{"id":584,"date":"2012-05-09T09:07:23","date_gmt":"2012-05-09T17:07:23","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=584"},"modified":"2014-01-13T20:54:03","modified_gmt":"2014-01-13T20:54:03","slug":"why-a-cat-can-benefit-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleartheair.com\/blog\/why-a-cat-can-benefit-seniors","title":{"rendered":"Why A Cat Can Benefit Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cats make wonderful pets for people of all ages.<\/h2>\n

Wherever you live, a cat can be an ideal pet for you.\u00a0 There are many reasons why but we would like to focus on the benefits cats provide for senior citizens<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

Cats can improve your health<\/strong> – Even though cats require fairly minimal care, the care they do require provides much-needed exercise for older owners. Even seniors <\/strong><\/em>who have arthritis or other physical limitations can easily care for cats<\/strong><\/em>. Because cats need us to care for them by scooping their boxes, feeding them and giving them fresh water, cats get us up and moving whether we want to or not! Caring for and feeding a cat calls for routines and activities seniors might not otherwise have, providing important mental stimulation. This not only benefits senior citizens\u2019 overall health, but can help them live longer and healthier lives.<\/p>\n

Cats can improve your mood<\/strong> – Seniors can become lonely, or even depressed, when they retire or lose their spouse, or when their children move away. Some seniors become depressed simply because they do not get out and about as much anymore. Studies show that pets help seniors overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company, entertainment and a sense of responsibility and purpose. <\/sup>Seniors<\/strong><\/em> with pets tend to get up, talk and smile much more than when there are no pets around.\u00a0 Think about it, when you are home alone with your cat, do you usually say a few words to him?\u00a0 It definitely makes being alone more enjoyable when you have your furry feline around.
\n<\/sup><\/p>\n

Cats over dogs <\/strong>– Although dogs can also make great pets for some seniors and provide the same benefits as cat ownership, careful consideration should be given to the\u00a0care, training and exercise requirements of a dog. Many older owners simply can\u2019t keep up with a dog\u2019s needs, which makes\u00a0adopting a cat a much better choice. Unlike dogs, cats are happy staying indoors all the time.\u00a0 Most adult cats require only 20 to 30 minutes of playtime per day, and\u00a0interactive play\u00a0does not require the owner to be mobile. A kitty fishing pole or laser toy lets senior cat owners engage their cat in play while sitting in their favorite chair. Cats are also very content to spend most of their time sleeping on their owner\u2019s lap or bed which makes this pet a perfect fit for someone less active.<\/p>\n

Important tips to keep in mind when choosing your new pet cat<\/strong> –<\/p>\n