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?

A lovely lovely idea, cats are wonderful. Go for it. We could all look on the negative side and think about the what ifs etc. but if we followed those rules in life we'd have no fun. Go for it, the cat and the person will be happy and what is more important than that?

I will definitely buy my Dad's cat a new tray - not sure if he would accept a covered one but i've identified a safe space for the new tray - a place hidden from the windows by a cabinet. He put a new wooden floor down, but i can get a waterproof sheet to put a tray on.

I will buy a big new tray, fine 'clumping' litter (easy to use & nice for the cat), litter freshener powder & sneak it into his house when he's at work one day - it will be one less thing for him to worry about; & he won't be trying to force his elderly cat outside in the dark to use the garden anymore.
(Recently she refused to go out in the cold rain & stayed in; holding her urine etc all night until it was nicer outside in the morning. Dad felt bad but his reasoning was that 'she can't have been desperate if she didn't use her tray'.
She won't use that tray because it's too close to the back door & too small - she will get a kidney infection by holding on; but he cannot change his 'routine'.. so i have to sort the situation out.)

Yes, go for it! Your local shelter will help you get a suitable cat (mine handpicks the cat for you depending on your situation). They will give each other great joy and companionship.

Have a look at the Cinnamon Trust. They help elderly people keep their pets through a network of volunteers and also provide peace of mind for your DF about what will happen to the cat should it outlive him. Great charity!