Our senior citizens have fewer reasons to leave the house. This means they are mostly alone or by themselves. That can be somewhat draining, lonely, and not to mention boring.
Although they can involve themselves in sit-down games or other fun activities, they may need to have pets around to fill the void.
That’s why we have curated a list of the best low maintenance pets for elderly. This list helps you identify the best pets to have as a senior that won’t require so much stress to care for and keep you happier within and around your home.
Why Have Pets As A Senior?
The contribution of pets for the elderly is a massive one. Here are several ways that a pet can help out a senior;
- Providing a source of companionship for elders to help prevent social isolation.
- Providing a sense of safety and protection with their presence and sound.
- Giving emotional support to elders who need someone to be there for them at all times.
- Promoting social interaction by giving them a listening ear when they talk.
- Ensuring physical well-being by keeping them physically active when they have to feed, clean, or take them on walks.
- Creating a sense of purpose and joy by being available to play around with
In addition to all these, pets are your friends. That’s one more friend than a pet-less person.
10 Low Maintenance Pets For Elderly
Here are the 10 best picks for low maintenance pets for elderly individuals, including some tips on if they will be the best fit for you;
Cats
Cats are the prime candidates for low maintenance pets for elders as they are mostly self-grooming and don’t require walks or major attention. In addition, they have a warm and comforting presence.
Some top cat breeds for seniors include:
- American Bobtail: These cats will stick around at all times and keep you. company
- British Shorthair: These are quieter cats. They can be on their own mostly, but give you the sense of another presence around.
- Ragdoll: Affectionate cats that act like a pet in every sense.
There are so many other breeds to pick from depending on factors such as activity, grooming needs, and appearance, but they are all generally low maintenance.
Dogs
Man’s best friend is the next on our list. Dogs are very good companions for seniors and are probably the most emotionally aware pets to own.
Dogs are perfect low maintenance pets for the following elders:
- Seniors looking for companionship or attention
- Seniors without allergies to fur
- Active and mobile seniors who can take them on walks and clean up after them
The breeds you choose should also depend on the size of the house and the space that you have. Breeds such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus are good for small spaces. You can get a Golden Retriever, a Bernese mountain dog, or a Labrador retriever if you have more space to roam.
This easy-to-use breed selector tool by the American Kennel Club can help you pick the right breed for you.
Hamsters
These little cuties are also good pets for seniors. They are different from dogs and cats, they have fewer needs and a shorter lifespan, so they are more suited to different types of seniors.
Seniors who would like hamsters as pets include:
- Those comfortable with rodents and want small pets that are easy to manage
- Those who just want a presence and no interaction
- Those who are more active at night or prefer quiet during the day (As hamsters are nocturnal)
When it comes to hamsters, breeds aren’t really looked at, but the best low-maintenance hamsters are the Syrian (golden) hamster, the Chinese hamster, and the Winter White Dwarf hamster.
Birds
Having a bird as a pet offers a different feeling for seniors. Seeing the flying animal under your care is fun to watch and a great feeling. Birds are great companions if you:
- Want a continuous therapeutic sound to fill the air of your home
- Want to have more than one of the same pet without more stress
- Need a pet with less handling and needs
Budgies, Parakeets, and Canaries are great low maintenance birds for seniors.
Fish
Fishes are one of the top choices for elders. They are low maintenance and hold a strong position because they are;
- Easy to care for
- Need a small space to live in
- Require low interaction, but can also be interacted with for comfort
- A calming effect for good mental well-being
“There are plenty of fish in the sea” as people say. However as low-maintenance pets for elders, we suggest getting Betta, Goldfish, Guppy, or a Dwarf puffer fish. Fish are low maintenance, but it is important to monitor, clean, and often change the water they are in.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs provide the same small and easy feeling that hamsters produce, but they are more social and have a longer life span. This means they provide the same feelings as their rodent counterparts, the hamsters, but are recommended if you want;
- More interaction than hamsters
- More activeness during the day (As guinea pigs are not nocturnal)
The best low-maintenance guinea pigs are those with short or whorl fur that require little to no brushing; American guinea pigs, Teddy guinea pigs, and Abyssinian guinea pigs.
Rabbits
A less common but good choice is a rabbit. Rabbits are low maintenance pets that offer a loving intimate feeling. They do most things independently and so require less attention.
Seniors who are more likely to appreciate rabbits as pets are those who:
- Do not like noise (As rabbits are very quiet)
- Want a pet they can hold and cuddle easily
- Have enough space indoors to watch their pet roam
Gerbils
Having a Gerbil is quite similar to having a guinea pig. Gerbils are slightly more energetic and offer entertainment as you can watch them play by themselves.
Tortoise
The tortoise is the longest-living animal on our low maintenance pets for elders list. The tortoise could be gotten and handed down for generations. They are extremely low maintenance, peaceful, and easy to care for. They are also very good pets for seniors with limited mobility, as there is a reduced risk of them getting away.
Mice
Mice are tiny, low-maintenance pets. They are good for seniors who:
- Are comfortable with rodents
- Like something fun to watch
- Want pets that are easy to handle
Mice are also nocturnal like hamsters, and this should be put into consideration before you get them.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Low-Maintenance Pet for a Happy and Fulfilled Life
From this list you can decide on which low maintenance is the best for you and your home. Pets are not compulsory, but they offer so many benefits which makes that better to have them around. Statistics show that 82 million U.S. households own a pet, so chances are that you are going to get one. Make sure to use the considerations in this article to pick the right low maintenance pet for yourself.
