Cats; possibly the best senior choice

One of my many unapologetic pleasures is lying in a rope hammock in my backyard. Strung between the cherry tree that doesn't bear fruit and a large Leland cypress, I am hidden from the neighbors but still have perfect view of cobalt blue and billow-white clouds.  A twenty minute break in its gentle sway never fails to alter the attitude positively.

Lately my black tiger-stripe, Cosmo has decided to join me. He stretches his front paws onto the rope's edge and I lean to the side to give him a better vantage. He then jumps up and comically stumbles onto my lap. Sometimes he hangs his head over the edge and stares at flying insects, sometimes he stretches out tummy to my tummy side and gently head-butts my hand. Pet me please. His presence gilds an already near-perfect past time.

For two years, I brought an exceptionally social cat for pet visits once a month at a long term care facility where I worked. While dog visits are common people rarely bring in a cat, because cats are rarely as accommodating. But Kazoo would lie quiet next to bed-ridden residents or patiently sit on a table and let people pet and admire. Even cat-averse staff marveled at how he placated some residents.

Much has been studied and written about the health and healing advantages of having a pet, especially a dog. But the American Humane society recommends considering a cat for older owners. Many seniors simply can’t keep up with a dog’s needs, which makes adopting a cat a much better choice. Here are some of their pointers:

• Unlike dogs, cats are happy staying indoors all the time. 
• Most adult cats require only 20 to 30 minutes of playtime per day, and interactive play does not require the owner to be mobile. A kitty fishing pole or laser toy lets senior cat owners engage their cat in play while sitting in their favorite chair. 
• Cats are also very content to spend most of their time sleeping on their owner’s lap or bed. 
• If you are adopting a cat, consider an older one which is less likely to disturb the household.

Of course, cats are not care-free. They must be fed and kitty-litter box emptied. If these tasks are too burdensome for your elderly loved one, perhaps family members could consider a cat-share arrangement, where a pet cat stays with the senior during the day and comes home to another residence in the evening. If you are visiting daily, or even every third day, filling up the food dispenser and checking the litter box are small tasks compared to the companionship afforded by a purring cat.

If you are a cat-lover you know how much your cat entertains, amuses and comforts.
If you are not a cat-lover, but know a senior in your life who could use some mood-lifting affection, consider adopting a feline friend.