The Best Pets for Seniors

While fish and birds are a good option, they do not require a great deal of personal contact, most seniors prefer an animal they can pet and show affection towards. This means cats or dogs are the best option for most senior citizens. There are a few things you will want to consider before choosing either for the senior in your life.

Falling Hazard

Any pet that is mobile can create a fall hazard, dogs and cats both are prone to getting under foot at inopportune moments. If you or your loved one has difficulty getting around, these are probably not the best pets for seniors; you will want to consider aquarium fish or perhaps birds in this situation. Goldfish, guppies and even Chinese fighting fish are easy to care for and relaxing to watch. In the case of birds, one of the hardiest varieties is the parakeet.

Dog or Cat?

For the mobile senior cats and dogs are wonderful choices for companionship. Most people choose between them based on their affinity for the species; however, there are a couple of pros and cons to owning each.

Dogs- Canines are loving creatures who are loyal to a fault, they are generally perfectly content to lay in your lap and enjoy being stroked for hours on end! The best pets for seniors of the canine persuasion will be a small housedog. As a rule seniors prefer calmer breeds, which include:

• English toy spaniel

• Pugs (require daily grooming)

• Chinese crested- very clingy pet

• Brussels Griffon- bonds with one individual and very low maintenance, these dogs do not do well when left alone for long periods.

• Bichon Frise- No shedding, no pet dander!

Not as senior friendly

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Due to his breeding this dog will chase anything that darts by, making them a tripping hazard.

• Havanese- Very active, best for families with children

• Miniature Pincer- Active and very much need an alpha personality in their lives or they will rule the roost!

Cats- Felines are just as lovable as canines; however, most are less inclined to be a constant companion. Cats tend to like to do their own thing for a big part of the day and only allow petting at their own discretion. Where a dog will enjoy petting and attention any time day or night, cats are less so. Good cat breeds for seniors include:

• American shorthair- gentle calm cat breed that is known to be robust and healthy. They get along well with pets and children

• Persian- This cat is 50-50 when it comes to the best pets for seniors. They have very sweet personalities and will acclimate well to any loving environment. However, they do require daily grooming of their long fur.

• Ragamuffin- If you are looking for the cat that most closely resembles a dog in temperament this is the cat for you. They will often greet you when you come home and follow you everywhere you go.

Conclusion

This is not an exhaustive list of the best pets for seniors; however, they do provide you with a good starting point in your search. Remember when you are looking for a pet for the senior in your life their needs and wants may vary, some are still extremely active and will enjoy a peppy pet while others would actually be at risk with a bouncy dog or energetic cat so choose wisely.