Cats on Laps Shelter Animals Bring Senior Citizens Special Love

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

An animal shelter in Bangor, Maine is using adoptable cats to bring lots of furry love to seniors who aren’t able to have pets of their own.

The Bangor Humane Society has an innovative program called Cats on Laps. Lovable shelter cats are brought to visit residents in various nursing homes, warming laps and delighting the seniors. A feline-fabulous group of five–Merle, Snowflake, Lemmy, and kittens Munchkin and Midnight– visited the Phillips Strickland House, an Independent Senior Living in Bangor, Maine. Their canine buddy, Eddie, also joined them.

The house residents gathered together, gleefully watching as the cats explored, played in the residents’ laps and purred with affection. Resident Sally Berry, 73, loves when the cats come. Prior to moving to Phillips Strickland four years ago, Berry had cats and dogs living with her.

Related: Senior Canines Bring Love And Companionship To Senior Citizens

Fellow resident Diana Lindsay, 79 said that she’s always had pets and loves to see how the animals interact with the seniors. She likes watching the cats make their rounds in the room full of laughter.

Laurie Qualey, who is a human society volunteer and co-founded the Cats In Laps program a little over a year ago, says that connecting the lovable cats with seniors who love pets but can no longer have their own is just kind common sense. Qualey said that everyone loves it, and it helps the seniors remember good times while allowing the shelter animals to socialize as they wait for their forever homes.

Qualey also brings the program to Ross Manor, another independent living home, as well as a local rehabilitation center. She believes the bond between humans and animals is something special, especially because many of the residents had to give up the ability to have pets of their own when they moved into care facilities.

Related:Study: Seniors Who Walk Their Dogs Enjoy Better Physical Health

Interestingly, the Bangor Humane Society is experiencing a little bit of a unique problem–there are high rates of adoption these days (a great problem to have!) and so sometimes the volunteers will bring their own pets to engage with the seniors. While Qualey said that there is usually a large group of cats and kittens to choose from at the shelter, when there is not, they are happy to share their fur-love as a way to give back to their supportive community.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Italian Greyhuahua

The Italian Greyhuahua blends the spunky Chihuahua with the Italian Greyhound for a fun family dog. They are curious, playful yet timid family dogs.
It’s Natural That Your Dog Wants Jones Natural Chews

Have you got a bone to pick... with dog bones? If you''re thinking of giving your dog one to chew on, remember that not all meat bones are created equal.
Check Out Our Frozen Pumpkin Bone-ah-PetTreat Recipe

So hot, they''re cool! In our latest Bone-ah-PetTreat video, we''ll show you how to make Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe - in about a minute.
Basslet

Basslets are a small family of marine fish. Most species of basslet rarely exceed 4 inches in length and are known for their vibrant colorations.
SnapChat Gets Catty With New Selfie Lenses

Even Social Media platforms know that more than ever, pets are people too. Social Media Story Teller Snapchat has recognized that with the introduction of ne…
Brown Throated Conure

One of the rarer conures in the pet parrot world, Brown Throated Conure is incredibly charming and makes a wonderful pet.
Abraca-dog-bra! Dogs Don’t Know What To Make Of Vanishing Magic Trea

Now you see it, now you don’t. Ah, the oldest trick in the book… so how will dogs react to it? Well, they just don’t know what to think. T…
How to Become a Feline Foster Parent

There are so many cats up for adoption, and there isn''t enough space in local shelters. Here''s how you can help by becoming a feline foster parent.
Best Dog Bowl Stands

Dog bowl stands make sure your pooch is comfortable while he eats- and that your floors remain spotless at the same time.
Pros And Cons Of Individual Condition Coverage

Considering Individual Condition Coverage for your dog? Here are the positive and negative points about this type of dog insurance policy. When you’re…
Dog-Powered Running: Get Fit With Canicross

Are you and your dog runners? Hook up a harness and line, and give canicross a try! Kevin Roberts goes over the basics of what you’ll need to set a pan…
The Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments of Pneumonia in Dogs

It''s more than just a cold - it''s a respiratory illness that affects canines and humans. Here''s what you need to know about pneumonia in dogs.
Your Jealous Dog: Study Shows Jealousy In Dogs Is Real

Does it surprise you that Fido may have a jealous side? Researchers find that pooches can turn into a green-eyed monster, too. Ever met a dog at a park or a…
The Importance Of Raw Bones For Dogs

Throw your dog a bone - a few reasons why we like raw bones for dogs and how you can incorporate them in your dog''s diet.
Frengle

The Frengle is a cross between a purebred Beagle and French Bulldog. They are known for being affectionate, smart, playful, alert, and social.