Residents at Good Samaritan Society – Manson in Iowa welcomed two furry friends into their home. But unlike the typical pet, these cats don’t need food, litter boxes or regular vet visits.
The location’s kitties are little robots. They have soft fur and use motion sensors to mimic real behavior. When they sense someone’s petting them, the cats vibrate to feel just like a content, purring pet.
“I just love my kitty. I could cuddle up to him every day,” said resident Almeda Gordon.
The cats offer all the benefits of therapy animals – without the maintenance and allergens of a real pet.
“They’ve brought so much happiness to our home,” said Cassie Bax, the location’s activity director. “They put smiles on our residents’ faces time and time again.”
Cassie has seen the cats provide comfort to residents, especially to those with memory loss or dementia. They help residents feel more at home and reduce loneliness and anxiety.
“The robotic cats often remind residents of pets they used to have. That can give them a sense of familiarity and home,” Cassie said.
It’s through benefits like the robotic cats that the Society’s team supports the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of residents. Their focus is on making long-term care feel like residents never left home.
The Manson community received the robotic cats thanks to gifts through the Good Samaritan Foundation. These gifts support residents and enrich seniors’ lives in countless ways.
