Cat café at care home
A pair of enchanting fluffy felines were the headline attraction at a pop-up cat café that has been organised for residents at a dementia care home in Wellington.
Sibling kittens Mocha and Chino enjoyed a couple of hours being the centre of attention at Camelot House and Lodge, where they were taken by volunteers from St Giles Animal Centre in Wrantage, near Taunton.
Richard Dempslake, activities co-ordinator for Camelot House and Lodge, said: “The kittens were running around and making our residents laugh, playing with their toys and being given treats.
“They are only four months old, absolutely adorable, and the residents were in complete awe seeing, stroking and feeding them.
“We set up a secure area in the dining room, and having the pop-up cat café was a lovely activity that our residents loved taking an active part in.
“I've been talking to St Giles for a couple of years to try and organise a cat café but it’s taken a long time because of Covid restrictions. It was worth waiting for though, and we hope to do it again soon.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Gemma and Lyn from St Giles for their time bringing Mocha and Chino in to see us. I hope the kittens get adopted soon and by a loving family.”
Camelot House and Lodge team member Andrew Patterson was so impressed by the animal welfare work done by St Giles that he has signalled his interest in adopting a dog from the rescue centre.
Research proves that spending time with cats and dogs offers a variety of therapeutic benefits, including stress reduction and lower blood pressure, because those who enjoy their company experience an increase in the levels of the “love” hormone, oxytocin, and the neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates anxiety, happiness and mood.
St Giles Animal Rescue cares for abandoned, abused and displaced pets in Somerset, including dogs, cats and small animals, and offers them for adoption after they have been treated, trained and prepared for a better life.
Pets ready for their forever home are listed on the charity’s website www.stgilesanimalrescue.co.uk and they are always looking for volunteers, fosterers and new sponsors to help cover the costs of veterinary, boarding and food bills.
Details are available online or by calling 01823 490333, or email rescue@stgilesanimalcentre.co.uk with any adoption enquiries.
The cat café at Camelot House and Lodge was part of a varied programme of activities offered to residents. The home is run by award-winning specialist dementia care providers Camelot Lodge, who also have homes in Bridgwater and Plymouth.
