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A Prescription for Happiness
By Laurie Rich
MOMO THE LAPCAT CUDDLES ON AN INVITING LAP
Every month, Folsom Feline Rescue volunteers -- both human and feline -- visit seniors at an assisted living residence. FFR's LapCats animal-assisted activity program offers "warm and fuzzy" companionship to those people showing an interest. Holding and petting a cat is comforting -- and just makes people feel good. LapCats volunteers have seen withdrawn individuals express a willingness to communicate again, and to reach out to hug a purring, furry friend.
LapCats felines include available foster felines plus volunteers' cats who have demonstrated they love to spend time on an inviting lap.
The LapCats program was started in 2000 by FFR board member and foster home coordinator Tracy Kirsten. "I started the LapCats program because I was taking a leadership course," says Tracy. "Part of the coursework was to develop a community service project -- something that inspired me, involved other people, and inspired them too. I was inspired by cats, and wanted to do something creative with kitties."
"The LapCats idea is something that just came to me," continues Tracy, who hoped to create a program that would get volunteers interested in participating. "I wanted to get people excited about the program, and wanted to develop a program that would keep elderly people company, get them talking, and make them smile."
LapCats volunteer Vickie Kinek was looking for this very type of program for her registered Persian cat, MoMo. Vickie, a LapCats volunteer for 1-1/2 years, learned about FFR when she found several stray kittens at work and looked for a rescue group to help them find homes. While participating in FFR's annual CatWalk fundraising event, Vickie asked Tracy if a program such as LapCats existed.
"For quite some time I had been trying to find a program like this for MoMo because she's so lovable," says Vickie. "MoMo is very sensitive to people's feelings. She has lots of empathy towards people who don't feel well -- she senses people's pain. When someone is bedridden, she's more affectionate and will go to them and demand love."
"I enjoy LapCats because the smiles that MoMo brings to elderly people brightens up their day," continues Vickie. "And MoMo benefits from it as well. She loves to be with people."
Donna Wooley, Activity Director at FountainWood Assisted Living in Orangevale, is a supporter of the LapCats program.
"There is a lot of value in pets visiting the elderly," says Donna. "So many of our residents love cats. They look forward to FFR's visits. The companionship and bonding that happen between an animal and a resident helps trigger memories -- perhaps reminding them of a cat they used to have, which is good."
"FFR has been kind enough to make these visits possible by bringing gentle cats to our facility," continues Donna. "I appreciate that FFR takes the time to ensure that their cats are appropriate for visiting the elderly, who have sensitive skin and are easily scratched. The LapCats visits are a good time for our residents."
TJ, THE EXPERT LAPCAT, IN ACTION
LapCats visits take place the third Saturday of each month at an assisted living residence in the Folsom/Orangevale/Fair Oaks area. LapCats volunteers visit a different facility each month. Currently, seven assisted living residences receive visits on a revolving basis. If you'd enjoy volunteering with this program, please contact us using the enclosed response form, call 916-484-4099, or email info@folsomfelines.org.