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Charity pairs homeless cats with elderly people

Dan Ayers
BBC News, Somerset
Angela Wills, 89, has taken on Snowy the cat as part of the scheme

A cat companion scheme is helping to pair homeless cats with older people in order to tackle loneliness.

St Giles Animal and Rescue Centre near Taunton in Somerset, set up the scheme to help support the growing number of cats coming into the centre.

Angela Wills, 89, who lives in Stoke St Gregory, decided to take on 13-year-old cat Snowy as part of the scheme.

She said: "It's lovely. I know that I'm not on my own and she's the best alarm clock to wake up to in the morning."

A white fluffy cat sitting at the top of a staircase looking at the camera.
Snowy, aged 13, had been at St Giles Animal Rescue centre for a while after her previous owner died

The aim of the project is to combat loneliness in the local community and matching an older person with one of the cats at the centre.

Ms Wills said: "I just wanted a cat, not a dog, as my sight is going.

"I'm an older person and I wouldn't like to have a younger cat in case I pop off wherever we go - but as Snowy is an older cat, it's perfect.

"I'm so glad I've got her."

A women in a red jumper and cardigan sitting next to a man in a jumper saying St Giles Animal and Rescue Centre.
St Giles Animal and Rescue Centre will continue to support the animals and owners after the adoption

The rescue centre continues to support the cat with vaccinations and home visits.

Jack Linnell, manager at the centre, said: "We've got to think of other ways to rehome these animals as there's been an increase of cats coming in.

"We're pairing up homeless cats with isolated people - and it seems to be working in combating loneliness in the community.

"If anyone is interested, we have plenty of cats ready for a supported adoption."

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