Tameside Rotary is raising funds to supply Robotic Cat Companions to care home residents with dementia in Tameside. Seven have already been donated and Tameside Rotary have ten more care homes waiting.

Life-like Robotic Cat Companions are increasingly recognised for their therapeutic value. With realistic fur and inbuilt sensors, cats respond to hugging and motion, purr, meow, move and stretch. For residents with dementia, they help improve quality of life by alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

One early recipient of a robotic furry companion from Tameside Rotary is Bourne House Residential Care Home in Ashton where staff explained how the cat was named Zooky by residents and spends her days sitting on their laps, whilst they talk and stroke her. At Kings Park Care Home, Tameside, staff describe how their donated robotic cat, named Tom, has been a huge success and is also used during sensory activities for residents who are nursed in bed.

With a further five cats donated last week to care homes across Tameside, Maria Bailey, President of Tameside Rotary, stated “We are delighted to help care homes at such a difficult time. Pets are so important to many people and when they move into care, they can really miss their furry companion. These robotic cats are amazing and because they are so life-like they can have a calming effect and help residents recall fond memories.”