We adopted a cat a few days ago. She is fully grown and box trained, I wouldn’t have had the energy or time to train a kitten. She joins our little dog who is getting older and not as active, hopefully she will perk him up. I know having her will change the dynamics in our home, I hope it is an improvement.

Getting her was a selfish decision. I always liked cats and have had one for most of my life. We lost our last just over a year ago and were thinking that we wouldn’t get another, but I have missed her more than I expected. She was always willing to listen to my complaints and liked to snuggle up to me in bed. Granted, having a cat is a bit of work, one more thing to care for and worry about. It is also one more thing to love and that will love me back, something I am very much looking forward to.

Being a pet parent is beneficial for my husband too. Having other beings in the house gives both of us additional stimulation and something to think about besides PD. The dog is more demanding of our attention than the cat, but petting a cat is one of the greatest stress relievers I have ever found. Whereas our dog encourages us to get up and move, a cat reminds us of the importance of napping helping us maintain a healthy balance.

The Michael J Fox Foundation covered this issue in 2014. Check out their article at How Pets Help People with Parkinson’s Disease .