A kitten sat on a patient's lap, keeping her calm while she had a tooth removed by the dentist.

Footage shows the cute six-month-old Persian cat Loki providing moral support to the woman by gently stroking her leg during the dental treatment in Manila, the Philippines on July 3.

Dentist Bianca Camille Campbell said: ‘Loki lives in the clinic now. He is friendly and likes to give people massages. My patients always ask about him and we let him inside to join us.'

Pet cats and dogs have become unusual but effective assistants in clinics.

A tattoo artist's dog gave free hugs to customers at a parlour in Bangkok, Thailand. While in Samut Prakan province, a pet cat kept women company during beauty treatment sessions at a spa.