When we think of working animals, dogs usually come to mind. But in High Wycombe, a confident Siamese cat named Frank is showing the world that cats can have important jobs too.
A Cat with a Special Role
Frank lives with his owner, Julie Shute, and recently became part of the training process at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The charity trains dogs to recognize important sounds such as smoke alarms, doorbells, and even baby monitors—helping people with hearing loss live more safely and independently.
Frank’s role? To test whether trainee dogs can live peacefully in homes with cats.
How Frank Helps the Puppies
Dog training instructor Rachel Broadley explained that Frank has been a wonderful addition to the team. Unlike most cats, Frank enjoys being around dogs and has already bonded with Kasper, one of the trainee puppies.
The introduction process is slow and safe:
- First, Frank is seen by the dog through a glass door.
- Later, he sits comfortably on Julie’s lap while the puppy approaches.
- Frank’s body language is carefully monitored—if he relaxes, the dog may come closer.
Dogs that bark, act overly excited, or shy away from Frank may not be suitable for future homes with cats.
And of course, Frank is rewarded for his hard work with his favorite snack—pieces of roast chicken.
From Family Cat to “Chief Cat Tester”
Interestingly, Frank’s career started by accident. Julie began volunteering as a puppy trainer and noticed that her first trainee, a Cockapoo named Gizmo, became best friends with Frank. Trainers quickly realized Frank’s calm, dog-friendly nature could be a valuable asset for the program.
Today, Frank holds the unofficial title of “chief cat tester”, ensuring that future hearing dogs are well-prepared for life in cat-loving households.
Why This Matters for Pet Parents
For families considering adopting a hearing dog, compatibility with existing pets is crucial. Thanks to Frank, the charity can better match dogs with households that already have cats—making transitions smoother for everyone involved.
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES
Q: What is a hearing dog?
A hearing dog is a specially trained service dog that helps people with hearing loss by alerting them to important sounds like alarms, doorbells, or crying babies.
Q: Why is Frank the cat involved in training?
Frank helps test whether a trainee dog can live peacefully with cats, ensuring a good match for deaf partners who already have feline companions.
Q: Is this type of role common for cats?
Not at all! Frank is unique because of his confident, dog-friendly personality. Most cats would not enjoy this kind of work.
EN
DE
ES
PT