Cat Breeds that are Perfect for Seniors

Growing old does not necessarily need to be boring or lonely. Seniors can enjoy old age by getting involved in some fun hobbies and activities.

You can visit https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/participating-activities-you-enjoy to learn why participating in enjoyable activities as you age is important. You can also benefit a lot from having an always-available companion.

Cats are known to be great companions and even seniors can benefit from having one around. However, as a senior, your idea of fun and companionship most likely won’t be the same as when you were younger.

So, finding the right cat for or as a senior citizen has to be deliberate and meticulous. Energetic cats won’t be a great match for the elderly. However, several breeds enjoy simply curling on the laps of their owners.

Since in this case, companionship is one of the reasons for getting a pet, the pet itself must also love being a companion and having company. Calmer cats are also great options. The cat breeds which are listed in this article have traits that are perfect for elder people. These traits include being people-oriented, affectionate, calm, friendliness, and so on.

1. American Bobtail

This breed is known to be very affectionate and being alone isn’t something an American bobtail likes. This makes the breed a perfect therapy cat. They tend to develop a very strong attachment with their families and are very devoted.

They also like to go on walks and play games.

2. Birman

A Birman cat is an ideal pet for any senior. This is due to so many factors including how low-maintenance they are and how much they love companionship. They are affectionate, intelligent, and gentle.

3. Balinese

A Balinese cat loves affection and attention, they are also very affectionate to make up for the attention they need. Because of their high demand for attention, this breed will be the ideal pet for a senior that’s almost always at home.

4. American Shorthair

This breed loves to cuddle; this makes them people-oriented. They are great for people that live alone, people with disabilities, and the elderly. They can also be good at keeping rats out of the home.

5. American Curl

This is one very affectionate breed. They enjoy being around people, they also love companionship so they enjoy being around their owners every time.

They are best known for their beautiful ears. Their ears, unlike the average cat breed ears that stand up curl backward. They are even-tempered and quite intelligent. Letting them get involved with things going on around is one way to keep them happy.

They will also be a great addition to a family that already has a cat; this is because they tend to enjoy the company of other cats.

6. Exotic Shorthair

An exotic Shorthair is typically gentle and affectionate. Being around their owners makes them happy as they enjoy their owner’s company a lot. They can thrive in houses or apartments.

However, they need daily grooming. An exotic shorthair has a very beautiful coat and this can only be maintained with daily grooming. You can read this to learn how to groom your cat.

7. British Shorthair

British shorthairs are relatively smaller than American shorthairs (mentioned above). But like American shorthairs, they are also loving and friendly.

They aren’t lap cats. However, being with or around their owners is something they love and enjoy doing. As an older cat-lover, this breed will be a perfect fit for you because of how easy-going they are. They are not too active and enjoy relaxing close to their human parents.

8. Havana

Havana cats are green-eyed and are closely related to Siamese cats. They are affectionate companions and are quite people-oriented. They love sitting in people’s laps. They also communicate with their owners in a loving soft voice.

If you choose this cat, you don’t have to do back-breaking work when it comes to grooming. This is because grooming them is quite easy.

9. Khaomanee

A khaomanee is typically relaxed and calm. They are also wonderful companions and would be a perfect lap companion for the elderly.

10. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are quiet and loving creatures. They are generally happy and known to be relaxed and friendly pets. They don’t mind lazing around while showing affection to their owners. However, there may be an energy burst from them every once in a while, which is a normal thing for all cats.

11. Tonkinese

This breed is quite social and vocal. Sitting on the laps of their human parents is one of their best past times. They also love getting attention.

12. Siberian

Siberians are playful and affectionate. They enjoy following members of the family around. They also make great therapy cats because of how calm they are.

13. Snowshoe

Snowshoe cats are generally mellow and thrive on affection and companionship.

14. Selkirk Rex

This breed is not just affectionate but also quite devoted. They are often cuddly and placid.

15. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats are known to be quite loyal. They are also affectionate and friendly. Being around their family also keeps them content and happy.

Every cat breed on this list can be a perfect companion for a senior. But, before you decide on a breed, considering cat breed information is also vital as you would learn more about it just from that.

Conclusion

Cats can be the perfect companion for elderly people to ensure they don’t get lonely as they age. However, not all breeds are great for seniors as some can be quite energetic. Calmer breeds that enjoy companionship like those listed in this article are always a better choice.

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