According to the Institute on Aging, around one third of older adults who live at home live alone. Living on their own can make older adults lonely, which could be bad for their health. In fact, studies have linked loneliness to a decline in mental and physical health.
One way to combat loneliness in your aging relative is to encourage them to adopt a pet. This month is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month and there are lots of reasons you should consider helping your aging relative to add a feline friend to their home. Here are just a few.
Adoption Saves Lives
There are a multitude of cats currently residing in shelters in the United States. According to the ASPCA, 3.2 million cats are admitted to shelters each year. 860,000 cats are euthanized each year. When your aging relative adopts a cat from a shelter, they can feel good knowing that they are providing a good home and saving a life.
Having a Pet Improves Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having at least one pet has many health benefits. Pet ownership can lead to:
- Lower blood pressure & cholesterol levels.
- Lessen feelings of loneliness.
- More physical activity.
- Opportunities for social interaction.
Cats Offer Companionship
There are cats with all different kinds of personalities, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for any senior. A shelter can help the older adult to find a cat with a personality that matches their needs. Older cats often make excellent companions for older adults since they are usually content to curl up in a lap and be petted. However, if the senior would like a more active companion, a shelter worker can match them up with a more playful feline.
Cats Are Relatively Easy to Care For
When compared to other kinds of pets, cats are fairly easy to care for. Cats don’t require long walks to burn off energy. They can exercise indoors with a few toys. Cats don’t take up much space, either. The only equipment they need is a litter box, food dish, water dish, a scratching post, and a few toys.
If your older adult family member would like to adopt a cat but you’re unsure if they can care for it on their own, homecare can help. Homecare providers can assist the senior to feed and water the cat. They can also clean the litter box. Homecare providers can also drive the older adult to the store to purchase cat food, treats, toys, and litter. Homecare providers can even assist with scheduling veterinary appointments and driving the cat and senior to the vet’s office.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2016/12/25/loneliness-a-growing-health-threat-for-older-adults/#7bbd2846407e
https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Homecare Services in Gastonia NC, please call the caring staff at BlueDot Cares today, (704) 586-9248.
Jimmy Clonaris is Managing Partner at BlueDot Cares, where he oversees operations, caregiver standards, and service delivery for in-home care across the organization. With more than 19 years of experience in healthcare and over a decade with BlueDot, he has been directly involved in building and scaling care programs that support individuals aging at home.
His work focuses on the practical side of care delivery. This includes caregiver training and oversight, care plan consistency, and coordination with families and local healthcare professionals. Jimmy is actively involved in ensuring that care is not only well-structured on paper, but executed reliably in the home.
Over the course of his career, he has worked with thousands of families navigating care decisions, from short-term recovery support to long-term in-home care. His approach is grounded in clear communication, accountability, and building systems that allow caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality support.
Under his leadership, BlueDot Cares has grown to support tens of thousands of families while maintaining a locally operated, relationship-driven model. He continues to focus on strengthening the team, improving care standards, and ensuring families have a dependable partner when care is needed.
