A Dozen Reasons Why Cats and the Elderly Become Friends

Many elderly people are lonely because they have lost touch with their families. Even, a life in a nursing home can present adjustment difficulties. Many have lost a partner, family and friends, writes Raising Whiskers, a specialized feline website.

A dozen reasons why cats and the elderly become friends.

1. Cats make excellent companions to help the elderly overcome loneliness.
2. Cats are gentle and affectionate. Elderly people need love and affection from an animal that in turn needs them.
3. Cats are a substitute for suppressed emotions, like fear, worry, lost love.
4. Cats are often less demanding than dogs and do not require constant care.
5. Cats help elderly people to regain their self esteem, given them a sense of personal responsibility.
6. Cats possess a lot of unconditional love, loyalty and affection for the elderly, who want to invest their efforts in an animal friend.
7. Eventually, cats and the elderly forge a bond with each other, promoting a feeling of well being.
8. Older people can also come in contact with other cat owners, creating a network system for friendships.
9. Cats are warm. laidback and friendly. They enjoy being caressed, purr when petted. Their luxuriant fur gives warmth to elderly people.
10. Cats are loyal companions that contribute to a longer and healthier life.
11. Elderly people lead more active lives when caring for pets and suffer less from low blood.
12. Proper cleaning, feeding and training of cats by the elderly, even if performed for a few minutes, strengthen the cardiovascular system and the limbs. The sense of responsibility give older people more self-esteem.

Nursing homes where the elderly were talking care of small animals - rabbits, cats and birds - have a lower mortality rate.

Cats can be found for friendship in Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences.