{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,18]],"date-time":"2026-07-18T04:34:05Z","timestamp":1784349245842,"version":"3.55.0"},"reference-count":39,"publisher":"Oxford University Press (OUP)","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2023,9,22]],"date-time":"2023-09-22T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1695340800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/pages\/standard-publication-reuse-rights"}],"funder":[{"name":"Human\u2013Animal Bond Research Institute","award":["HAB17-024"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["HAB17-024"]}]},{"name":"Nestle Purina Pet Care"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2024,1,1]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Objectives<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>This feasibility study explored the impact of fostering a shelter cat on loneliness and well-being in older adults living alone without a pet. The study also examined the effect of cat fostering on older adults\u2019 interest in cat adoption when perceived barriers to adoption were removed.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>A total of 29 adults (age \u226560) were paired with a cat and asked to foster for a minimum of 4 months (with an option to adopt). Participants completed surveys before placement with cats, with a follow-up at 1 and 4 months postplacement and 12 months if they adopted their cat. The survey included scales of loneliness, physical and mental health, self-efficacy, positive and negative affect, and comfort from a companion animal. Scores were compared across time using a Multivariable Linear Mixed Model.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Results<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>A total of 23 of 29 (79.3%) participants remained in the study for at least 4 months, and a majority (95.7%) adopted their cat. Differences in marginal means (adjusted for physical health) showed a significant improvement in loneliness from baseline to 4 months (p = .029). A similar 4-month improvement that approached statistical significance (adjusted p = .079) was observed for mental health. No other scales showed statistically significant changes across time.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>\n               <jats:sec>\n                  <jats:title>Discussion<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Fostering a shelter cat with the option for adoption may be an effective solution for alleviating loneliness and improving mental health in older adults. Interest in adopting foster cats was high when perceived barriers to adoption were removed.<\/jats:p>\n               <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1093\/geronb\/gbad140","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2023,9,22]],"date-time":"2023-09-22T21:47:01Z","timestamp":1695419221000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":7,"title":["The Impact of Cat Fostering on Older Adult Well-Being and Loneliness: A Feasibility Study"],"prefix":"10.1093","volume":"79","author":[{"given":"Sherry L","family":"Sanderson","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia , USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Kerstin G","family":"Emerson","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Institute of Gerontology, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia , USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Donald W","family":"Scott","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Geriatric Medicine Education and C.A.R.E. Clinic, AU\/UGA Medical Partnership , Athens, Georgia , USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Maureen","family":"Vidrine","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Nursing, Brenau University , Gainesville, Georgia , USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Diane L","family":"Hartzell","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"University of Georgia, Office of Vice President for Research , Athens, Georgia , USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Deborah A","family":"Keys","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Kaleidoscope Statistics, LLC , Athens, Georgia , USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"286","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2023,9,22]]},"reference":[{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0001","author":"AARP","year":"2017"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0002","first-page":"32","article-title":"Fostering the human\u2013animal bond for older adults: Challenges and opportunities","volume-title":"Activities, Adaptation & Aging","author":"Anderson","year":"2015"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0003","author":"ASPCA","year":"2019"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0004","first-page":"M428","article-title":"The effects of animal-assisted therapy on loneliness in an elderly population of long-term care facilities","volume-title":"Journal of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences","author":"Banks","year":"2002"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0005","first-page":"323","article-title":"Examining differences between homebound older adult pet owners and non-pet owners in depression, systemic inflammation, and executive function","volume-title":"Anthrozoos","author":"Branson","year":"2016"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0006","first-page":"1852","article-title":"Dog walking and the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness in older adults","volume-title":"Animals","author":"Carr","year":"2021"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0007","first-page":"239","article-title":"Dog and cat bites","volume-title":"American Family Physician","author":"Ellis","year":"2014"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0008","first-page":"e81","article-title":"Coping with being cooped up: Social distancing during COVID-19 among 60+ in the United States","volume-title":"Revista panamericana de salud publica\/Pan American Journal of Public Health","author":"Emerson","year":"2020"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0009","first-page":"718","article-title":"Health in older cat and dog owners: The Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT)-3 study","volume-title":"Scandinavian Journal of Public Health","author":"Enmarker","year":"2012"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0010","first-page":"347","article-title":"Depression in older cat and dog owners: The Nord-Tr\u00f8ndelag Health Study (HUNT)-3","volume-title":"Aging and Mental Health","author":"Enmarker","year":"2015"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0011","first-page":"49","article-title":"Early identification of demented persons in the community","volume-title":"Alzheimer\u2019s disease, current research in early diagnosis","author":"Fischbach","year":"1990"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0012","first-page":"71","article-title":"Companion animals and human health: Benefits, challenges, and the road ahead for human\u2013animal interaction","volume-title":"Revue Scientifique et Technique (International Office of Epizootics)","author":"Friedman","year":"2018"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0013","first-page":"293","article-title":"Pet ownership patterns and successful aging outcomes in community dwelling older adults","volume-title":"Frontiers in Veterinary Science","author":"Friedmann","year":"2020"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0014","first-page":"307","article-title":"Animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit","volume-title":"Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C.: 1974)","author":"Friedmann","year":"1980"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0015","first-page":"181","article-title":"Companion animals and loneliness: A systematic review of quantitative studies","volume-title":"Anthrozoos","author":"Gilby","year":"2015"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0016","first-page":"1","article-title":"Association of pet ownership with older adults eating patterns and health","volume-title":"Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research","author":"Heuberger","year":"2017"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0017","first-page":"227","article-title":"Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review","volume-title":"Perspective on Psychological Science","author":"Holt-Lunstad","year":"2015"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0018","first-page":"655","article-title":"A short scale for measuring loneliness in large surveys: Results from two population-based studies","volume-title":"Research on Aging","author":"Hughes","year":"2004"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0019","first-page":"1605","article-title":"Pet ownership and its influence on mental health in older adults","volume-title":"Aging & Mental Health","author":"Hui Gan","year":"2020"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0020","author":"John Ware Research Group, Inc","year":"2009"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0021","first-page":"2084","article-title":"The psychosocial influence of companion animals on positive and negative affect during the COVID-19 pandemic","volume-title":"Animals","author":"Kogan","year":"2021"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0022","first-page":"1935","article-title":"Pet ownership, loneliness, and social isolation: A systematic review","volume-title":"Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology","author":"Kretzler","year":"2022"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0023","first-page":"1333","article-title":"The effect of age on positive and negative affect: A developmental perspective on happiness","volume-title":"Journal of Personality and Social Psychology","author":"Mroczek","year":"1998"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0024","first-page":"24","article-title":"The stability and change of loneliness across the life span: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies","volume-title":"Personality and Social Psychology Review","author":"Mund","year":"2020"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0025","first-page":"232","article-title":"Puppy love in the time of corona: Dog ownership protects against loneliness for those living alone during the COVID-19 lockdown","volume-title":"International Journal of Psychiatry","author":"Olivia","year":"2020"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0026","author":"Pets for the Elderly Foundation","year":"2023"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0027","first-page":"423","article-title":"Pet ownership and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown","volume-title":"Australian Veterinary Journal","author":"Phillipou","year":"2021"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0028","first-page":"e0239397","article-title":"Human\u2013animal relationships and interactions during the Covid-19 lockdown phase in the U.K.: Investigating links with mental health and loneliness","volume-title":"PLOS One","author":"Ratschen","year":"2020"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0029","first-page":"e0190033","article-title":"Association of loneliness with all-cause mortality: A meta-analysis","volume-title":"PLOS One","author":"Rico-Uribe","year":"2018"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0030","first-page":"697","article-title":"Validation of a telephone version of the mini-mental state examination","volume-title":"Journal of the American Geriatrics Society","author":"Roccaforte","year":"1992"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0031","first-page":"242","article-title":"Is general self-efficacy a universal construct? Psychometric findings from 25 countries","volume-title":"European Journal of Psychological Assessment","author":"Scholz","year":"2002"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0032","first-page":"35","article-title":"Generalized self-efficacy scale","volume-title":"Measures in health psychology: A user\u2019s portfolio. Causal and control beliefs","author":"Schwarzer","year":"1995"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0033","first-page":"69","article-title":"Dogs and cats as environmental fall hazards","volume-title":"Journal of Safety Research","author":"Stevens","year":"2010"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0034","author":"The Administration for Community Living","year":"2022"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0035","first-page":"64","article-title":"The Barthel ADL index: A standard measure of physical disability","volume-title":"Disability and Rehabilitation","author":"Wade","year":"1988"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0036","first-page":"220","article-title":"A 12-item short-form health survey: Construction of scales and preliminary tests of reliability and validity","volume-title":"Medical Care","author":"Ware","year":"1996"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0037","first-page":"1063","article-title":"Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: The PANAS scales","volume-title":"Journal of Personality and Social Psychology","author":"Watson","year":"1988"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0038","author":"World Health Organization","year":"2021"},{"key":"2023122218571426600_CIT0039","first-page":"43","article-title":"Measuring attachment to companion animals: A dog is not a cat is not a bird","volume-title":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","author":"Zasloff","year":"1996"}],"container-title":["The Journals of Gerontology: Series B"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/psychsocgerontology\/advance-article-pdf\/doi\/10.1093\/geronb\/gbad140\/52715033\/gbad140.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"am","intended-application":"syndication"},{"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/psychsocgerontology\/article-pdf\/79\/1\/gbad140\/54759640\/gbad140.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"syndication"},{"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/psychsocgerontology\/article-pdf\/79\/1\/gbad140\/54759640\/gbad140.pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2023,12,22]],"date-time":"2023-12-22T18:57:40Z","timestamp":1703271460000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/psychsocgerontology\/article\/doi\/10.1093\/geronb\/gbad140\/7280453"}},"subtitle":[],"editor":[{"given":"Jessica","family":"Kelley","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"(Social Sciences Section)"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"editor"}]}],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023,9,22]]},"references-count":39,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2024,1,1]]}},"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/geronb\/gbad140","relation":{},"ISSN":["1079-5014","1758-5368"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1079-5014","type":"print"},{"value":"1758-5368","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published-other":{"date-parts":[[2024,1,1]]},"published":{"date-parts":[[2023,9,22]]},"article-number":"gbad140"}}