A purr-fect idea: Meshing cats with seniors
By Gillian Slade on May 12, 2018.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade Four felines are joining the large family of seniors at Cypress View Foundation in a new cat therapy suite. The cats, Asia, Crispy, Magic and Missy were carefully chosen to suit the environment and the residents, said Dayna Heimark, SPCA shelter manager. More mature felines were selected because they are calmer than kittens and will reduce any possible tripping hazards for residents. The four cats have already been sharing a room at the shelter so get along well together. “They’re going to love it,” said Heimark, remarking on the large windows overlooking the garden which the cats currently do not have at the shelter. “Our hearts are filled with so much joy and excitement for the opportunity.” Many of the residents are equally excited. “This is just so cool. I do love this room. They need a home and they’ve got a good home here,” said Marilyn Boss. Agnes Nygaard is looking forward to the therapeutic benefits for residents. If she is feeling a bit upset she will talk to the cats and believes it will even lower her blood pressure. The peace and quiet in the cat therapy room plus the soothing sound of cats purring will be wonderful, said Boss. “It was a great idea whoever thought of it,” said Nygaard. The concept evolved after this particular suite of rooms became available, said Dianna Jossa, chief administrative officer at Cypress View Foundation. Many people and businesses made donations or reduced their rates for the work that needed to be done to prepare the suite, said Jossa. By having the cats in their own suite, residents who want to enjoy them can do so while those who do not like cats need never see them. Double doors, in a short passage, ensures the cats stay in their own suite. Two rooms have been designed and furnished to give the cats all the comforts of home including a TV that will play cat videos to entertain them, said Jossa. “It is such a happy room,” said Shirley McDonald, relaxing in a comfy chair next to the TV. McDonald has looked at photos of the cats and has decided her favourite is Magic. A third room in the suite ensures the cats have a suitable area for eating and kitty litter. Precautions have been taken to ensure the cats are not overwhelmed by so many residents. Only four residents at a time can be in the cat room and are asked to limit visits to an hour. Residents are also asked not to feed the cats. Initially staff will be scheduled to take care of the cats’ needs but some residents are already expressing an interest in taking on the task, said Jossa. 17
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