THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2017 BUT WAS UPDATED ON 6/21/21
The truth is that all types of pets – cats included – make great partners and companions for everyone! When it comes to patients that have Alzheimer’s, they could benefit from having a pet.
Having A Pet
There’s no doubt that having a pet can be a therapeutic experience. The comfort, companionship, and joy that they provide us helps elevate our mood, relieve stress, and improve our health. In general, they make us feel better!
Because of these benefits, there is a lot that Alzheimer’s patients can gain from having a pet cat. They provide adequate therapy for you, helping your mood and giving you a companion.
Why A Cat?
Although dogs are known for being extremely cuddly and affectionate, there are a number of reasons why cats make for great partners for Alzheimer’s patients. Unlike dogs, cats are relatively independent. They don’t require nearly as much regular care, attention, and maintenance as other animals.
Instead, they largely manage themselves. You don’t need to take them for walks, which is good because it can be difficult to remember a regular schedule.
You also don’t have to take them out when they need to go to the bathroom either. This is ideal because you don’t have to worry about letting the dog out and forgetting to do so. With a cat, they don’t need to be let out for the bathroom. Instead, they go themselves in their litter box. Rather than needing regular scooping around the yard, you need to simply scoop your litter regularly.
This is much easier as it’s always in the same spot. If you get a clumping litter or something similar, you shouldn’t need to scoop that frequently either. This makes caring for the pet much simpler and manageable for a patient with Alzheimer’s.
More than this, cats also clean themselves regularly. This means you don’t need to give the cat a bath all the time and can take less effort to actually take care of your pet. They should stay clean themselves without you needing to do so.
Since cats are so easy to take care of and require much less attention than other pets, they make ideal pets for someone with Alzheimer’s. Not only are they simply easier to actually care for, requiring less work, but they also need less regular attention. This makes them a much more manageable pet for someone who will forget to take regular care of them and do all the things necessary.
Cat’s will largely take care of themselves – with a little help – while also giving people suffering from Alzheimer’s all the benefits of a cute, cuddly companion.
*This is a sponsored post brought to you by the people at catlittersource.com
I know I say this all the time, but I think it all the time 🙂
You are such a gift to me. You write about things I hadn’t considered before and, if it something I thought about, you always have a new take on the subject. I’d always thought dogs for companion animals – – I never considered the benefits of a cat.
OMG this is awesome. I mean, we aren’t dealing with Alzheimer’s at my house, but we did get a kitty and I can say with certainty that they are awesome.
As always, a great article, my friend.
As a cat lover and owner of 2 I agree. I know there are all kinds of therapy dogs so glad to read cats are in the therapy group too!
You have given me a whole new perspective on cats, Rena. I’ve never been a ‘cat’ person. Always had herds of dogs. I even started reading this article with the idea that ‘any pet will do’! But after reading through, I totally see the sense of a cat. Companionship for a person who really struggles with remembering schedules. Perfect!
I’m a convert!
As a lifelong cat person, I don’t need any convincing about all the benefits of having a cat. But I never thought of just how suited they are for someone with Alzheimer’s. Great post, Rena.
We often think about dogs as companions but as you make so clear, cats are just as loving and way easier to take care of. Great idea for someone with Alzheimer’s.
You always have such helpful and useful, but compassionate ideas, Rena! Thank you for your continued advocacy.
So true! My mother-in-law helps care for my sister-in-law’s dog and it helps her stay aware of the passing of time. Without that daily activity, she gets more confused.
Prior to marriage and kids, I had always had a cat and found it helped me stay calm and focused. My men like dogs but we never got one because I thought it would be a lot of extra work and cleaning. Perhaps one day, I will adopt another feline.
I think cats are so therapeutic. We got two for my mom to help her with loneliness and they’ve been awesome!
I couldn’t agree more! Pets (cats and dogs) are life savers for most of us and especially to those who need extra hugs on a regular basis! I can’t imagine my life without the love of my dear friends! Hopefully they feel the same 😉 Lots of love to you Rena! xx Abby
Detailing the specific tasks to be carried out, and logging activities ensures that clients’ needs are met each and every time they are visited by their caregiver.
A care home is a place of residence that provides accommodation and personal care for people who need extra support in their daily lives.
For me, they are just adorable. They can instantly put away any bad vibes. That’s why maybe it’s one of the best therapy.
A caregiver is a big help for this king of situation.
Cat’s are so cute and adorable. I have 4 of them.
Cats are indeed great for people with Alzheimer’s. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Both cats and dogs have a positive calming effect on our emotions. There is a company that sells these furry AI seal looking animal robots to be used for elderly with Alzheimer’s. And they work, but the company charges several thousand dollars for them. Using a dog or cat is far more economical. A cat like you say is independent and makes an easier pet in these cases.
I agree we recently bought a puppy and my mom loved playing with him. Thanks for commenting.
It is true that pets give mental relive and stress-free environment.
wow! thanks for clearing it up. love your blog 😉
love your work about pets keep it up ….nice blog Gracias!
Regards:
Black Cat Breeds