J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2023 Sep 22:gbad140. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbad140. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This feasibility study explored the impact of fostering a shelter cat on loneliness and well-being in older adults living alone without a pet. The study also examined the effect of cat fostering on older adults’ interest in cat adoption when perceived barriers to adoption were removed.
METHOD: Twenty-nine adults (age >60) were paired with a cat and asked to foster for a minimum of 4 months (with an option to adopt). Participants completed surveys before placement with cats, with a follow-up at 1 and 4 months post-placement and 12 months if they adopted their cat. The survey included scales of loneliness, physical and mental health, self-efficacy, positive and negative affect, and comfort from a companion animal. Scores were compared across time using a multivariate Linear Mixed Model.
RESULTS: Twenty-three of 29 (79.3%) participants remained in the study for at least 4 months, and a majority (95.7%) adopted their cat. Estimated mean differences in marginal means (adjusted for physical health) showed a significant improvement in loneliness from baseline to 4 months (p =0.029). A similar 4-month improvement that approached statistical significance (adjusted p = 0.079) was observed for mental health. No other scales showed statistically significant changes across time.
CONCLUSION: Fostering a shelter cat with the option for adoption may be an effective solution for alleviating loneliness and improving mental health in older adults. Interest in adopting foster cats was high when perceived barriers to adoption were removed.
PMID:37738674 | DOI:10.1093/geronb/gbad140