Companion Cat Program

Companion Cats in Care Facilities

Research has shown that including animals in the lives of people living in care facilities can become an integral part of the residents' physical and emotional wellbeing. Some of the benefits to residents have included:

  • A lowered risk of depression;
  • An increase in social interaction;
  • Cognitive stimulation and reminiscence therapy;
  • Reduced agitation and aggression;
  • Higher empathy and relaxation; and
  • Lowering of blood pressure.

 

Cat Haven currently has 9 cats happily living in 8 different care facilities across Perth.

Comments from the care facilities reflect how beneficial these cats are to the residents:

  • “Promotes conversation starters between staff and clients”
  • “I love that he sleeps on my chair and keeps me company.”
  • “He sits with me on the over-the-bedtable while I do my colouring in and likes to help by playing with my pencils.”
  • “I see the joy he brings people and its just so lovely and rewarding to witness. When a client strokes CC’s fur, they smile, he smiles, they are bonding. By stroking his fur, it brings peace to some residents, he just brings them back to a calming state.”

 

Through the generous contribution of an anonymous donor, Cat Haven is able to provide the following support to facilities who wish to care for one of our cats:

  • Examination by our veterinary staff to confirm the cat(s) are in good health, desexed, microchipped, with up to date vaccinations and treated for parasites.
  • The cat(s) will go through our established behaviour assessment process to ensure the cat is suitable to take part in a 6-week trial period in the care facility.
  • All food, vet treatments and supplies will be provided by Cat Haven to establish an initial set-up and provide on an ongoing basis for the duration of the cat(s) time at the care facility.
  • Cat Haven will provide information on cat behaviour and body language for the care facility to offer their staff some degree of understanding of cat behaviours and body language.
  • To help support the introduction of a cat(s) into a care facility we will provide an Animals in the Health Care Setting Policy and a companion Animal Risk Management Tool for the care facility to consider putting into place.
  • An emergency contact person and phone number will be provided to facilitate the coordination of veterinary services should the cat(s) become unwell while onsite at the care facility.
  • The co-ordinator of the Companion Cat Program will organise and contact you to inform you of when the cat(s) are due for their health check appointments.
  • Cat Haven will provide ongoing support should you have any concerns or questions.
  • If at any time you are no longer able to keep the cat(s), Cat Haven will happily take it back for rehoming.

 

We understand that taking on a companion cat can bring additional responsibility for staff. We are happy to offer a 6-week trial period; if you feel as though a companion cat is not right for your organisation, Cat Haven would be happy to accept the cat.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like any further information, or have any questions. We would love to hear from you!

Please email the team at companioncats@cathaven.com.au