to encourage elderly DF to get a cat

[adogcalledbetty]

DF is in his 80s and walks not too well with a stick - lives alone and manages ok with a daily visit from me. He never goes out unless hes with me as he worries he'll fall.

Recently hes mentioned that he might like a cat for company, but is concerned it may get round his feet and trip him up. Also he wouldn't be able to bend down to put its food on the floor.

Anyone got any experience of very elderly paeople owning a cat?

Yes.

I work in a nursing home and we have two cats.

It's a lovely idea and cats are amazing company.

You'll need to seek out a friendly lap cat rather than a bouncy kitten but other than that I can't see a problem.

Food should be okay if you're popping in daily anyway (my cats also have a cat biscuit dispenser thingy which is handy). Or you could put the cat bowls on a surface somewhere.

I think a cat for your DF is a lovely idea - esp with your daily visits to help. The cat should bring your DF a lot of joy.

Thanks for that theincredibequeenofwands*

I think the cat would have a lovely home with my DF - just want to make sure it doesn't put him in any danger.

What a lovely idea.

Maybe you should contact a few animal rescue places to see if they have any cats who have come from homes where their owner was elderly as I think they often take in cats where the owner has gone into residential care etc.

What works well is an elderly cat for an elderly person. I have had many cats over the years, maybe twenty, and only one winds himself around my legs, and that is Rosie, a tall gorgeous male, but I think he would be scared of the cane, and thus would not do that.

He might stand on a cat rather than actually trip over one - I stand on mine constantly...it clearly doesn't bother them that much or they'd get out of my way, lol.

Food can be put up on a surface.

What about a litter tray though? You wouldn't really want that up high.

aslong as there is someone to make sure the cat is feed, fresh water and litter tray clean. I don't see a problem < knows nothing about cats>

YABU to consider getting a cat for your Dad IMO; sorry.
What will happen to the cat when your Dad is no longer able or around to care for it? How will your Dad feel if he can longer have the cat with him due to a deterioration in his health?
I care for patients in hospital who are in that exact situation; an operation requiring weeks in hospital followed by rehab in a place that cannot allow pets. They often lie there in tears because they miss their pet so much; it's upsetting to see.
He's in his 80s; currently needs a stick, is concerned with falling & needs daily visits from you now. That situation is unlikely to change & he is likely to get more frail at some point.

My Dad is only 65 (not exactly old!) & still works.
Yet he's old enough to find it difficult to alter his daily routine to accommodate the changed needs of his now elderly cat (she's 15).
She now needs to use a litter tray (used to go in the garden).

He refuses to listen to my advice; resulting in the poor cat using corners instead of the tray.

He insists on placing the tray in the same position as it's always been in when she didn't actually need to use it... It's too near the glass in the back door - which makes her feel vulnerable from other cats & foxes staring in. The tray is too small & the litter is not the best type to use.
So my Dad is getting angry which is stressing the cat even more. I will have to step in, buy a new tray etc & place it elsewhere which will create conflict; but it's best for the cat.

You are likely to be the person who cares for the cat most of the time. They can be demanding & needy pets; depends on the personality of the cat.
They are also a trip hazard!! One neighbour broke her ankle falling over her cat; even i have nearly tripped over my cat lots of times.

There's the expense: cat food (cats are choosy, & any older cat may get kidney problems which require a special diet). They should have yearly check-ups & vaccinations by a vet; regular flea treatment & worming.

Will it be an indoor or outdoor cat? An indoor cat can get bored fast; & the obvious target of excess energy would be your Dad - the cat would expect to be entertained & played with a lot; cats can also get aggressive when they are frustrated over not going outside.
An outdoor cat may get injured in fights or by a car (vet's bills..), or it may bring in half-dead 'presents' which will distress your Dad.

Cat scratches carry germs which can be dangerous for older people as scratches can cause cellulitis or infection - even sepsis.
If your Dad has fragile skin then any scratch or bite can trigger an ulcer.

I understand your Dad's need for company & love of animals - but getting a cat isn't an ideal solution for him.
You could get a pet & then allow him to spend time with it.
Or find a neighbour who has a pet & is willing to allow your Dad to regularly make a fuss of it.
That would be a good compromise.

Adopting a fully grown cat that has already lived with someone elderly would be so good.
Save the cats life, the cat gets a home (again) in a situation like they are used to and the elderly person gets a lap cat.
Personally I think it's a good idea if the older person wants one and the family are willing to take the cat in should the elderly person move to a care home or die.

There are so many lovely 'golden oldies' in shelters perfect for an elderly lap!

I think if he's talking about a cat and you're willing to help out with the chores it could be a good idea. I agree that an older cat would be more suitable, and one that isn't too hairy, just for ease of managing its coat.

I do think that Latara raises some good points, which are worth considering. If you think that it would be too much for your DF, then perhaps contacting an animal therapy group who might be willing to bring the animals around to him? I have a friend with a therapy dog who does homevisits, and it makes a big difference to many home bound folks.

Buy your df's feline an enclosed cat loo £17.99 from Argos or may be cheaper from other outlets, Latara. Even if it is situated near a glass door, she'll have the privacy she obviously craves.

An elderly cat will be a perfect companion for your df, betty, and some charities/organisations will offer assistance with veterinary bills when they rehome felines that get left on the shelf because of their age.

It may be that one or other of these rehoming agencies is looking for a long term foster placement for a older feline while it's elderly human is in hospital/recuperating in which case they will be responsible for vet's bills should the cat require health care.

Make some enquiries at your local veterinary surgery.

FWIW, I've had the pleasure of feline companionship just about all of my life and none of my moggies have made excessive demands on my time. For me, having a cat is like coming home to a real fire and I have no doubt that your df will benefit from the warmth of a furry pal.

Izzyin I have three cats and we use litter trays with hooded lids. Is that what you mean? If not could you link me to what you are referring to? Always looking for new cat litter solutions!

Sorry to go OT.

While I understand Latara's concerns, I think the benefits really would outweigh any downsides. Pets bring much comfort and companionship to the elderly. I agree with others who say an older cat may be a good match. We have to feed our cats on a high surface to stop the naughty dogs stealing their food, and you could sort out litter trays etc whenever you visited. It sounds like a wonderful idea for your dad!

Remember, it's not at all uncommon for a cat to live into their late teens early twenties, so even if you adopted a 12 year old cat it's very unlikely he'd lose his pet.

Older rescue cats are lovely & deserve homes - but they are likely to have health problems & emotional issues that need time & attention.

Pets, including cats, are not there for the owner's benefit - it's a 2-way relationship.
My problem with a very elderly person taking on a pet (who is likely to outlive them) is regarding the emotional aspect for the person - it's distressing when elderly people get ill & can't keep their pets with them.
Also for the cat - cats do actually often get very attached to owners & miss them when they aren't there.
Cats are just as hard to care for as dogs, but in a different way. They don't all just curl up on sofas or laps. Even older cats have bursts of energy & enjoying playing. Many cats are moody & are unpredictable - which is part of their appeal to cat lovers.

Your Dad is probably aware of that, but it's understandably difficult for elderly people to face up to reality sometimes.

Please only get a cat if you are willing to take it on should your Dad get ill; & to pay for the treatments & vaccines it should have.

What you've got sounds exactly what is described as a 'cat loo' on the Argos site, Lurking, and it's what I've provided for my current bunch of mogs if they can't be arsed to go in the garden.

Have you thought of training your felines to use the family loo thus dispensing with the need for litter? One of my dearly loved and much lamented did this of her own volition.

Buoyed by her astuteness I bought a specially designed tray that encourages cats to use a human loo back from the US for her companions. It worked a treat. Sadly I binned it when I stupidly decided I wouldn't have any more felines until after I've finally waved bye bye to the UK.

When they've become accustomed to positioning themselves on the loo appropriately they no longer have any need for the tray. The only drawback is they tend not to flush

I'm not sure if these trays are available in the UK but I'll see what I can find online and add it to this thread.

I agree Latura, except with the elderly cats having health issues. I've adopted golden oldie moggies all my life and as long as they are on a proper diet and do not have a history of health issues, in my experience it's very unlikely they develop genuine health issues as they hit the sixteen mark. The only real health issue we experienced with one of our beloved moggies (R.I.P) was she needed a few teeth pulled due to a poor diet.

ABSOLUTELY 100% agree never get a pet for an elderly person unless you are willing to accept the pet into your home when the relative passes away. Too many cats in shelters for this exact reason. :(

Sorry, I'm very passionate about cat welfare, I volunteer at a cat rescue.

If you are concerned about health issues, go for an oldie that is under ten that you know was surrendered due to an elderly relative passing away.

Yep, older cats still have energy to burn! they love a game of catnip mouse chasey.

OOH thanks Izzy!!!! I have a grin wider than this little dude hehe

Disclaimer - my rescue cat is more like a dog. Possibly a Rottweiler but with claws? I've never had the misfortune to met another cat like her. She's funny & it's been a challenge to improve her personality care for her; but my friends & family initially tried to get me to return her to the rescue centre.
She was donated to the rescue centre at 4 months because of an 'allergy' hmmm.
She is very lovely now to me & was actually happily sat on the lap of my disabled Uncle recently - she isn't friendly to strangers but oddly does seem to sense when people are vulnerable & cuddles up to them.
I guess that your Dad would definitely not get bored with a cat like mine - it may even give him a reason to feel happy & try to stay healthy which is always good for elderly people.

Again Latura, totally agree!

Apologies for not being able to figure out how to make neat little links, Lurking but this is the type of tray I bought: www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=training%20cat%20to%20use%20toilet&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.litterkwitter.com%2F&ei=DebnT4ufDcS_8wPo0-TUCg&usg=AFQjCNEmMTnv-EMUtUvXEjfGItXuxL9hNA&cad=rja

This website implies that they're available in the UK from Pets At Home but on putting 'litter kwitter' into their search engine, the computer said no. I shall try on ebay/Amazon et al.

However, PAH have a hooded cat litter tray for £15 which may be of interest to Lartara - the Argos £17.99 model differs in that it has spaces on top of the lid for the included poop scoop and odour filters.

I';ve heard of those! Do they actually work? Anything to train my poor ex stray who keeps peeing on the carpet. (Vet check says no health issues.)

I think it would be lovely Betty. :) Good luck!

Here we go - buy the Litter Kwitter in the UK from Amazon and read the the reviews: www.amazon.co.uk/Litter-Kwitter-Toilet-Training-System/dp/B0014N70QO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340599357&sr=8-1

Also available on Amazon a £9.99 'CitiKitti Toilet Trainer' which doesn't look much different to the more expensive LK trainer.

The PAH/Argos 'hooded' cat litter trays have an easily pushable cat flap door for entry/exit thus affording complete privacy when they perform the necessary indoors - my felines love their indoor loo in the winter months, but little do they know that change is on its way