By George Evens. A Loving Cat Story Conclusion Part-two* – Learning Page, recognizing Seniors’ Health will be improved by becoming Guardians of a Companion Animal pet, notably Cats, for our story, but similarly, as feasible and possible, a small Dog would be ideal to some.
* For Part One click here.
Ø Seniors & their beloved Pet, bringing unequivocal love. Seniors’ and the best place to shop for Pets needs or your own, visit Advertisers who support Seniors, found in the Seniors’ 55+ Living Section of the RECORD published last Friday monthly
Giving purpose, joy, love and fulfillment to Seniors’ who become Guardians to Senior Cats, READ BELOW PART-TWO THE FINAL CHAPTER OF A SENSATIONAL STORY OF UNEQUIVOCAL LOVE FROM YOUR PET CAT or DOG, as applicable;
While equal benefits are derived from both Cats & Dogs, as alluded to, Dogs may offer more outdoor relationships due to need for unfettered exercise and longer walks which may afford more interaction with other Humans & their Dogs. However this advantage must be weighed against the Seniors’ physical ability and home care available. Including the possibility of a secure fenced yard. So, for our purposes we elected to focus upon the Companion Cat, possibly in some cases, the small Dog but the most likely choice for most older Seniors’ is a Cat.
In summary, one of the most serious disease for older persons is not cancer or health disease – its loneliness. Companion Animals offer affection, unconditional love, fights loneliness and can help ease the loss of a human loved one. A US survey found 90% of Seniors’ polled say they are less lonely and much happier since adopting an Animal.
Some of the precautions you need to make arrangements for, include
· Provide for Companion Animal in your Last Will & Testament, to ensure your Pet will not be left alone or sent to a Shelter, treat as a family member Child.
· Provisions of alternative care in the event you may become unable to due to long-term hospitalization or extended care
· Plan with the Senior in your life about obtaining a Companion Animal to ensure capabilities and desire exist to have a Companion.
· Research temperament to ensure no antisocial or medical complications exist, that the Cat is acceptable for indoor living, does not spray or howl, moreso, they are relatively easygoing. Be sure Cats are spayed or neutered, have a tattoo and ideally have access to a reasonable compassionate Veterinarian who appreciates the value to not only the Cat having a lifelong home but the Senior Companion circumstances.
· Reduce health risks by washing hands thoroughly and frequently during the day; keep pets brushed & clean; clean litter boxes as needed daily and change litter periodically; be cautious about allergies prior to obtaining a pet
Some Seniors’ attitudes regarding the benefits of their Companion Animal include
· 95% talk to their pet
· 82% find Pets help when they are feeling sad
· 71% find Pets help when they physically feel bad
· 85% feel better feeling/petting their Pet, which provides sensory stress relief
· 57% confide in their Pet
· 79% find it comforting to be with their pet when things go wrong
· 58% of pet Guardians said they got to know people and made friends through having pets
· 62% felt having a pet around when people visit makes it easier to create and get into conversations.
Animal overpopulation is a National dilemma, thus, more Seniors’ adopting Companion Animals, notably Cats, will contribute to reducing these astounding numbers and equally afford numerous health benefits to our loved ones, such as can add a sense of worth and fulfillment knowing you’ve provided a home to a pet that may otherwise have been euthanized. As part of my Animal Advocacy I encourage Veterinarians across North America to commence spay & neuter, tattoo and breeder permits blitz’s to reduce overpopulations of Cats but as well, to encourage all Humane Society Shelters to work in-concert offering no-cost adoptions to Seniors Citizens, which together will dramatically reduce the current massive euthanization of too many abandoned and unwanted Cats in North America.
Pets do not see an older person, they do not see weakness, disability, hurt or pain. The only thing a Pet sees is a person wanting to love and be loved.