Ask any pet owner if their animal is a comfort to them during difficult emotional times and the answer will be yes.
For Sazsa Silvaz, the strength her cat Starina gave her after losing her mum Simmi, was so great, she couldn’t bear to be parted with her.
Now, Starina is one of the first emotional support pets to be registered in the UK.
It means that Sazsa has written permission from her doctor stating Starina can accompany her everywhere.
She goes in supermarkets, pubs and restaurants and even rode in the car during Sazsa’s driving test!
“Emotional support pets aren’t recognised so much in the UK,” says Sazsa, who is 34 and lives in Watford, London.
“But after losing mum I couldn’t bear to be parted with her. I went to my doctor and he wrote a letter for me stating she was my emotional support cat.
“Learning to drive was something mum really encouraged me to do.
“So it was fitting that Starina was there and she kept me calm too.”
When she sadly died, the little cat attended her funeral at Golders Green Crematorium in North London.
Afterwards, Sazsa felt she needed Starina with her at all times, and thankfully, her doctor agreed.
She continued with her social media posts and Starina’s following grew.
Then, during a visit to Pet London to buy a cat carrier handbag, Sazsa was asked whether Starina could model.
Her striking eyes and calm nature in front of the camera means she’s in high demand as a super-meow-del!
She’s been in Vogue, and featured in campaigns for Stella McCartney, ASOS and Hendricks Gin.
8 Responses
Such a beautiful cat! I really like the sound of an emotional support cat. My cat is like the opposite – he drains all the emotion out of you with his constant anger.
Aw he sounds like a real character though Joanne! Yes, Starina is super special!
I’m allergic to cats so I tend to avoid which is a shame! But I reckon dogs are good at offering emotional support too, mine is certainly tuned into whether I’m happy or a bit sad.
They definitely know don’t they? Daisy is much better behaved if she can sense I’m not feeling good!
Having never had any pets bigger than the palm of my hand it’s really hard for me to imagine what it’s like to have such close and intense bonds with one. Having said that, I’m so in awe of guide dogs and when it comes to bereavement, breakups and loss I’m all for what gets you through it positively.
Absolutely Lyndsey, they are so special!
Ah this is such a heartwarming story! I’d never heard of emotional support cats/pets before – very interesting! And wonderfully written. Thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
Ah thanks Helen, I know, I’d never heard of it either, but it’s big in the States. I think it’s something we’ll hear more about here. Animals play such an important role in our lives. xx