding soulmates
OH My gosh so heart warming. Your daughter and her cat Thula are so beautiful .
amazing
Amazing pics and a mystical bond. Wow.
absolutely beautiful!!
I saw the image of the kitten oin the painting immediatly! Amazingly Beautiful!
This is so awesome and amazing!
SO wonderful! :-) Unbelieveable, the love and dedication from an animal to at human in need :-)
This is just wonderful. We have had several Maine Coons and just love the breed. They are so gentle and loving.
what an absolutely gorgeous cat.. and very smart to have connected with Ms Iris.. the way she has.. how wonderful. and i too saw the cat
Beautiful!!!!!
Iris is communicating through her painting, how she sees the world is revealed in her work.
it's so amazing how the mind works, the painting that Iris does reveals how she sees the world
Incredibly cute and awesomely fabulous!
Beautiful story and amazing pics. Good luck Iris and Thula
Beautifull story and amazing pics! Good luck Iris and Thula
Fantastic, they are so good together. WAY TO GO MOM AND DAD you are doing great for your child and I realize it could not and is not easy.
So glad you all have Thula. Remarkable cat.
So precious!
Lucky cat!
Lucky cat!
One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. I am so touched
I had a wonderful cat like that, for 16 years. She was too smart to be a cat. She was more like a guardian angel. This cat is like her.
A very beautiful story, deeply moved. Great picture at the end
AwEsOmE
Beautiful! Heartwarming. Lucky Thula and blessed Iris. ♡
more pictures!
I just noticed on the last photo. All very heartwarming xx
I think it's a great match.
I love this story and the pics. I'm sure it will only help the little angel.
What a beautiful story. I saw the cat features in the picture but was not sure till now.
Two beautiful creatures! This little girl is amazing and the cat is (like all cats) a perfect companion. The picture is genius!!!!
She is an amazing little girl and she found a soul mate
This is the sweetest story!
I'm sure that I'm a bit biased because I have a Siberian cat, but seriously: best. breed. ever! :) hehe.
How wonderful!
How wonderful!
She has an unbelievable talent. Children like her often do. I praise her parents for finding ways to help her find her potential. God bless