In celebration of all things feline, and in honor of National Hug Your Cat Day, we’re talking about the benefits of furry friends, namely, cats! Studies have shown that cats are not only the perfect companion for older adults - they also provide significant mental and physical health benefits. They lower stress and anxiety, improve cardiovascular health (cat owners have been reported to have a lower risk for both heart diseases and stroke), prevent allergies and reduce feelings of loneliness. A cat’s purr has been scientifically shown to calm your nervous system and lower blood pressure.
A shared love of cats can also create socialization opportunities amongst seniors. Because cats initiate contact and engage in eye contact, they create connections similar to humans. Having a cat that makes contact and relies on you can help people feel less lonely and have a sense of purpose. Cats can also help people in mourning recover from loss easier because of their mild therapy effects and emotional support.
Because cats rely on their owner for care and feeding, they help their owner create a routine and build healthy habits. This regular schedule gives people a reason to get up, move and take care of another creature. This in turn can motivate them to also take care of themselves.
People with pets, including cats, often find it easier to socialize with others because their animal companions support and help facilitate social connections. For example, at one of our facilities, Caroline Williamson and her cat companion, Frida Irene, have been known to help acclimate new residents to the community. Caroline frequently invites new residents to meet Frida Irene so they immediately feel connected and welcome.
If you’re prone to allergies and having a furry friend of your own is out of the question, MBK Senior Living has an answer that allows you the benefits without the sneezing. The company has partnered with Joy for All, a company that creates robotic cats and dogs that imitate the same sounds, gestures and tactile effects of petting a real animal. Joy for All companion pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and ease-of-care. These innovative robo-pets help alleviate social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive decline by delivering comfort and joy. Each pet has a real-fur feel and calming heartbeat. Their built-in sensors respond to motion and touch, much like a real pet. These low-maintenance pets even include revolutionary Barkback and Vibrapurr Technology so they sound like real dogs and cats.
Whether you prefer to cuddle with Frida Irene, your own cat or a robo-cat, the benefits are clear. Residents can have more meaningful interactions, improve communication with other residents and calm themselves with their furry friends. All of MBK’s Senior Living communities are pet-friendly. To visit one near you, click here.
