Meet the purrfect companions who are supporting older people

Misty, Phyllis and Ginge are proving popular additions to Leyland day centre with staff crediting them with helping reduce anxiety and improving the wellbeing of people who visit.

The robotic cats mimic the behaviour of normal cats as they purr, meow and move their limbs.

They are given to people who use the day centre, some of whom have been diagnosed with dementia, to help them relax and to spark conversations.

Helen Delbridge, a care assistant at the day centre, thinks the robo-cats have a calming effect on people.

She said:

"The more you stroke them and the more you interact with them then the more you get back off them.

"Service users like that and they get a lot out of them."

Service user Olive Wells admits she's more of a dog person but finds it very relaxing to have a robotic cat on her knee.

She said:

"I've got used to them now and I quite like them.

"I come in, sit down and I get a cat and I feel more secure because I've got somebody to talk to."

Olive Wells enjoys interacting with the robotic cats

Tanya Ambrose, a care assistant at Leyland day centre, said it's great to see the impact the cats can have.

She said:

"If people are getting anxious then we ask if they'd like a cat and the next thing they're stroking it and you can just see them relaxing, so it does make a big difference to some people. It's nice, it's very therapeutic.

"One gentleman loves them and is so serene when he has one of the cats. He will have a quiet ten minutes sat with the cat and you can see him relaxed, it's lovely."

County Councillor Tom Pickup, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said:

"Robotic pets are having a significant impact on people who attend the County Council's day centres and live in our care homes.

"They are helping to improve wellbeing, create meaningful connections for people and bring moments of joy."