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

Understanding Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs

Ticks are harbingers of disease and illness. During tick season, be on the lookout for these Lyme Disease symptoms in dogs.
Spanish Town Mails Dog Poop To Owners That Leave It Behind

If you don’t scoop the poop in this town, you’re in for a smelly special delivery Aren’t you sick of seeing dog poop that’s been left…
Gen Y Dogma: And Puppy Makes Three

When you meet “the one,” you just know… that you need to bring a dog into the mix. That’s what it was like when writer Christina Ped…
Best Pet Hair Remover

Pet hair removers are designed to make the lives of pet parents easier- as their name suggests, they efficiently get rid of hair from various surfaces.
No Pooch? No Problem! This Program Sets You Up With A Four-Legged Hiki

Want a dog but lack the time or space? The Hike with Adoptable Hounds program is here to help. I’ve written extensively here on PetGuide about the chal…
Vosmaer’s Parrot

If you''re on the lookout for a unique parrot with a great personality, the Vosmaer''s Parrot could be the perfect choice for you.
How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

The best way to prevent plaque on a dog''s teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.
Hooded Parrot

Owing to their truly unique appearance, availability, and ease of care in captivity, the Hooded Parrot quickly became an popular pet parrot.
Dog Lice: Everything You Need To Know To Protect Your Dog

You might start scratching reading the word ‘lice,’ and shiver at the thought of your dog having lice. Here’s what you need to know to prev…
Bolo-Chi

The Bolo-Chi brings together the petite Chihuahua and the small but robust Bolognese. A great little family dog that is playful, loyal and curious.
Belly Flop! Flynn Makes A Splash As This Week’s Wet Wednesday Winner

This is our last pick for our Weekly Wet Wednesday Winner, and Flynn certainly does make a splash with his entry. Flynn can’t enough of the water. Just…
Cockeranian

Cockeranian as a designer dog breed hasn''t been around for too long, but it has already conquered many hearts of dog owners- and with good reason.
Cheeks

Cheeks, also known as Pek-A-Chis or Pekachi, are a hybrid between a Chihuahua and a Pekingese. These dogs make fantastic family pets and are low maintenance
Sealyham Terrier

Fun-loving and typically the clown of the family, the Sealyham Terrier is playful and comedic. He is content to be left alone while you''re gone for the day.
Freshwater Gobies

Freshwater gobies are generally peaceful community fish that can be kept with other community species. They belong to the family Gobiidae group of Goby.