Bupa’s Red Court Nursing Home, Croydon, Surrey has welcomed a new addition to the home in the form of a cat called Nala. The two year old pedigree Bengal was rehomed in March from the Cats Protection branch in Croydon.

Cats Protection have been making a difference to the lives of cats for the last 83 years and now have over 250 volunteer-run branches and 29 adoption centres around the UK.

Nala has been a comfort to many of the residents at the home and regularly snuggles up to them at night. She is a firm favourite with residents, relatives and staff and has settled in extremely well.

It is widely acknowledged that pets can positively benefit the well-being of elderly owners. For many elderly people living on their own, their pets are their reason for living. Pets provide significant health benefits including reduced blood pressure and cholesterol; improved recovery from heart attacks and strokes; better social interactions in people with dementia; and fewer GP visits.

Pauline Hamadi, home manager of Bupa’s Red Court Nursing Home, said: “Nala is a very loving and affectionate cat and has made a real difference to the lives of the residents in our home. It feels like she has lived here forever and I don’t know what we did before she came along. She really is a very a welcome addition to the home.”

Heather McCann, Cats Protection’s Chairman and volunteer with the charity’s Croydon Branch, said: “Nala is a great addition to Red Court and this has been one of the most successful rehoming partnerships that we have ever had. She is loved by all the staff and residents and I believe she is making a real difference to their lives, which makes us very proud.”

Bupa Care Services

o We operate 304 nursing and residential homes in the UK and care for almost 18,500 people
o We are the only company to offer Alzheimer’s Society-trained Dementia Champions in our UK specialist care homes – over 25% of our beds in the UK are registered for specialist dementia care
o Our care homes are open to everyone – over 70 percent of Bupa’s UK residents receive state funding
o Bupa Care Services employs over 27,000 people
o Bupa also owns care homes in Spain, Australia, and New Zealand

Cats Protection has a new helpline number: 03000 12 12 12. Calls charged at standard rate.