There are two types of people in the world—those who love cats and those who love dogs. If you are an animal person, cats and dogs can be super calming to individuals. Hanging out with pets and animals is what many people look forward to when they have a stressful day in their life.
Coming home to see your cat or dog can be something that makes you feel better overall. But, if you don’t have a cat or dog at home, there’s a way to have a session with a furry friend now, specifically for seniors.
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Across the world, many people use animals for therapy.
Sometimes companies or schools (or even hospitals, for that matter) can bring in animals for therapy sessions for their workers, students, or patients so they can get some comfort. It’s one of the best ideas ever if you ask me.
Now, pet brand Purina is partnering with non-profits to bring smiles to people’s faces.
With this notion in mind, Purina partnered with non-profits The Institute on Aging and Pet Partners to bring virtual sessions in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. For individuals 60 years and older, can sign up for virtual “cat therapy sessions.”
The Institute on Aging is a non-profit committed to bettering the lives of older individuals.
According to its website, the Institute on Aging’s mission is “to enhance the quality of life for adults as they age. The IOA annually touches the lives of more than 50,000 older adults and adults living with disabilities and their families each year.”
In addition, Pet Partners strives to bring animal intervention into the lives of those who can benefit from it.
The non-profit Pet Partners works as the nation’s most prestigious nonprofit registering handlers of multiple species as volunteer teams. They work with individuals who can use animal intervention techniques to better their lives overall.
Many individuals who are pet owners also work with the organizations.
Those who have animals who are registered as therapy animals are able to work with the organizations to help bring joy and zen into people’s lives when they need it the most.
Tracy Howell knows this to be true.
Tracy, along with her two cats Roger and Sal , works with Pet Partners to bring relief to individuals in nursing facilities, assisted living, hospice centers, and children’s hospitals, as well. Before the pandemic, Tracy brought her cats in person to many in need.
People simply feel better with animals in their lives.
Whether it’s watching TV with a cat on your lap, or playing games with the felines—many older individuals feel a sense of joy and happiness when they are able to have a cat around. Pet Partners even said that they have over 1,500 registered therapy cats that they work with.
Now, during the pandemic, they were able to continue the therapy virtually.
Tracy and her two cats were able to still complete and do virtual visits throughout the pandemic. Although people cannot really touch or pet the cats, seeing them on their screens still helped .
On Zoom, seniors were able to still interact with the cats.
On Zoom, Tracy and other therapy cat owners were able to connect with the seniors and showcase some fun tricks that their feline friends were able to. The tricks brought a smile to the senior’s faces.
The program is running throughout the month of May for Mental Health Awareness Month.
Throughout May, individuals who are 60 years old and older can cash in on this adorable and helpful program. There is a limit of one session per senior, but there is a selection of 50 different therapy cats that they can connect with.
All you have to do is call “The Friendship Line.”
The Friendship Line—which is 1-800-616-5152—is open between the hours of 11:30 am and 8:00 pm EST. The program and deal ends on May 31, 2022, which is the end of Mental Health Awareness Month this year. Purina will donate money to every senior who signs up.
