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The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) shared the outcomes of a examine it funded that seemed into how fostering shelter cats can contribute to bettering psychological well being and reducing loneliness in older adults who’re residing alone. The examine was performed on the University of Georgia by researchers from each the University of Georgia and Brenau University and has since been revealed within the Journals of Gerontology Series B.
“The ill-effects of loneliness and social isolation, particularly for older adults, are well-documented, and more strategies are needed to improve health outcomes for this population,” mentioned Don Scott, MD, MHS, campus director of geriatrics and palliative care and affiliate professor of drugs at August University-University of Georgia Medical Partnership, and co-investigator on this analysis venture, in an organizational launch.1 “This project shows that fostering cats can make a measurable difference in the lives of older adults living alone.”
According to the discharge,1 Sherry Sanderson, DVM, PhD, affiliate professor within the Department of Biomedical Science on the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, led the venture to discover the influence these felines have on the wellbeing of older adults who’re residing independently. The examine additionally explored whether or not these animals would categorical curiosity in adopting their foster cat if sure obstacles had been eliminated, corresponding to access to veterinary care.
“Our results show that by removing some perceived barriers to pet ownership, including pet deposit fees, pet adoption fees, pet care supplies, and veterinary support, we can not only help older adults live healthier, happier lives but we can also spur the fostering and adoption of shelter cats into loving homes,” defined Sanderson.1
Those who participated within the examine had been recruited via flyers posted at The Athens Community Council of Aging (ACCA), in-person displays, regional group organizations, regional and native publications, and senior residing amenities. Participants then accomplished well being surveys previous to being placed with cats and accomplished follow-up surveys at 1, 4, and 12, months post-adoption and had been offered provides to take care of the cat in the course of the examine. They additionally acquired month-to-month check-ins and veterinary care to verify all events had been in good well being in the course of the length of the examine.
Each participant additionally acquired cat meals, litter, and provides, offered by Nestle Purina Pet Care. Prior to getting into the examine, all of the cats concerned had been dewormed, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and handled for fleas and ticks. All of the shelter cats got here from both Campus Cats Rescue or the Athens Area Humane Society.
“HABRI is proud to support this first-of-its-kind research which provides promising evidence that a cat fostering program for older adults has the potential to create a lasting human-animal bond that benefits both human and cat health,” mentioned Steven Feldman, HABRI president. “We’re thankful for the tireless efforts of Sanderson and her research team who faced significant challenges in completing this important project during the COVID-19 pandemic.”1
The examine discovered that on the 4-month mark, researchers noticed a major drop in loneliness rating and noticed an approached statistical significance. The researchers additionally shared that on the finish of the examine, 95.7% of the contributors adopted their foster cats.2 They additionally famous that on the 12-month follow-up, outcomes had been now not statistically important, which is theorized to be a results of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reference
- New Research Indicates Shelter Cat Fostering Reduces Loneliness in Older Adults. News launch. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute. November 15, 2023. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://habri.org/pressroom/20231115
- Sanderson SL, Emerson KG, Scott DW, Vidrine M, Hartzell DL, Keys DA. The influence of cat fostering on older grownup well-being and loneliness: A feasibility examine. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. Published on-line 2023. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbad140
