Are Cats a Good Idea for Seniors?
Home Care in Jenison MI: Are Cats a Good Idea for Seniors?
Sometimes for seniors, the world becomes a smaller and smaller place as their social circle dwindles and they become less mobile due to age. When this happens, life can get pretty lonely. If that’s the case for your parent, a pet might be a good choice as a companion. Since June is Adopt a Cat month, why not consider adding a feline friend to your mom’s life?
Benefits of Pet Ownership for Seniors
Research concerning pet ownership shows several physical and mental health benefits for people who have furry companions. Some of the health benefits of owning a pet are:
- Lower blood pressure.
- Lessens likelihood of depression.
- Increased physical activity.
- Fewer doctor visits.
In addition to health benefits, pets also offer social benefits. Owning a pet can help your parent form instant friendships with other pet owners because it gives them something to talk about. Pets also give your parent someone to talk to. In fact, in a survey of elderly people, 95 percent reported that they talk to their pets. This means that pets can help reduce your parent’s loneliness. Cats are also a great source of entertainment. Studies also show that seniors are more likely to do things like move around, smile, and engage in conversation when a pet is present.
Why a Cat is a Good Choice for a Senior
Although dogs are also a wonderful option for seniors and offer the same health benefits, cats have certain benefits for seniors because of their care needs in comparison to a dog’s care needs. Unlike dogs, cats are perfectly content to stay in the house all the time. There is no need to take a cat for a walk. Instead, a cat can be exercised by playing with toys inside the house. Cats really only need between 20 and 30 minutes of playtime each day to stay happy and healthy, and playing with a cat doesn’t require the person to be able to move about. Senior citizens can simply sit in a chair with a kitty fishing pole or a laser pointer to play with their cats. Many cats enjoy spending the day just snuggling on their person’s lap or sitting beside them in a chair or on a bed.
Of course, none of this means that there is no care involved in owning a cat. Cats still require feeding and watering, vet visits, and the litter box must be cleaned regularly. A home care provider can assist your parent with these tasks if your parent is unable to do so on their own. Home care providers can also drive your parent and their cat to the vet when needed.
If a cat sounds like it might be the right pet for your parent, talk to your parent to make certain they would like a cat before getting one. Take your parent with you to a shelter or rescue to pick out a cat that fits their personality and lifestyle. Don’t overlook senior cats! They are often perfect companions for senior citizens because they are ready to live a quiet life of companionship.
If you or someone you know needs help with home care in Jenison, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Sources
https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/cats-seniors/
http://petsfortheelderly.org/articles.html
http://www.asapcats.org/adoptions/a-purrfect-match.html
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