How Seniors Can Benefit from Having a Cat

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Why Pet Cats are Beneficial to Their Senior Owners

A cat in the home can provide many benefits without requiring extensive care, potentially making one of these furry creatures the perfect pet choice for your elderly loved one. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Home Care Philadelphia, has put together this list of ways a cat can have a positive impact on your loved one.

Companionship

Seniors can become lonely or depressed as they go through changes in life, such as retirement or losing a spouse. Cats can help seniors overcome these feelings by providing affection and companionship. A Swiss study found having a cat in the house was equivalent to a romantic partner.

Activity

Caring for any kind of pet requires an owner to have a routine for feeding, cleaning, or other animal care, and this routine is a great way for your loved one to get important mental or physical stimulation he or she might not otherwise have.

Purpose

Responsibilities such as feeding a cat and taking it to vet appointments can help give your loved one a sense of purpose in his or her day-to-day life. With another living creature relying on him or her for survival, your loved one has an important reason to get up every morning.

Health

Stress and anxiety are often related to cardiovascular events, but owning a cat can reduce your loved one’s risk of heart attack by 30 percent. Even the simple act of petting a cat’s soft fur can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

A cat can be a wonderful addition to your loved one’s life, with hours of entertainment and endless affection to be had. However, allergies, personal preference, or mobility challenges might not make pet ownership a feasible option for your loved one. If he or she could use regular companionship and emotional support but a pet is out of the question, consider an hourly or live-in caregiver in Philadelphia. The caregivers at Home Care Assistance offer mental, emotional, and physical for support with seniors, in addition to helping with a wide variety of tasks like errands, cooking, and light cleaning. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (215) 645-4663 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

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