ST. LOUIS 鈥� With nearly half of Americans reporting higher stress levels this year than last and 83% of Gen Z describing an unhealthy relationship with their phone,2 is bringing back an evidence-based, screen-free solution directly to students who need it most. This May, Cat Chow is launching a three-city college tour of its Therapod: a mobile, phone-free experience offering participants a moment of calm through connection with certified therapy cats from leading animal therapy organization .
Kicking off during finals week in the spring in NYC, the tour continues at the start of a new school year in the fall in Chicago and culminates during midterms week ahead of World Mental Health Day in October in Los Angeles. After debuting in New York in 2025, the Cat Chow Therapod tour in 2026 is timed to support students across the country at some of their most stressful moments.
"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 鈥� many of whom are miles from home and the pets they love."
The Mental Health Benefits of Cats
Research shows that just 10 minutes with a cat can measurably reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress.3 For college students navigating finals, new semesters, and life away from home, time with a therapy cat can make a meaningful difference. Pet Partners, whose certified cat therapy teams will be on-site at each stop, sees the initiative as a meaningful response to the mental health challenges students face every day.
"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, 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. 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鈥攁n experience that can support emotional well-being in a simple, approachable way."
Students can visit the Cat Chow Therapod at the following locations:
- New York City, May 6鈥�7. 10am 鈥� 4pm ET by the New York University College of Arts & Science entrance, adjacent to Washington Square Park
- Chicago, September 16鈥�17. At DePaul University by The Quad
- Los Angeles, October 6鈥�7. At UCLA's Wilson Plaza, adjacent to Bruin Walk and the UCLA Store; then at Westwood Village near the main UCLA Campus
Additional Resources for Cat Owners and Animal Therapy Advocates
The Cat Chow Therapod is the centerpiece of the brand's broader Cats as Therapy (CAT) Project, launched in 2025 to promote mental well-being through the healing power of cats. Through the CAT Project, Cat Chow hopes to showcase the mental health benefits of cats and, ultimately, help more people experience them.
Those who can't visit the Cat Chow Therapod in person can explore the therapeutic benefits of feline companionship through HAPPi, a free enrichment program from Purina, at . HAPPi offers pet owners daily tips and activities that support the human-animal bond and encourage overall wellness.
For more information on Cat Chow or the Cats as Therapy Project, visit .
