Trainee with one cat for emotional support (8)
I believe the answer is:
lifeline
'emotional support' is the definition.
'lifeline' can be an answer for 'support' (I have seen 'Vital support' mean 'lifeline' so perhaps 'support' could also mean 'lifeline'). I am not sure about the 'emotional' bit.
'trainee with one cat' is the wordplay.
'trainee' becomes 'l'.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'one' becomes 'I' (Roman numeral).
'cat' becomes 'feline' (I've seen this before).
'l'+'i'+'feline'='LIFELINE'
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lifeline that I've seen before include "rescue operation?" , "vital means of communication" , "Means of escape" , "Rope to haul person out of water - vital link" , "Essential means of support" .)