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Kittens & therapy cats used to warm the hearts of senior citizens

Posted at 5:58 PM, Jun 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-14 21:16:13-04

SOUTH LYON, Mich. (WXYZ) — "This is a big deal for me," said 98-year-old Ruth Morofski as she gently petted a cat at the nursing home where she lives in South Lyon. "I look forward to it."

In January, Heather Ineich, founder of Kitty Paws Rescue and Therapy, and some volunteers began bringing several therapy cats and kittens to the South Lyon Senior Care and Rehab Center where the residents eagerly await the cuddles and joy the animals bring them.

"It's wonderful because that's what I miss most about having my own home is a cat," said Gwen Ashe as she cuddled a tiny kitten.

And giving seniors the love they remember from having their own pets is why Heather and her volunteers bring the felines to hang out with them once a month.

Two of the cats that visited the seniors Friday are therapy cats that have been specially trained by Heather.

The kittens she brings are up for adoption and having the seniors cuddle them goes a long way with helping to socialize the kittens so they make greats pets when they are placed in their forever homes.

"They're so cute," said Bonnie Rathburn. "They make me feel better."

Click here to find out more about Kitty Paws Rescue and Therapy. And if you're interested in adopting one of their kittens, you can send an email to Kittypawsrt@gmail.com.