My husband loves our labs very much and also does like cats. I wouldn't mind another pet but wonder if this would work out with the dementia setting here. You would think we should simplify but I am undecided what to do. One breath he says yes, a kitty would be nice and also follows up with we have 2 dogs we love. I am starting to think he has a sounder mind than I do. I could use some advice from those of us who live in a similar situation. Thanks.
Last weekend I found a lost cat, who was about a year old. Thank goodness I found his owner, as I was thinking if this cat didn't have a home would I adopt him. Then common sense set in... cats can live to be 20 years old, so that would mean I would be 90. The cat could outlive me, then what? I have no children, nor siblings. It wouldn't be fair to the cat. Plus I already have 3 cats, all of whom are considered elderly seniors, except for one who is 15 years old going on 2.... he still has a lot of kitten in him, thus a handful to deal with.
But if it was you, and you really really want a cat, then get a cat. The dogs will not kill it - tsk, Pam, you heartless woman! - provided they are properly brought up and you use some common sense about keeping the animals separate when unsupervised until the cat is well established in the household.
I'm not being funny: have you considered a canary? If your husband is yearning for something he can interact with close up, it could be an answer. You'd be amazed how much personality a creature that only weighs an ounce or two can contain. Minimal work, and not a long-term project, sadly, on account of their average life span. Make sure your husband can't open the cage unaided. He'll get more attention from it if you only keep one; though from a bird welfare point of view it would be preferable to get a pair. I'm not generally a fan of keeping birds in captivity, but these are bred to it and know no more of the wide open spaces than the typical inner city child does. Something to think about, anyway.
Angel
My cousin's dementia caused her to obsess about her cat, whom she loved dearly, to the point that it was unhealthy. Her obsession with the cat made the cat very agitated and unhappy. She began to spray all over the house and not use the littler box, which I think likely was due to stress of living with a person with dementia who was unpredictable and anxious. I had to return the cat to the no kill shelter where she had adopted it from.
I realize that not all dementia patients go through that stage, but it does happen.
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