According to one study, pets can lead to a better quality of life. They provide the owner with a sense of purpose, a higher chance of social connection, and even motivate owners to get outside and move. If you are a senior or know someone in their older years, choosing a pet might be the right choice. But which pets are ideal for seniors?
If you’re interested in learning more about some of the best pets for seniors, you’re in the right place. The more you know about some of the top pet possibilities for seniors, the easier it will be to adopt the right critter for you or someone special. Read on to learn more about our top seven selections for pets as seniors.
Cats
According to one study, there is evidence that pets might stave off cognitive decline in seniors living by themselves. If you’re more of a solitary person, a cat could be the ideal pet for your situation. They are very solo creatures and tend to take care of themselves for the most part. They keep to themselves and yet provide a comforting presence.
A few popular cat breeds include the following:
- Ragdoll
- Maine Coon
- Persian Cat
- American Shorthair
These are some of the most common types of cats people adopt.
Seniors with limited mobility will benefit from a self-cleaning litter box or a small outdoor area where the cat can go outside. However, it’s critical to note that cats are famous escape artists – if you have an outdoor space, ensure it’s enclosed to prevent your feline from running away.
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Small Dogs
Another excellent selection for seniors is dogs. However, thanks to the limited mobility many seniors experience, it’s best to adopt small dogs for your comfort and safety. They are much easier to care for, small enough to fit into a practical apartment space, and are much less likely to knock you over in their excitement.
Some of the best small dog breeds include the following:
- Chihuahuas
- Pomeranians
- Yorkshire Terriers
- West Highland White Terrier
One study shows that dogs can help older adults stay active and healthy, influencing trips outside and more walking. However, if you have more limited mobility, there are services like Rover and Wag that will offer dog walkers to care for your pup. There are also services available for hire that will clean up after your pet in the yard if you can’t lean over.
Related: How Much Physical Activity Do Older Adults Need?
Birds
Another excellent choice for senior adults is a bird. Birds take a little more care than cats or dogs, but they spend most of their time in an enclosure and are much smaller. You don’t trip over birds like you would with a creature like a cat or a dog.
Here are a few of the most popular bird selections:
- Cockatiels
- Budgies
- Parakeets
These birds are smaller and very friendly. Birds sing, talk, and twitter, which can be soothing to older adults who live alone or in a smaller apartment. Of course, it’s critical to note that birds live longer than cats or dogs, so a senior might need to make plans for their bird if it outlived them. Some cockatoos can live 40-60 years.
Fish
Fish are another practical choice for seniors because they sit in a tank and require minimal care. You don’t need to take them for walks, you need to feed and clean their tanks. Several hardy fish breeds are fun to look at and exciting to own.
Ideal fish for seniors include the following:
- Betta fish
- Goldfish
- Tetras
- Molly
If you’re unable to clean out the tank yourself, there are available services that will do it for you. Also, it’s possible to invest in plants and cleaner fish to assist with the job.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs might seem popular amongst little children, but they also make practical pets for those in their older years. They might not be the right choice for every person, but they are simple to take care of and offer an excellent ownership experience.
Here are the most popular guinea pig breeds:
- American
- Sheltie
- Rex
- Peruvian
There are ample choices depending on your personal preferences. If you struggle with mobility, guinea pigs are excellent because they don’t need to be walked. There’s assistance available if you need help cleaning out their cages, which isn’t nearly as exerting as switching the water in a fish bowl or taking a dog on a walk.
Rabbits
Rabbits are another valuable selection for seniors. They are fuzzy, sweet, and they don’t make too much noise for older adults who would prefer a pet that’s on the silent side. They are a comforting animal to own.
Some of the most popular rabbits include:
- Dutch
- Mini Rex
- Californian
- Long-haired Angora
Not every rabbit breed is friendly, but most are. The Long-Haired Angora loves to interact with people and will snuggle in laps and even sit still for a brushing, which can bring significant comfort.
Rats
While this animal might not be a dream for some, rats are excellent pets because they are very friendly and don’t require much upkeep to remain healthy. They are intelligent and some of the most social animals on the planet.
Popular rat breeds include the following:
- Standard
- Dumbo
- Hairless
- Rex
- Fancy
Rats are essentially smaller dogs that don’t need to be walked and live inside a cage. They also tend to be good with children, so there is far less concern about biting and scratching when grandkids visit.
Final Thoughts
Although it takes some work, pets are a beneficial choice for many seniors. These seven each bring something different to the table, so there is sure to be an animal here that will work for you.
We hope this information was helpful! Getting older can occasionally be lonely, and a pet will bring new life and excitement to any senior, whether furry or scaly.
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