Lois Faris, 90, with her cat Bertha, 9, whom she took in as part of Whisker Rescue's Seniors for Seniors program. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

a loving companion

Seniors getting through pandemic with older cats from Whisker Rescue

Oct 12, 2020 | 8:00 AM

An innovative program offered by Red Deer’s Whisker Rescue since 2008 is helping older folks get through the COVID-era doldrums.

Seniors for Seniors puts cats who are in the latter stages of life into the loving arms of a central Alberta senior seeking companionship. Whisker Rescue provides all food and litter, and even pays vet costs, but that means it relies heavily on donations from both individuals, and pet stores with stock they can’t sell.

“If it doesn’t work for whatever reason, we take the kitty back,” says Seniors for Seniors Coordinator Diane Webber. “If they want another, we can try that too. With COVID, it’s been a little tricky because with seniors in homes and lodges, we can’t go in.”

Webber says volunteers even go in to clip cats’ nails, and administer medication, free of charge. The program currently serves about 30 people, mostly within the city. Monthly costs, on the low-end, she notes, are around $150-200 just for food and litter.

“Firstly, this is about the senior’s company and love they’re able to give. That kitty is someone they can care for,” says Webber. “For our cats, it’s a home, not a shelter. Although our shelter is wonderful, being in a home brings out their personality, and just having that warm little body when things aren’t as good as they typically are, it’s a win-win for both the human and the kitty.”

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Participant and Red Deer County resident, Lois Faris, is onto her fourth cat, meaning she’s cared for a senior feline multiple times until it’s passed away.

“I am 90, and became involved in the Seniors for Seniors program nine years ago. Lynn, my daughter, was a customer at a vet and saw a tiny cat that needed a home. ‘China’ was a Whisker Rescue cat, 15-years-old, and was being treated for kidney disease,” Faris shares. “She was only expected to live a few months, but needed a safe place to be. I agreed to take her, knowing that vet bills would be covered.”

China lived another four years and never visited a vet again because of the stress-free environment she entered into once leaving the shelter where other cats would not allow her full access to litter or food.

“It’s nice to be needed and have immediate appreciation. It’s important for me to feel I can still contribute something more to the community, and it’s been very important since March when COVID meant no visitors or trips out,” Faris says.

“What could be more important for both of us than sharing love and attention in our final years? Lynn and I want more senior people and cats to enjoy the warm fuzzy benefits [of this program], and since I moved to the Hamlets in Gasoline Alley, three other residents have taken in cats.”

Adjunct Assistant Professor Ann Toohey, manager, scientific and research programs at the University of Calgary’s Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging, has completed both an MSc and PhD on the topic of aging-in-place with pets.

“An older person providing a home for one of the senior cats through this program is positioned to reap the potential mental health benefits (companionship, diversion, physical contact, meaningful occupation, sense of purpose, etc.) while being protected from the mental health concerns that have arisen for many pet owners during the pandemic,” says Toohey.

“The commitment of Whisker Rescue to cover all expenses if needed is also huge, given the number of older persons living on tight fixed incomes that may not be adequate to cover veterinary costs for an aging cat, or special diets, etc.”

Toohey adds that seven months of pandemic living have proven troublesome with the effects of social isolation and loneliness for seniors, who are also anxious about contracting a serious illness and being a burden on the economy and healthcare system.

“On the other hand, neighbours and society have also become more aware of social isolation and have stepped up efforts to ensure that older people are cared for, through things like grocery delivery, donated iPads/tablets, and other forms of assistance, making them feel valued,” she says. “Time will tell about the extent to which being told to remain at home and somewhat sedentary will also accelerate age-related declines, when we know that remaining physically active and socially engaged are so fundamental to aging well.”