Purina Cat Chow is launching a three-city college tour of its Therapod, a mobile experience offering students time with certified therapy cats from Pet Partners, timed to coincide with high-stress academic periods.
The tour kicks off during finals week in New York City in May, continues at the start of the fall semester in Chicago in September, and wraps up during midterms week ahead of World Mental Health Day in Los Angeles in October.
"Cats can be very sensitive to our emotional states, and their natural social behavior is a great fit for improving our mood," said Dr. Annie Valuska, Purina animal behaviorist. "A cat quietly resting nearby, seeking gentle physical contact or purring can help us slow down and reset. The Therapod brings that special experience directly to students — many of whom are miles from home and the pets they love."
Research shows that just 10 minutes with a cat can measurably reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Pet Partners, whose certified cat therapy teams will be on-site at each stop, will facilitate the interactions.
"College students today are navigating a complex mix of academic demands, social pressures, and the near-constant stimulation of a digital world," said Taylor Chastain Griffin, Ph.D., national director of AAI Advancement at Pet Partners and a trained mental health professional.
"We're seeing a clear need for support strategies that are both accessible and grounded in evidence-informed practices," said Chastain Griffin. "The Cat Chow Therapod offers students a brief but meaningful opportunity to step away, regulate their stress response, and engage in a calming interaction with a therapy cat — an experience that can support emotional well-being in a simple, approachable way."
Tour dates and locations are:
- New York City, May 6-7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET, by the New York University College of Arts & Science entrance, adjacent to Washington Square Park
- Chicago, Sept. 16-17, at DePaul University by The Quad
- Los Angeles, Oct. 6-7, at UCLA's Wilson Plaza, adjacent to Bruin Walk and the UCLA Store, then at Westwood Village near the main UCLA campus
The Therapod is part of Cat Chow's broader Cats as Therapy (CAT) Project, launched in 2025. Cat Chow also offers HAPPi, a free enrichment program with daily tips and activities that support the human-animal bond, available at catchow.com/CATproject.
