Try Not to Cry at These Adorable Photos of Elderly Patients Taking Care of Kittens

Who could resist cuddling with adorable kittens? That's probably what Rebecca Hamilton thought when she realized her joy of taking care of kittens could be passed down to the elderly patients she cared for at the retirement home she works at in Oro Valley, AZ. Turns out Hamilton, the health services director of Catalina Springs Memory Care, was right. The unlikely partnership turned out to be a great success, as described by Sharon Mercer, the executive director at the retirement home.

"To some, it may seem peculiar at first: Residents who are in need of around-the-clock care themselves, given the task to care for these young kittens," Mercer admitted, adding, "But there are skills, emotions, and needs that do not just leave a person with Dementia or Alzheimer's. The desire to give love and receive love remains."

The elderly patients were photographed bottle feeding, cuddling, and simply enjoying the company of the newborn kittens, which was important even though unexpected. "The kittens have given us the opportunity to nurture this human condition that lies in each and every one of our residents," Mercer explained.

Keep reading to check out all of the sweetest photos from the program that you need to see today ahead.