Cats are known for having a mind of their own. If they want to be left alone they apparently disappear like magic into the recesses of their home. They can also be seen as cold, distant, and aloof. Truth be told, there are many adorable cuddly cats in the world.
Case in point, the SPCA, a rescue shelter and UCSF medical center decided to collaborate and start a program known as the Animal Assisted Therapy Program.
The organization knew that cuddling with cats can create a soothing effect and playing with them has many benefits such as lowering blood pressure and easing depression.
The idea, in this case, was to relax some critically ill patients by giving them some time with cats.
“Duke brings furry snuggles and joy to critically ill patients in our intensive care unit! Our staff thinks he’s pretty “purr”-fect too!” proclaims the UCSF medical center Facebook page.
The Duke they are referring to is Duke Ellington Morris, a black and white feline that regularly meets with terminally ill patients at the California hospital.
Immediately following Duke’s visit, the hospital shared a video of his time spent with patients. The results are amazing and immediate.
The video has received nearly 11 million views!
Not only does Duke visit with patients, he is treated like cat royalty as he’s pushed around on a hospital card.
One terminally ill man said he was “getting better by the inch” as the nurses pushed Duke closer to him.
Duke met with nurses, doctors, and of course patients.
Guests also met with Duke and some of them even kissed the adorable and well-mannered therapy cat.
“Our staff screens for allergies before the cat visits, as well as taking precautions with hygiene, etc.,” said the UCSF staff.
With proper screening doctors and nurses are able to ensure that nobody gets sick because of this hero cat.
If you love cats Share this post so we can give some love to Duke and the amazing team at USCF Medical Center for their out of the box thinking.
