Published Aug 21, 2026
The Cat Chronicles / Youtube.com
Roger the cat was, in his mom’s words, “the most famous person at the children’s hospital.” His warmth and positive energy helped him become a micro-celebrity, and the children looked forward to his weekly visits.
His mom shares how Roger got here and how she’s been able to raise a second therapy cat after his retirement.
The “Most Famous Person at the Children’s Hospital” Is… a Cat?
That’s right! After visiting the children’s hospital once a week for five years, Roger really made a name for himself.
All jokes aside, he’s been able to comfort so many sick kids and has made a real difference in their lives.
His mom told us about one little girl who even called to request him personally. She had to get an MRI, which can be extremely scary for little kids. Roger’s mom took him for an extra visit so the little girl could meet him, and she cried as she held him in her lap.
This is just one of so many special memories they made at the hospital. Roger’s mom says that nothing seems to rattle him, which makes him the perfect therapy cat. He’s unflappable!
Giving Back to the World
The Cat Chronicles / Youtube.com
Going back to the beginning of their story: Roger’s mom adopted a gray cat with her ex. After losing her in the breakup, she spent years yearning for another gray cat. Specifically, one who could walk on a leash!
When a litter of kittens was born in her friend’s yard, they kept urging her to come and visit. One of the kittens was mostly gray, and they knew that he would be perfect for her.
Roger’s mom first met him when he was just a couple of weeks old. Looking at the tiny bundle of fur, she immediately knew he was hers.
Of course, he couldn’t be separated from his mother yet. Roger was raised with his mama cat, his siblings, and a greyhound who functioned as an adoptive father to them all. His mom credits Roger’s amazing personality in part to having been raised by a dog!
When she was finally able to bring him home, she instantly saw how special he was. She was also looking for a way to give back to the world, which is what made her consider raising him as a therapy cat.
Her boss’s wife at the time had worked for Hospice of the Valley, and he told her that they could use another therapy cat. When Roger turned a year old, he passed his test and started working there.
That continued for three years before they transferred to the children’s hospital. Roger’s mom would set him on kids’ beds, and he would snuggle right in. He even let her carry him around the place on his back, calm as can be.
A Second Therapy Cat
The Cat Chronicles / Youtube.com
In 2020, Roger’s work stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His mom couldn’t tell if he really wanted to go back, but she knew she wanted another therapy cat one day.
That’s when she met Sal, a “crazy friendly” outdoor cat. She tried to see if he had a family somewhere, but no one ever claimed him!
Six months later, he took the test to become a therapy cat and passed immediately.
Their mom says that her cats and this work have changed her life for the better, and also taught her some valuable lessons. The most important thing she learned through hospice care? If you have people (and cats!) in your corner, you’re more blessed than you may realize.
