Kids read to cats

Samuel Trego and Ben Spiri (R) read to "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, Pa., Feb. 11, 2014.

Children in grades 1-8 read to the cats as a way to improve their reading skills and gain confidence.

The shelter animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them.

Students showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school, according to researchers at Tufts University.

Birdsboro, Pa.

Kaitlyn Karkoska reads to "Jingles," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

Birdsboro, Pa.

Trey Douglas (R) speaks with Cassandra Kraus as they read to cats up for adoption during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

Birdsboro, Pa.

Samuel Trego plays with "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

Birdsboro, Pa.

Seth and Ethan Wiggins (R) read to "Stewart" and "Tyler," cats up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Samuel Trego and Ben Spiri (R) read to "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Desmond Allen reads to "Ginger," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Kaitlyn Karkoska, Seth Wiggins, and Ethan Wiggins (L-R) read to "Stewart" and "Tyler," cats up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

A humorous sign hangs in an enclosure for cats up for adoption, at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, as children arrive for the "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Kaitlyn Karkoska cuddles with "Brad Pitt," a black cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

(L-R) Samuel Trego and Ben Spiri read to "Stewart," a cat up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Volunteer Alex Keefe (background) and employee Michele Karkoska (foreground) hold cats up for adoption following an evening of "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Colby Procyk reads to "Nicky," "Zane," and "kochi," (L-R) cats up for adoption, during "The Book Buddies Program" at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

Birdsboro, Pa.

Kaitlyn Karkoska reads to "Jingles" a cat up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Seth Wiggins and Ethan Wiggins read to "Tyler," a cat up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

Seth (L) and Ethan Wiggins read to "Stewart" and "Tyler," cats up for adoption, as part of "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

"Zane," a tabby cat up for adoption, listens to books read by Trey Douglas and Cassandra Kraus during "The Book Buddies Program."

Birdsboro, Pa.

A plastic poster with a red carpet and photographers is arranged as a backdrop for portraits of families that adopt cats at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County as part of "The Book Buddies Program."