Studies have shown that having a companion pet offers many benefits, including decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and less depression and loneliness. Pets provide unconditional love and joy to people of all ages! We feel Kitty Kompanions has great potential to help seniors and homeless cats alike.

Here's how it works. Interested seniors who are able care for a cat in their home or apartment should contact Hearthside to discuss Kitty Kompanions. If both parties agree, Hearthside arranges for a placement, waives the $25 adoption fee, and provides some basic pet supplies. All cats will be spayed or neutered and current on vaccines and veterinary care. Hearthside may offer to help with routine veterinary expenses, if this is a barrier to someone who would otherwise benefit from having a companion cat. One of our volunteers will be available to stay in touch by phone to answer any questions going forward. And in the event the adopter can no longer care for the cat, Hearthside will take the animal back, regardless of the circumstances.

To start, we would like to place five Kitty Kompanions in 2009, including Audrey, a wonderful 7 year-old cat looking for her own home. So if you or someone you know is interested in participating in the program, please call Hearthside at 585-243-0873.