The cat absolutely helps meet my son's sensory needs, and my son helps meet the cat's obsessive need for attention...
Lol. In my house, cats and sensory seekers have also been a great match. I got a kitten when my son turned one. Even though we don't have an official diagnosis, DS2 definitely fits the profile of a sensory seeker. My son is quite a bit younger than yours, but he loved the kitten. DS would drag a curtain tie behind him which the cat would chase, then hook onto with his claws for a ride around our house, satisfying both of their needs at once (heavy work/play). The clawing was a problem for a bit until my son learned how much was too much, but in our case it was the advantage of a cat over a dog - immediate feedback. My mom and I have some sensory issues as well and both of us have found cats to be a great comfort.
And congrats on all the new skills, hooray!
