Whether furry, finned, or feathered, find inspiration for adopting a new pal.
Having a furry friend (or feathery, or even scaly!) can be a wonderful addition to your family. They can be an exercise buddy, a drowsy fireside companion, and a fun little personality to love and care for. There’s also plenty of evidence that owning a pet makes seniors healthier! In this post, we’re covering some of the best pets for seniors, including:
- Small to mid-sized dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Fish
- Parakeets
Keep reading to learn more to determine whether these pets for seniors could be right for your lifestyle and preferences.
Small to mid-sized dogs
If a canine companion is a pet you’re interested in, consider the various breeds to find one with the demeanor that matches your personality. This useful dog breed guide for seniors suggests small-to mid-sized companions, such as Boston terriers, poodles, mini schnauzers, pugs, French bulldogs, and Pomeranians, with some other runner-up breeds listed too. These breeds tend to be friendly, well-behaved, and adaptable. If you have pet dander allergies, you’ll want to look for a breed that is hypoallergenic. As you’re considering the right “man’s best friend” for you, do your research to determine which breeds suit your preferences and lifestyle the best.
For seniors with hearing loss, head to our article on how hearing dogs can be a helpful companion.
Cats
June is Adopt a Cat Month! If you’re considering a purring feline friend, you might be interested to know that many seniors enjoy cats because they tend to be low-maintenance and independent. They groom themselves, don’t need to be taken on walks, and adapt well to an indoor lifestyle. The supplies you’ll need for a happy kitty include a litter box, food and water, scratching post, and toys to inspire play. These furry pals are lovable and can bring loads of joy to any home.
Rabbits
If you have space in your home and are looking for an energetic pet, you may be interested in a rabbit. Like cats, these furry pals thrive indoors and can be trained to use a litter box. They enjoy lots of playtime and exercise every day – either inside or outside in a protected area. Along with food, water, a clean litter box, occasional brushing – and lots of love – rabbits are another adorable pet for seniors to consider.
Fish
Another one of the best pets for seniors to consider doesn’t have fur – they’re finned! A tank with freshwater or tropical fish can make a relaxing and visually stimulating addition to your home. You can adorn your tank with driftwood, faux plants, sea rocks, and caves for hiding spots and fun. Consider these suggested fish breeds, including colorful bettas, minnows, and guppies. You may want to contact a pet supplier to learn about the best companion breeds for your underwater paradise. Beyond an occasional tank cleaning and sprinkling in fish food daily, these pets for seniors are easy to maintain and provide hours of enjoyment.
Parakeets
Seniors who enjoy birdwatching and early mornings might enjoy the chance to bring a little birdsong into their home too. Parakeets are a relatively low-maintenance bird to have as a pet. They tend to be clean, well-tempered, and entertaining but less loud than their full-sized parrot relatives. They enjoy your attention and can be let out to fly around your home if you’d like. Daily care involves cleaning and replacing the food and water containers, as well as the paper cage lining. Once a week, you can give the cage a more thorough wipe-down.
These are just some of the best pets for seniors to consider when searching for the right companion for their lifestyle. For more articles on senior living and independence, check out our blog.
