The Felines to Seniors program (F2S) will play a vital role in helping reduce the population of cats in the care of Bertie County Animal Control.
The top two reasons why cats land in shelters are both transitional in nature.
In fact, the very top reason all animals wind up homeless is that they become older. After their muzzles are gray, their minds start to slip, and they start to “make mistakes” on the carpet, frustrated owners pack them up and carry the off. The kinder powers drop them at a shelter. Others merely take them to another area and release them to fend for themselves.
It is heartbreaking to wonder what that senior animal must think–raised in a cozy home with a nice family–only to be discarded in their final months.
Secondly, equally sad, is when a pet owner passes away. Older adults often have pre-arranged situations for their pets. However, younger, tragic, unexpected death is an altogether different matter.
More often than not, the surviving family members cannot take in the deceased person’s dog or cat. Perhaps they already have pets, live in a rental unit that disallows pets, or cannot support a pet financially.
So the pet suffers a double loss–that of the owner and of their stable home. These pets are often young and still have full lives ahead of them–if only they could get out of the shelter.
That’s where the Felines to Seniors program comes in. The name explains exactly this: felines and seniors can form tight bonds, and we will help.
About Felines to Seniors
Senior citizens often long for the companionship of a pet. Their primary roadblock to ownership? The initial cost of adoption. While they can cover the cost of feeding and vetting, the initial hundred-dollar investment in a cat can be a barrier for senior citizens.
The solution? Felines to seniors.
Generous friends and concerned community stakeholders will help us pay the initial adoption fees for a cat or a kitten from the Bertie shelter. So felines go to seniors for friendship and love–F2S.
Why cats? Why not dogs?
One of our animal advocates drove to the local facility and spoke directly with one of the pet care workers. We asked what this person thought of the idea–they loved it. However, there was one caveat–cats would be best.
When asked why, the kennel attendant explained how senior citizens often must return dogs within a short time of adoption. They love dogs, fondly remember past furry buddies, and feel nostalgic. At least until they get home and must walk the dog in the rain, scoop poop, and hoist heavy bags of dog food. Cats tend to be quiet, small, easy to manage, and can do their business indoors in the litter pan.
Felines are perfect for senior citizens!