Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
Pets are great companions for people at any age but an adult cat may be the perfect match for a senior citizen. If a senior is unable to walk a dog or doesn’t feel safe going outdoors in certain weather or when it’s dark, a cat could be an ideal companion because they can live exclusively indoors.
So Many Benefits to Matching Adult Cats with Senior Citizens
Loneliness and boredom can be two factors seniors face in daily life. Having the opportunity to bond with a cat and enjoy that companionship may make a huge difference in a senior’s outlook and enjoyment. Studies indicate that living with a pet can help lower both blood pressure and cholesterol.
For some seniors, remaining active may be an issue and they’ll have the chance to move around more as they attend to the daily duties of life with a cat. Scooping the litter box, feeding the cat, brushing and playing will give the senior the chance to stay mobile without it being too difficult. If the cat parent is unable to do certain chores such as scrubbing out the box and replacing litter, set up a schedule with a family member or friend who can take on that duty.
A senior with limited mobility can still enjoy playtime with the cat by using an interactive toy. The cat parent can sit in a chair and gently move the wand around so kitty can pounce on the target toy on the end of the string.
If space is a consideration, cats do very well in smaller environments. You may have to help the senior cat parent set up the environment to create elevated areas for the cat.
There may be a senior citizen in your life who is considering getting a cat and but is not very mobile, is unable to drive or has limitations that could compromise the health of the cat. Be sure someone else in the family takes on the important role of monitoring the cat’s health. If the senior can’t drive the cat to the veterinarian, arrange for all reminders and communication from the veterinary clinic to be mailed to you or another family member so the cat never misses exams and necessary vaccinations. Make sure the senior cat parent knows they can call you at any time if there’s a question about the cat’s health or safety.
If there are senior citizens in your life, don’t overlook the opportunity of the love and joy that adult cats could bring to their lives.
Before helping a senior citizen adopt a cat
Plan ahead. Even if you’re sure the senior would enjoy having a cat, this is a commitment. Take the time to go over all that would be involved and make sure the person is comfortable with how life will change. Don’t surprise the person with a cat.
Don’t adopt a kitten. Kittens are fun but not a good choice for a senior citizen. Kittens are lots of work and can easily get themselves into dangerous situations without proper kitten-proofing and supervision. A kitten could easily get underfoot and cause the senior to trip.
Temperament. Don’t be in a rush. Make a good match.
All that goes with being a cat parent. Help get all the necessary supplies and demonstrate to the new cat parent how much food to feed, where to set things up, etc. Make sure the senior cat parent is capable of scooping the litter box, replenishing with clean litter and is aware of keeping the water bowl filled with fresh water.
Financial responsibility. Is the senior cat parent able to afford routine veterinary care and any emergency situations that may come up? If not, will you or another family member or friend take on that responsibility?
Monitoring. Each time you visit, physically check the cat over so you’ll be alerted to any lumps, bumps, injuries or any other potential problem that the cat parent may not have noticed. You may also have to help with grooming, nail trimming or administering medication.
Have a back-up plan. Know in advance who will take the cat if the senior citizen must relocate to a facility that doesn’t permit animals. What if something happens and the cat outlives the cat parent? Or, what if the situation changes and the senior no longer wants the cat or can no longer administer proper care? Have a plan that doesn’t simply include relinquishing the cat to a shelter. Losing their familiar cat parent as well as the home they know will already be very traumatic so it would be best for the cat to be placed with someone they know and with who they are already comfortable. Unexpected things happen in life so be ready to help the cat transition if the time comes.
Need More Information?
For more information on cat behavior and training, check out the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included Amazon links here on our website.
If you have a question regarding your cat’s health, please contact your veterinarian. This article is not intended as a replacement for your cat’s veterinary care.
