June is National Adopt a Cat Month. If your senior loved one has been looking for some companionship, you might want to talk to her about adopting a cat. Cats can make great companions for anyone, especially seniors. They combine the two best worlds of low maintenance yet high love that makes them desirable to many people, but especially senior citizens looking for a companion to keep them company. If your loved ones has senior home care services, they can assist with some maintance activities that you senior finds difficult.
If you are wondering if a cat is a good choice for your loved one, here are five reasons cats make the best companions.
They like staying indoors. Cats can stay in the home at all times, making them much easier for seniors to own compared to dogs. Even small dogs who don’t require a ton of outdoor exercise, still need to go outside somewhere to use the bathroom and need at least regular small walks for exercise. While a senior home care provider may be great at helping occasionally with these tasks, if mobility is an issue for your loved one, a cat may be a better choice.
They improve mood. A cat might be just what your loved one needs to improve her mood. Cats are great at providing not only companionship but entertainment and comfort. Having a cat in the home may help your loved one when she’s feeling lonely or sad and will be a good distraction when she needs it.
They are low-maintenance. Most cats are pretty content laying on the furniture, playing with a little toy, and snuggling on their owner’s lap. They don’t bark like crazy when neighbors walk by or chew up all of the furniture (they might scratch so provide a scratching post to keep your furniture safe). While many dogs require grooming, cats take care of their own grooming, eliminating that cost and time from their owners.
They give purpose. Many elderly individuals might spend time wondering what their purpose is. Their children don’t “need” them anymore, they’ve retired from work, and they feel lost without a purpose. A pet such as a cat provides something they need to take care of by feeding, cleaning, and loving. Caring for a cat requires routines and activities your loved one may not have otherwise had. This mental stimulation and responsibility help them live longer and healthier lives.
The financial investment is low. While your loved one will still need to invest some money into purchasing a cat and then caring for it, care is generally much less money than a dog, making sure a cat doesn’t become a financial burden.
If your loved one does struggle with some cat care needs, such as emptying a heavy litterbox, having a senior home care provider take care of those types of tasks during their visit can help your senior have a cat. A senior home care provider can also help with transporting your loved one and the cat to vet appointments when needed.
Since June is National Adopt a Cat Month, this could be a great time to talk to your senior loved one about becoming a cat parent.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Taft CA please contact the caring staff at Purpose Driven Home Health & Home Care. Call (661) 412-9730.
Purpose Driven Home Health & Home Care provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Bakersfield, Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Lamont, Arvin, Taft, Tehachapi, Frazier Park, McFarland, and surrounding areas.
Purpose Driven Home Health & Home Care provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Bakersfield, Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Lamont, Arvin, Taft, Tehachapi, Frazier Park, McFarland, and surrounding areas.
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