Research Shows How We Can Reduce Loneliness and Increase Cat Fostering
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has just announced the publication of new research led by Sherry Sanderson at the University of Georgia, which found that fostering a shelter cat resulted in significant reductions in loneliness and improved mental health in older adults living independently alone.
Researchers placed foster cats with older adults and, to help overcome barriers to pet ownership, provided pet housing fees, pet supplies and veterinary care for the duration of the study. While the study focused on human health, it is important to note that more than 95% of the participants chose to adopt their foster cat at the completion of the study.
The implications of these findings from an animal welfare perspective alone are significant. While many older adults may face barrier to fostering pets, this research provides promising evidence that, with proper support, fostering is beneficial for both humans and cats. According to Susanne Kogut , President of Petco Love, if just 2% of pet-owning households fostered one pet a year, it could eliminate unnecessary euthanasia in America’s animal shelters.
Human-animal bond research is always impactful, but never more so than when we can show clear benefits for both people and pets. This means using the Fostering Felines research as a springboard to launch more supportive fostering programs for the 16 million older adults living independently alone in the United States. The ultimate outcome – millions of loving homes for cats, significant reductions in feline euthanasia, and decreased loneliness for older people enjoying the comfort and support of the human-animal bond.
Some of the most heartbreaking moments of my (veterinary) career happened when "the last cat" was put to sleep. More often than not, the elderly human decided, it was time to not take on another pet over concerns what may happen if the cat outlives them. Fostering really helps provide a solution for this.
Steven Feldman , thank you for sharing this information. If we could implement this type of program, the lives of felines would be saved and those who foster will benefit.
Inspiring research, Steven Feldman - and powerful data to support connecting the elderly with foster pets. My Christmas wish is that corporate partners now line up to help facilitate this beautiful vision!
This research is great to have! It's encouraging to see how the human-animal bond can have such positive effects on both older people and cats. It's so important to educate the public as we learn more about this topic!