Did you know cats are really great for senior citizens? Having a cat on your lap and petting them causes your body to set off a positive chemical reaction in your brain that improves health. A senior citizen who interacts with a cat for just fifteen minutes a day incurs the benefits of a lower heart rate and blood pressure, in addition to increased feelings of happiness and improved mental health. Feelings of loneliness and depression diminish with a purring cat curled up on your lap. Likewise, cats can build up a senior’s immune system by exposing them to natural dander in order to make their immune system stronger to fight off other irritants.
Cats make excellent pets for the elderly and can improve the quality of life of seniors. Unlike dogs, cats are quite self-sufficient. Cats provide their own exercise and don’t need to be taken out for walks. Playful interaction with a cat can be done from a sitting position by wiggling around a cat toy stick or a laser pointer.
In addition, cats use a litter box, so you don’t have to take them out to go to the bathroom. The predictable litter box allows a senior to schedule when the litter will need to be changed. A senior caring for a cat may want to consider an automatic litter box. For purposes of aesthetics a litter box can be tucked away out of sight.
Moreover, cats are completely content living their entire lives indoors. They make your home their home and become very at ease in your surroundings. Seniors do not have to feel guilty about not taking their indoor cats out for walks. Cats are perfectly happy exploring and protecting their indoor territory. Cats can make a perfect companion for an elder in a retirement home.
Cats are low maintenance, only requiring someone to feed them and empty their litter box. Cats are usually not fussy eaters because cat foods are so tasty now a day. Most cats take care of their own hygiene and personal grooming. Similarly cats usually don’t have as many health issues as dogs that require visits to the vet. When a vet visit is required, seniors can often schedule an in-home visit for their cat. The positive daily responsibility of feeding a cat can be a great solution for keeping a senior alert and active. The zen quality of a sleeping cat calms stress by promoting a sense of peacefulness for those around.
Clearly, cats make good companions for senior citizens. Cats are extremely loyal and like to cozy up on laps. They don’t require a lot of care, but like to just hang out around you. They often want to keep you company at night by snuggling up right along side you on the bed. Having a warm and cozy companion next to you offers an added sense of security at night for an elderly person who lives alone. Cats and seniors make perfect partners by not only keeping each other company but also by bringing each other love and joy.
Author Bio: Paige Jirsa- I work with Top10.Today, a shopping comparison site, where we strive to help consumers find the best quality and priced products
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