Pulmonologist Earl D. King, a Chester County native who now lives and practices in Virginia, is going viral after prescribing his patient who is going through a rough time a rather unique cure, writes Emily Bloch for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Robin Sipe was surprised when she looked at the instructions from King, her longtime doctor, and in addition to orders to get her annual flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine, she saw another suggestion.

“Get a cat,” the note read.

Sipe, who had recently lost her longtime four-legged companion, listened that same day. She adopted a 7-week-old kitten with bright green eyes and three legs. Thanks to Earlene, as she named the kitten, things immediately improved.

Their story caught the attention of the local media and quickly spread over social media.

“Everything changed for the better when I found Earlene,” said Sipe.

King, who grew up on a dairy farm in Chester County, said that is a common phenomenon for pet owners.

“Cats and dogs are important for patients for comfort or touch or well-being of their cardiovascular health, lung health,” he said.

Read more about Earl D. King prescribing a cat to his patient in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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