There is nothing quite like curling up next to a purring cat. The day’s stresses can melt away with the monotone sound and soft vibration. (I have personal experience on this matter.)

I’m sure anyone with a pet can relate to the joys of having an animal companion. A dog’s wiggling and tail wagging at the slightest amount of attention can’t help but make you feel good.

But for senior citizens, the benefits go much deeper.

Studies have shown that older people with pets have lower blood pressure, are less depressed and are more active – especially those with dogs to walk.

Loneliness, a common problem among elderly, can be combated by living with a furry friend. And seniors who have pets seem to take better care of themselves, thus helping to maintain good health.

The benefits of pet ownership for the elderly are becoming widely recognized. This has encouraged some senior housing and assisted-living facilities to allow residents to have animals. For example, there are several cats living at Freese’s Assisted Living in Bangor.

“There is no doubt about the wonders a pet can do for an elderly person,” said Bev Uhlenhake, executive director of the Bangor Humane Society. “However, it is important for seniors to make future plans for their pets should they become unable to continue caring for them.”

Pets whose owners have entered the hospital or have passed away are routinely put up for adoption at the humane society, said Uhlenhake.

“These are really wonderful animals that now have no one to take care of them,” she said. Many of the pets are older, and finding homes for them isn’t easy.

Suzy, a 10-year-old long-haired coon mix, who prefers dogs to other cats, was one of the lucky ones.

“I was actually looking for an older cat as a companion for myself and my dog, Mayberry, who just happens to love cats. When I saw Suzy, I knew she was the one. She is the most beautiful cat I have ever seen,” said Mike Dow, morning announcer on WKSQ and board member for the Bangor Humane Society.

“Some people are under the false impression that older cats are somehow damaged goods,” Dow said. “They couldn’t be more wrong.”

While Suzy’s situation had a happy ending, many do not. To ensure your pet continues its current quality of life, you should plan ahead for the animal’s care, said Uhlenhake.

There are some legal options available to pet owners.

“One way is to state in your will that the animal goes to a specific person, along with a sum of money to provide care for its lifetime,” said Julie Mallett, staff attorney for Legal Services for the Elderly. “Another way would be to set up a trust with benefits payable to the person you’ve designated to take care of the animal for as long as that person continues to do so, and as long as the pet is alive.”

The obvious problem with these legal solutions is that the animal cannot enforce a will or trust, and has no recourse if it is getting substandard care, added Mallett.

Uhlenhake and Mallett offer suggestions on finding a good home for your pet:

. The best thing to do is have a frank discussion with friends and family members about the animal’s long-term care. Be sure to mention any special needs, such as required medicine, or health issues the pet may have.

. It is important to place the pet where it is truly loved and wanted and will be properly cared for. Do not just pick someone without careful thought.

. Try to place the pet in a situation that closely resembles your own. For example, if the animal is afraid of children, don’t place it in a home with kids.

. Be sure that the new owner can afford to properly care for the pet, especially if you are unable to provide funds for this purpose. Food and veterinarian’s visits can become expensive.

. Once you have found someone who is willing to provide care for your beloved pet, have that person or family to visit occasionally, if possible. This will allow the animal to get to know them and feel comfortable around them, which may ease the transition later.

“It’s so sad when these pets come in because the owner is no longer able to care for them,” said Uhlenhake. “And we do try to place them. Older pets can make wonderful companions.”

Mike Dow agrees.

“The best thing about having Suzy is knowing she is happy, and she makes my dog happy,” he said.

To learn more about Suzy Dow and the joys of adopting an older pet, watch for an upcoming Bangor Humane Society column by Bev Unlenhake.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on Freese’s, EAA’s programs, or services, log on www.eaaa.org or call Marilyn or Chuck at 941-2865.