In a heartwarming initiative, the Far North is witnessing the launch of the ‘Companion Cats‘ program, which pairs older, unwanted cats with elderly residents who may not have the means to care for them.
Coast to Coast Cat Rescue, a devoted charity committed to the rescue and rehoming of felines, is set to unveil this groundbreaking program. ‘Companion Cats’ extends a lifeline to senior residents residing in the broader Bay of Islands region, offering them the opportunity to foster cats on a long-term basis.
Barbara Nicholas, a dedicated volunteer with seven years of experience in fostering cats, expressed the significance of having an animal companion. “Having an animal around gives you something to look after and love,” she emphasized.
While kittens often steal the spotlight, there exists a surplus of adult cats within the rescue network. Many older individuals yearn for the companionship of a pet but face financial constraints that deter them from embracing this joy.
Nicholas further elaborated, “There are older people out there who would love a pet, but they can’t afford to feed it or pay the vet bills, or even buy kitty litter. The rescue is trying to bring adult cats and people together. It’s a win-win situation for both the people and the cats. The cats find a loving home, and the seniors gain companionship for as long as they need it.”
Thanks to the generosity of local business sponsors, the charity shoulders all expenses related to the ‘Companion Cats’ program, ensuring that seniors can embrace this unique companionship without financial worries.
This heartening initiative promises to not only provide elderly residents with feline companions but also alleviate the plight of adult cats in need of loving homes. As ‘Companion Cats’ takes its first steps, it exemplifies the power of community support in creating mutually beneficial solutions.
