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

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Frozen Turkey With Bone Dog Food

Blue Ridge Beef is voluntarily recalling one of its frozen products due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Let’s Talk About Pancreatitis In Dogs

A disease that''s hard to digest, pancreatitis in dogs requires a total change in lifestyle and careful monitoring. What you can do and how to treat it.
Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

The grief of losing a pet can feel overwhelming at first, but little by little, gratitude for the time we shared starts filling the painful void they’ve left behind.
Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Philly

We’d like to meet Philly, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Philly (short for Phillis) is a 2-year-old female Pharaoh Hound and…
Bouvier Des Flandres

Bouvier des Flandres Basics Always an adventurer, the Bouvier des Flandres has rugged good looks and is generally ready and raring to do almost anything. His…
Smooches and Hugs for Kitty: A Good Idea?

When it comes to loving, does your cat let you hug and kiss her? Some people think it''s fine, while others keep their affection to themselves.
Britain Passes New Dog Microchipping Law

Britain has decided to make microchipping mandatory for all pets by April 2016 in the hopes of returning lost dogs to its owners.
Flagfish

Flagfish are a small fish that are semi-aggressive in nature. These fish may not do well if multiple males of the same species are kept together.
Last Minute Gift Guide For Your Furry Friends

Last minute shopper? We''ve compiled a last minute gift guide of great items we found on Amazon that will make you more popular than Santa!
Peppermint Holidog Christmas Dog Treat Recipe

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas! I’ve got a new recipe, hot out of the oven and just in time for the holidogs! Spread the joy of the…
Somali

Alert and personable, the Somali is an intelligent cat that loves life. They will play with anything - including bowls of water - for hours on end.
Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.
White Shepherd

The White Shepherd was developed from German Shepherds with the recessive gene for a white coat. It is a unique, attractive breed and highly intelligent dog
Best Cow Hooves for Dogs

Cow hooves for dogs are a fantastic natural chew treat that protects your pet''s oral health and gives them tons of fun to boot.
Blue Headed Racket Tail Parrot

Blue Headed Racket Tail is gentle, friendly and fun. While it is hard to come by, this bird has all the desirable traits in aviculture.