How a cat’s love helped a severely autistic 7-year-old learn human interactions
Iris Grace and puss Thula are adorable best friends who go everywhere together
MEET seven-year-old Iris Grace Halmshaw and her best friend Thula – the remarkable cat who helped this severely autistic little girl to come out of her shell.
The pair’s amazing bond has transformed Iris’s world and astounded and delighted her parents, Arabella and P-J.
Arabella, 34, said: “I never imagined an animal would bring so much joy to Iris’s life. Before Thula, she used to cry a lot — it was distressing for both of us.
“But she has changed more than I could have imagined since Thula came into our lives. It is like a miracle.”
Iris had been unresponsive as a baby, failed to start speaking when expected and could not socialise, look people in the eye or settle at night.
Her extreme fear of water made washing a daily struggle.
At two she was diagnosed with severe autism and doctors warned Arabella and P-J, a 45-year-old finance worker, that she may never be able to communicate.
But when Iris was five she bonded with a friend’s cat, prompting Arabella to get her a kitten of her own. She settled on Thula, a Maine Coon, the largest breed of domestic cat.
Iris and her new pet became inseparable. Following Thula’s calming example, Iris started to relax while doing things she had previously hated, including bathing and wearing clothes.
Arabella, 34, a photographer from Market Harborough, Leics, said: “We took Thula everywhere, to the shops, on picnics, and every time I was amazed how calm and happy Iris was.
“One day Iris was painting when Thula walked across her painting table. Iris said, ‘Sit, cat’ — and Thula sat instantly. It was amazing. For the first time Iris used words for a purpose.”
Iris’s artistic skill has particularly blossomed and she now posts her paintings on Facebook, where they have been snapped up by celebs such as Ashton Kutcher, Zooey Deschanel and Angelina Jolie.
Olivia Colman and Daniel Radcliffe have also backed Arabella’s campaign to raise autism awareness.
Arabella adds: “Thula’s taught Iris so much about human interaction, I know she’ll be fine on her own one day.”
— Iris Grace, by Arabella Carter-Johnson, is published by Penguin, £7.99.
MAINE COON CATS: THE FACTS
Maine Coon cats are said to be gentle giants. They can weigh up to 18lbs, putting them among the world’s largest cats.
Affectionate and playful, they are known as the dogs of the cat world. Some have been known to walk on a lead or play fetch.
Stewie, the longest-ever cat, was a Maine Coon. When fully stretched out he measured 48.5in from nose to tail tip.
Unlike other cat breeds, these love water. Thanks to their water-resistant coats they are efficient swimmers.
Their origin is disputed. Some say they are descended from six cats that Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, shipped to the US state of Maine in the 1700s. Others say they are the result of wild cats mating with raccoons.
A Maine Coon called Pebbles played Argus Filch’s cat Mrs Norris in the Harry Potter films.