Mute Lorcan, 7, learns to speak - with the help of his purr-fect pal
Filed under: Advice and health
Cavendish
Lorcan Dillon and Jessi-cat have become inseparable over the past two years and the little boy has started saying: 'I love you' for the first time.
Lorcan suffers from an anxiety condition that leaves him virtually unable to communicate or express his feelings.
But when mum Jayne brought Jessi-cat, a cream Birman, into their family home in Davyhulme, Greater Manchester, Lorcan quickly developed an amazing bond with her.
His mum Jayne Dillon, 44, told The Sun: "The bond between Lorcan and Jessi-Cat is so touching as he's able to show physical affection to her which he doesn't like doing with people - even me.
"She's such a delightful, responsive cat and he hugs and kisses her all the time.
"It is a way for him to express his emotions that otherwise he wouldn't be able to do. "Jessi-Cat has made a huge difference to Lorcan's life.
"We've had her for a couple of years and in the last year alone he seems to be making excellent progress at school.
"In the past two weeks he's started communicating with people he doesn't know very well and even reads to one of the teachers now - something he's never done before."
What a heart-warming story.
Top 10 family pets
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- Goldfish<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Calming, colourful and simple to look after.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> You have to keep an eye on small children who like throwing in too much food.</p>

- Dog<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Loyal, loving and part of the family.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Needs to be taken for a walk every day (and you have to pick up the poo).</p>

- Stick insect<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Minimal maintenance - needs only leaves and water.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Not overly affectionate. Can sometimes be confused with a twig.</p>

- Cat<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Beautiful to watch, and scares away mice.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Some are affectionate, some aren’t (and there’s nothing worse than being cold-shouldered by a cat).</p>

- Rabbit<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Affectionate and good-natured (although has been known to nip).</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Will probably need a hutch outside - which means clearing out dirty straw even when it’s cold and raining.</p>

- Tortoise<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Looks incredibly wise and lives for a long time. Beware endangered species.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Not really around much for four or five months of the year.</p>

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- Gerbil<p> <strong>Plus:</strong></p> <p> Small, furry and sweet.</p> <p> <strong>Minus:</strong></p> <p> Loves digging tunnels, so you’ll need a very large cage with potting compost at the bottom.</p>





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