Cats can provide benefits to those in retirement homes and facilities for people with dementia. Some cats, like Oscar in the US, have shown extraordinary empathy towards weak and elderly residents, reducing loneliness and being a source of joy. While there are potential negatives like allergies or damage to furniture, on the whole cats can provide companionship, a calming influence, and a sense of continuity for residents in their later lives. Facilities must consider responsibilities, sanitation, and what happens to the cat if its owner passes away.

1. Cats in retirement homes
Do cats have empathy towards weak
or elderly people?
Susanne Gaje

2. • Why is it so interesting with cats in retirement
homes?

3. • Some of the results are extraordinary
• Oscar in the US
• And Sweden?

4. Positive factors
• Not lonely any longer
• Source of joy for staff and other persons
• Cosy feeling
• Continuation of earlier life
• Calming down unsettled persons

5. A ”personal” cat

6. Cat in a home for people with dementia

7. Negative factors
• Competition
• Furniture
• Allergy
• Uncertainty about practical things
- Responsibility
- Sanitary rules
- The master dies