Top 10 Low-Maintenance Pets for Seniors
Animals bring a lot of joy and also offer much-needed companionship for anyone. When it comes to looking for the perfect companion, seniors should focus on low-maintenance pets. It’s important to choose carefully, so we’ve created a list of the top 10 pets that are easy to care for.
1. Dogs. When most people think of pets, dogs are at the top of the list. Seniors considering a dog should think about breeds that don’t require too much grooming. Short coats such as those found on Boston terriers and French bulldogs will be easier to maintain than the curls found on a poodle mix. You also want a calm dog that doesn’t need to run to get tons of energy out.
2. Cats. Unlike dogs, most cats have no interest in being walked. You do need to consider whether you or other household members have allergies or breathing issues, as cat dander can make those problems worse. A short-haired cat is preferable to long hair, for less grooming and vacuuming.
Consider a Pet That’s Happy in a Cage for Lower Care Needs
3. Guinea pigs. If you want a furry pet but dogs and cats are too much work, guinea pigs could be a great choice. They are typically very friendly and don’t need much gear. Their needs are pretty basic--a cage with enough room to exercise, food, water, and bedding.
4. Rabbits. Rabbits’ needs are similar to a guinea pig--a cage with room to hop about, food, water, and bedding. Many can be litter box trained like a cat. Research different breeds to find the right combination of characteristics. The Mini Rex is very popular because of its calm nature and short fur, which doesn’t require much grooming. It also is not prone to health problems and only needs regular check ups with the vet.
5. Hamsters. Hamsters need a cage with an exercise wheel, bedding, water, and food. They are fine with being taken out of their cage and held. However, they are also perfectly happy playing in their cages.
6. Chinchillas. These soft-as-a-cloud creatures hail from the mountains of South America. While friendly, they tend to prefer to play than to be cuddled. They need a large cage with several levels so they can climb and explore. Typically, they are active at dusk and dawn and prefer quiet during the day. They also need to be kept cool, with ambient temperatures at 77 degrees. Overheating can lead to health problems.
7. Birds. Small species like finches, canaries, and parakeets can be great companions for seniors. Love birds can be quite affectionate. Cockatiels can learn to talk but are smaller than parrots or macaws.
Fish and Reptiles Are Fun, Even if They’re Not Fuzzy--Or How About a Dragon?!
8. Fish. The easiest set up is a single betta fish in a bowl. These fish are quite beautiful, with sinuous fins and brightly colored bodies. You can get more fish and a larger set up, but keep in mind that the aquarium will need regular cleaning. There’s something very relaxing about watching a fish swim gracefully through the water.
9. Turtles. A painted turtle is a great option for a smaller pet. They grow to be between 9 and 12 inches in diameter. They are fine with being fed every other day or so. The biggest task for turtle care is keeping the tank at the correct temperature. One thing to be aware of is that turtles have a long lifespan. A painted turtle can live up to 30 years.
10. Bearded dragon. These Australian lizards are fascinating to watch and generally adapt well to handling by humans. They do need a large aquarium, usually between 55 and 75 gallons in size for adults. They also need to have both a spot for basking and a cooler area in their space. It’s important to keep the temperatures in these areas at proper levels. They need to eat every day, usually a combination of insects, leafy green veggies, and fruit.
Owning a pet can be a great way for seniors to have a sense of companionship and purpose. Before deciding on the best pet, read up on the care required, budget for supplies and vet bills, and visit a pet store or reputable breeder to get expert advice.
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