5-Year-Old Girl's Therapy Cat Makes Painting - and Bath Time - More Fun

Iris Grace Halmshaw with her cat Thula

Courtesy of Arabella Carter-Johnson

By Kate Stroup

10/08/2014 AT 04:15 PM EDT

Who needs a rubber ducky? Not Iris Grace Halmshaw, a 5-year-old British girl – and art prodigy – who was diagnosed with autism in 2011. She and her therapy cat, Thula, have become inseparable, with the friendly feline tagging along for painting sessions, bike rides, and, yes, bath time.

"Their connection was evident on the first day that Thula arrived [about a year ago], and they have been best friends ever since," says Iris's mom, Arabella Carter-Johnson. "She joins in with all the activities."

Halmshaw – who has become an Internet sensation thanks to her surprisingly complex Impressionist paintings – can have a hard time in unfamiliar situations or when her schedule is disrupted, Carter-Johnson has said. But now, "Thula's gentle and constant interaction … have improved Iris's social skills."

Iris Grace Halmshaw with her cat Thula

Courtesy of Arabella Carter-Johnson

And, Mom adds, tub time has never been more fun. "Iris used to hate bath time but, with her cat's help, we managed to get over that. Thula regularly gets in the bath with Iris to show her it's not so bad."

The 1-year-old cat wears a harness and walks on a leash, and will gladly stick by her pint-sized owner as they stroll in the English countryside. (Back at home, Thula's just as happy to snuggle up with Halmshaw for a catnap.)

"She just wants to be with my daughter," adds Carter-Johnson. "I am so grateful for all that she has done for our family."