Cat naps replaced with cat therapy

Press Release issued: 16 August 2010 at 10:12pm

Cat naps are set to be replaced with cat therapy thanks to the visits of half a dozen Cat Haven moggies at Amana Living's James Brown House in Osborne Park.

Felines will soon be regular visitors to the 61 residents at the facility as part of a pet therapy program involving Cat Haven volunteers and occupational therapists from Amana Living.

Cat Haven Spokesperson Jessica Reid said the cats selected to participate in the program enjoy getting out of their kennels and receiving attention from the residents.

"The cats chosen for the visits are easy going and it's great to see the enjoyment and companionship they provide the seniors," Ms Reid said.

"Our animals have a good time at the centre and the residents' smiles show they are getting a lot out of these visits too.

Helen Bagnall, Care Manager at James Brown House, said the benefits of pet therapy are well documented and residents have already expressed their enjoyment from participating in the program.

"Many of our residents have owned cats or other pets in the past and spending time with these animals has a very therapeutic effect on them and leads to trips down memory lane," she said.

"As well as receiving visits from the Cat Haven's residents our residents have begun fundraising for the haven to help them in their rescue and re-homing work, so it's a great initiative for everyone involved."

All cats involved in the therapy program with Amana Living are available for adoption from Cat Haven.

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