Max the Cat cruises into the hearts of this township’s senior citizens
This three-legged Persian has visited many retirees over the years, earning quite the social media following
DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (InvestigateTV) — Every Wednesday for the past eight years, Max the therapy cat has been “couch cruising” at Delta Retirement Center, wheeling past wheelchairs and pausing to say hello to residents who eagerly await his weekly visits.
The 13-year-old cotton candy blue Persian cat has become a beloved fixture at the facility, bringing laughter and smiles to seniors who look forward to seeing his charismatic personality.
“It’s good to see him,” said Bill, one of the residents who enjoys Max’s visits.
Max’s unique story began nine years ago when Deb Small adopted him from the Capital Area Humane Society. The cat had been so severely abused by his previous owner that his hind leg required amputation.
“At that point, it was a no-brainer. I said he’s coming home with me and nobody’s going to hurt this animal again,” Small said.
After helping Max heal physically, Small decided to put him to work helping seniors heal emotionally. She now calls him “a champion for the elderly, because that’s his role.”
While Delta Retirement Center serves as his home base, Max has expanded his mission over the past year, visiting seniors at retirement centers and nursing homes throughout Mid-Michigan.
“And so we hope that when we leave, they feel important, that somebody took the time to come out and see them,” Small said.
The impact on residents is evident. “He brings a lot of happiness to a lot of people. We love him,” said Gale, another resident at Delta.
Max’s advocacy extends beyond local facilities. The mobile cat has traveled to the Mackinac Bridge, Niagara Falls and local car shows, where he won first place cruising in Holt.
His adventures have earned him a significant social media following, with 9,000 followers across 154 countries on Facebook, including fans in Australia, Antarctica, Siberia, Russia, China and Japan.
“He does like to travel,” Small noted, explaining that Max enjoys being on the move while spreading his message that seniors matter.
Small emphasizes that Max’s work serves a deeper purpose beyond entertainment. “I think what Max does and what my goal is is to let people know that they have value in this world,” she said.
Despite his disability, Max continues his therapy work with enthusiasm. Small describes herself as simply “the driver” and “the manager,” while Max remains “the star.”
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