CALIFORNIA – Amid all the pumps and IV machines, ventilators, and monitors at in the intensive care unit at UCSF Medical Center, a “purrfectly” trained professional is currently making the rounds: a 7-year-old tuxedo cat.
His full name is Duke Ellington Morris!
“When he first mentioned it, I was, like, ‘Is it a dog?’ Nope – a kitty!” giggled patient Susan Wuann.
“Oh, this cat’s phenomenal!”, shouted patient Marcy Harrison.
“It’s pretty exciting to meet him and see a cat in the hospital.” stated nurse David Goldberger.
For both the patients and staff alike, Duke is one cool cat.
“I was skeptical of the idea until I met Duke and was, like, this works for us,” stated Steven Koster, who facilitates the animal-assisted therapy program at UCSF with the San Francisco SPCA.
All the pets who are participating in the program are vetted and healthy.
“The staff who has been involved with the animal assisted therapy program are very careful to make sure the animals are very safe to be in the ICU,” explained UCSF Adult Critical Care Director Dr. Matt Aldrich
The goal is to facilitate the healing process, promote wellbeing, and share a little love.
Studies show pet therapy can reduce blood pressure, pain, stress, anxiety, and even depression.
And Duke is a very mellow cat.
“When you have this animal that comes in here like Duke … you can pet him, you can stroke him. He gives you a sense of being connected as a human again. So it’s really a wonderful thing,” said patient Andre Ross.
These days, Duke – a rescue cat – pretty much rules this ICU and his owners are happy to share him. “I think he rescued us. there’s no doubt in my mind,” stated owner Jennifer Morris. “He’s just a sweetheart.”
“It really does make you feel good,” Harrison went on to add.
“This is the cream on the top,” said Wuan.
And as for Duke, well. he just lapped it up!
Read these characteristics which almost all cat lovers have in common:
INTROVERTED AND SENSITIVE
It’s the nature of cats that they are not friends with everybody, and the same trait can be seen in their owners too. Usually, they live alone and are happy with their independent lifestyle. They are introverts but are comfortable hanging around with other people. However, they would need some me-time to relax and recharge.
CAT LOVERS LEAN TO LEFT
It has been observed that people with liberal political leanings prefer cats over dogs. You might be a liberal dog lover or a conservative cat owner; if you’re a liberal, you love cats and vice versa.
CAT OWNERS ARE OPEN-MINDED
Five traits – conscientiousness, neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness are often seen in most cat lovers. As compared to dog owners, people who have cats as pets are more open and therefore, have greater artistic creativity.
ATTENTION SEEKERS
Just like their pets, cat lovers seek attention from people around them. They like to be the centre of all conversations. At times, cat owners rely on their pets for emotional support.
THEY RESPECT CATS MORE THAN ANYONE
Cat people respect cats more than humans, in general. The saddest sight for a cat lover is to see the animal on the streets without a home. Cat lovers are often seen making a special effort to rescue or rehabilitate homeless cats.