There are very few medical reasons why people should avoid cat contact or ownership.If you have any serious doubts do consult your GP,Health visitor,Practice nurse or Pharmacist.
The most common problem we encounter is children and allergies.The current high level of allergies and sensitivities is a complex issue.This generation certainly enjoys better diagnosis and treatment for Asthma than in the past.Greater awareness by professionals and patients may account for the increase in reported cases.The cocktail of additives we ingest from food and inhale from the air add to the picture.It is also possible our understandable desire to live in a more sterile environment has left us open to allergic reactions.
So it is not always the cat who is solely responsible for reactions such as wheezing,skin eruption and watery eyes.It may be the cat and it may be many factors.If cats are proven to be the cause this can be managed in most cases.Three of our fosterers are seriously asthmatic or mildly affected and they cope.
We will give general advice if asked but in persistent cases,especially with young children do seek medical advice.
There are preparations one can buy from vets to apply to pet fur that reduces some shedding and can alleviate human symptoms.
When we talk to potential new cat owners we discuss this issue and recommend people with children expose them to several cats before adopting one.
It is not a widespread problem but sufficient to merit mention here and we can sometimes save the upset of returning an adopted kitten resulting in tears of a different kind
Companionship
Without a doubt cats make good pals.We would say that-wouldn't we? However don't just take our word for it. Lots of research from psychologists,sociologists and others point to improved 'well being' from having a cat.Stressed out executives to lone pensioners all benefit from a feline companion.To quote a well known NHS slogan about better health for older peoples-'not just adding years to life but adding life to years'
Nationally we have countless testimonials to the mental and physical tonic that is the domestic cat.
Our branch tries hard to enable older people and those with physical disability to enjoy pet ownership by helping with some vet bills and transport to vets for the adopters who take some of our older cats.We can only do this while funds allow or we have enough volunteers but it does work well for all-not least the cat! |
