My husband loves our labs very much and also does like cats. I wouldn't mind another pet but wonder if this would work out with the dementia setting here. You would think we should simplify but I am undecided what to do. One breath he says yes, a kitty would be nice and also follows up with we have 2 dogs we love. I am starting to think he has a sounder mind than I do. I could use some advice from those of us who live in a similar situation. Thanks.
Altho what this has to do with AD I couldn't say ;=)
People will have many varying opinions on the dog and cat pet issues.
Our beloved dog lived 14 1/2 years-the last year taught me about what 24/7 care-taking was about before I came here-this was for our dog! When my husband broke down and could no longer keep up the care (it took both of us), and I could not pick up the slack, I had to make the decision to end her life because she could not even be left alone safely or get up to poop. Her life was happy, and had meaning, ours was miserable with over work, worry, and pain.
Many could criticize for keeping her alive too long. We choose to never have another pet for so many reasons: the LIFELONG financial commitment, the pain of having to euthanize a pet, and my husband's basic inability to care for one without supervision and empathy-similar to what may happen with dementia. The idea of a companion dog to improve aspergers was lost on us.
This thread will go South when people start to disagree, and I have seen before how an emotional issue like pets can bring disagreements and even fighting amongst themselves. So my advice, early on, is be kind to each other on this forum as caregivers. And understand that any pet needs a lifelong commitment.
And regarding adding a cat to a dog household, even with 2 dogs it is possible to create a "pack". One of my sig other's co-workers came home to find her 2 very sweet and gentle dogs had ganged up on the cat... the cat did not survive.
Angel
My cousin's dementia caused her to obsess about her cat, whom she loved dearly, to the point that it was unhealthy. Her obsession with the cat made the cat very agitated and unhappy. She began to spray all over the house and not use the littler box, which I think likely was due to stress of living with a person with dementia who was unpredictable and anxious. I had to return the cat to the no kill shelter where she had adopted it from.
I realize that not all dementia patients go through that stage, but it does happen.
But if it was you, and you really really want a cat, then get a cat. The dogs will not kill it - tsk, Pam, you heartless woman! - provided they are properly brought up and you use some common sense about keeping the animals separate when unsupervised until the cat is well established in the household.
I'm not being funny: have you considered a canary? If your husband is yearning for something he can interact with close up, it could be an answer. You'd be amazed how much personality a creature that only weighs an ounce or two can contain. Minimal work, and not a long-term project, sadly, on account of their average life span. Make sure your husband can't open the cage unaided. He'll get more attention from it if you only keep one; though from a bird welfare point of view it would be preferable to get a pair. I'm not generally a fan of keeping birds in captivity, but these are bred to it and know no more of the wide open spaces than the typical inner city child does. Something to think about, anyway.
If the labs are young enough to learn new things, have them trained to be assistive canine companions.
More dogs is not necessarily better. They are family, not possessions-sure you feel the same way.
Last weekend I found a lost cat, who was about a year old. Thank goodness I found his owner, as I was thinking if this cat didn't have a home would I adopt him. Then common sense set in... cats can live to be 20 years old, so that would mean I would be 90. The cat could outlive me, then what? I have no children, nor siblings. It wouldn't be fair to the cat. Plus I already have 3 cats, all of whom are considered elderly seniors, except for one who is 15 years old going on 2.... he still has a lot of kitten in him, thus a handful to deal with.