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

Highland Maltie

The Highland Maltie combines the fun-loving personality of the Maltese with the bold little West Highland White Terrier for a wonderful dog.
Northern Map Turtle

The Northern Map Turtle is also referred to as the Sawback Turtle. They are one of the most difficult turtle species to keep in captivity.
Istrian Shorthaired Hound

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is a hunting dog, not a household pet. This active working dog is a calm and even-tempered breed.
Adoptable Dog of the Week – Maverick

We''d like you to meet Maverick, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. He''s a 9-month-old Border Collie mix living in Northville, Michigan.
Exmoor Pony

The Exmoor Pony is a rare and endangered breed. They are also considered kind, even-tempered, smart, and alert animals that get along well with everyone
Bombay

The Bombay can be a mischievous handful, possessing the combined qualities of a dog, a cat, and a monkey! They love to play fetch and entertain themselves.
Why Is My Cat Sneezing?

Break out the tissues! Does your feline have the sniffles and the sneezes? Find out if your cat sneezing problem is no big deal or a big problem.
Cat Bread is the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread!

A bakery in Japan has gone to the cats--they''ve baked up a new bread that will have all the kittehs (and kitteh lovahs) saying, ""Mmmmm...meow!""
Product Review: Muttluks Pawstik and Pawmagik Paw Balms

Resident skijoring expert Kev Roberts is always on the prowl for products that help his dogs perform their best and keep them comfortable during the harsh Wi…
5 Important Tips For Hiring a Dog Sitter

Even if you''re away for one night, your dog needs someone to look after him. Need someone to take over your pet parent duties? Time to find a dog sitter!
Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: All That Miss Behav-in’

It takes a village to raise a dog. But how do you reel in unruly behavior when you''re lending a helping hand by walking family member''s pooch?
Gluten-Free Dog Treat Recipe

Dogs can be sensitive to wheat and grains, and gluten free treats can stop the obsessive licking. I love this all-natural grain free dog treat recipe.
Illiger’s Macaw

If youre looking for a cheeky little friend for a lifetime, then the Illigers macaw is a great choice with their 60-year lifespan.
Pom-Shi

Pom-Shi or a Shipom is an unsual designer dog: these canines are a cross between the fluffy Pomeranian and the independent Shiba Inu.
Pug-A-Mo

The curious Pug-A-Mo brings together the affectionate Pug and the keen-to-please American Eskimo Dog for a busy little companion dog that loves to play.