Aged to Purrfection

Cats and kittens from Tabby’s Place have taken on a new and satisfying role by befriending residents of a local assisted living facility. Twice each month, Anka and friends get their strollers ready, put on their best harnesses, and head out to visit with their senior friends.

It is a heartwarming sight to see the seniors enjoying visits with the cats and kittens. These friendships are all the more poignant given the cats’ own histories of hardship: every Tabby’s Place cat was rescued from a hopeless situation, and found safety and love at the no-kill sanctuary.

Anka, a favorite among the seniors, came from Istanbul, Turkey, where he was hit by a car, leaving him paralyzed in his back legs. The wonderful people who rescued him knew he needed a place where he would receive all the care he needed. Through a happy series of circumstances, Anka found a haven at Tabby’s Place, known worldwide for its care of cats with special needs, including paralysis.

Cats like Anka were lucky to have found Tabby’s Place. The sanctuary promises every cat that he will always receive what he needs to thrive, regardless of cost. By visiting seniors in nursing homes, these courageous cats are “paying it forward”. Based on the huge smiles they get each time they visit the senior homes, their mission is a great success.

For seniors, the benefits of furry friendship can be life-changing. Pets make the elderly feel needed, and that feeling can translate into a greater sense of purpose and self-worth. In fact, studies suggest that cuddling or petting an animal can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. During what can be a lonely season of life, the unconditional love of a furry friend can be a bridge to more socialization with others, mental stimulation, and a renewed interest in life.

There is something uniquely fulfilling in seeing cats from hopeless situations, bringing joy to the seniors. In turn, the seniors bring such joy to the cats. The cats help reconnect the seniors to positive experiences from their past and rekindle that spark of joy. The seniors give these “unwanted” cats undivided attention and love, and the cats return that love in abundance.

To support the “Aged to Purrfection” program, please donate to Tabby’s Place at http://www.tabbysplace.org/donate.html, or send your gift to Tabby’s Place: a Cat Sanctuary; 1100 US Highway 202; Ringoes, NJ 08551.

For more information, please contact Tabby’s Place Volunteer Director Karina Jewitt at kj@tabbysplace.org or 908-237-5300 ext 605.