June is “
National Adopt a Cat Month” and at Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, we’re purring with excitement! That’s because we know that taking in a furry friend has some excellent benefits for our care receivers. Before you get elbow deep in kitty litter and catnip, though, let’s talk about how these loving furballs benefit their human counterparts and discuss some things to consider before adopting!
Pros of Pet Ownership
Pets of all kinds offer advantages to the senior community by improving mood and physical health. Cats, however, are especially good for seniors because they offer these same benefits while also being easy to care for.
Adopt a Cat for Low-Maintenance Love
A cat’s ability to care for themselves is a nice perk for pet-loving seniors. Dogs are great too but require much more time and attention from their owners. For your new feline to be happy, all you need to offer is food, water, a clean litter box, and plenty of love!
Worried you won’t be able to keep up with all your furry friend’s needs? Don’t! Your Seniors Helping Seniors® companion is available to help. Lean on them for everything from keeping track of dinner time to making sure your new fur babe makes it to all their vet appointments!
Feel-line Great!
When it comes to improving mental and physical wellbeing, pets certainly do their part! Loneliness and depression can become issues for seniors, especially after a big life change. Pets, however, provide companionship, affection, and entertainment – all important in remaining positive and engaged! When you adopt a cat, it also helps with positive aging!
Adopting a cat can offer physical benefits as well. In fact, the simple act of petting a cat can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety! In addition, your new feline will depend on you to keep them fed, their water bowl full, and the litter box clean, which gets you up and moving every day!
Adopting a cat also brings a new sense of purpose to the lives of those we serve. Now, you’ve got a four-legged friend who’s counting on you, and they’ll show their appreciation every day with a loving purr and rub around your ankles!
What To Look for When You Adopt a Cat
When it comes time to adopt, consider these Seniors Helping Seniors® suggestions to help decide which kitty is right for you:
- Age: Kittens are adorable, but also have more energy than older cats. Senior felines are most likely already trained, requiring less time and attention, which equals a smaller commitment on your part.
- Temperament: No matter their age, cats have different personalities, just like people! Do you crave a companion who wants to cuddle? Or one that is content to do its own thing? Think about what you want from a pet and get to know a little bit about any potential adoptees before bringing them home.
Swing by your local adoption center with your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver when you’re ready to add a furry friend to the mix. They’ll have plenty of wonderful cats to choose from and may even be able to point you in the direction of your purrfect match!
Already own a cat? Great!! Don’t forget to show your pet some extra love and attention this National Adopt a Cat Month!
At Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care services, we love seeing our care receivers happy and thriving – and we’ve witnessed firsthand how the love of a pet can help achieve this! Our caregivers are always willing to assist with your four-legged friend too. So, if you’re considering adoption, get to your local shelter – the time to adopt is MEOW!