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A cat for a senior, not only a lonely one, is a good choice - caring for him is much easier than for a dog, although living with him does not have to be idyllic. Anyone who has a cat at home knows that these creatures, as a rule, prefer to walk their own paths, they also have their own moods and preferences, which are sometimes not easy to meet. A lot of cat traits are stored in DNA and strictly depend on the breed. Therefore - although caring for a cat is easier than for a dog - a senior who is thinking about adopting a cat should carefully consider which breed to choose.

A cat for an elderly personis a really good companion, although some say that dogs love unconditionally, you have to earn a cat's love. Whether or not this is a true opinion, it's hard to dispute the fact that many cats prefer to keep their owners at bay and do whatever suits them, not necessarily you or you - as evidenced by, for example, memes posted on websites for cat lovers.

Among these animals, however, there are also individuals that establish very close contact with the owner, willingly show their affection, demand attention and caresses. In part, it probably depends on the nature of a given animal, many specialists in feline behavior believe, however, that it is largely due to the traits that a cat has in its genes, and which are specific to the breed it belongs to.

It is worth taking this into account when looking for a cat that is to be an everyday companion for an elderly person, especially one who, due to he alth condition or lack of strength, will not be able to tame the quadruped or will start to worry about its moods.

Which Cat Breeds Are Best For Seniors?

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to this question. A lot depends on the senior himself: his temperament, character, physical fitness, and even resistance to stress. Even very friendly kittens, eagerly awaiting your or your home's return, may have a tendency to wander around the area alone and sneak out at any occasion, which means that their guardian must constantly ensure that all windows and doors are properly secured .

There are also kittens that demand caresses in every possible way, and when they are deprived of it, they behave unpredictably, which in turn may expose the elderly person tounnecessary stress.

Nevertheless, there are breeds that - with proper handling - behave in a friendly and balanced manner, which is why they are recommended by experts primarily as pets of older people.

Of course, exceptions can also happen here, when the "genetically programmed" kindness of a cat is overwhelmed by the negative experiences the cat has experienced.

Sphynx cats

Cats of this breed may arouse fear at first glance, because they are completely hairless. However, this has advantages: their guardian does not have to constantly clean it. Their menacing appearance (which they owe, inter alia, to large, pointed ears and a supply of loose skin on the body, especially around the head) contradicts their behavior: sphinxes are extremely friendly and sympathetic towards all creatures, including dogs. They're the perfect companions for older people to keep curled up on their lap - in part because they need the warmth of human touch.

Korat cats

Very friendly and closely related to their tutor. They are calm, but they do not tolerate loneliness well - if the senior is outgoing and often leaves the house, it is good if the cat has a companion, preferably of the same breed. Their short hair does not require any special care treatments: it is enough to comb them once a week with a soft brush, which the cat will gladly treat as one more caress.

Maine Coon cats

This is another breed whose representatives are attached to humans and are very easy to live with on a daily basis. They look like a cat mixed with a lynx and a raccoon - this is what they owe to crossbreeds of rural and Angora cats. They are quite large - neutered males can weigh up to 15 kg, which puts them in the row of the largest domestic cats - but still very agile and fast.

However, the vast majority of representatives of this breed prefer quiet days and evenings on the couch, rather than wandering around the area. A certain difficulty may be the fact that their hair requires regular care from the owner, although it is not complicated: every few days it needs to be combed with a special comb (but be careful about the tail, because the hair grows back much slower here than in other parts. body).

Once every few months, the cat's coat must also be subjected to a treatment called powdering, which refreshes the cat's hair and gives it shine - if this is not enough, the cat must be bathed in a special shampoo.

Ragdoll cats

They are exceptionally gentle cats: they don't show any aggression (that's why you shouldn't count onthat a cat of this breed will hunt rodents), they love people and are very submissive to them - they go limp when held in their hands, which brings to mind a rag doll (hence their name).

They need frequent and sensitive contact with a carer, so they will be perfect for a person who rarely leaves the apartment.

Their coat has little undercoat, which is why it is easy to care for - it is enough to brush it once a week, and in addition, most cats of this breed consider this treatment a very pleasant caress and willingly give it up.

Abyssinian cats

These are extremely intelligent creatures, strongly attached to their guardians and appreciating their company. They prefer to lie on the lap of a gentleman or a lady rather than alone, although they climb well, so it may happen that a representative of this breed will prefer a shelf somewhere under the ceiling. As a rule, however, they require caresses and can be even intrusive in showing their feelings.

They are very gentle, completely devoid of aggression (both towards people and animals, including representatives of other species). And, importantly, they do not make noise, which will be appreciated by those who have trouble falling asleep or need peace and quiet.

Abyssinians are also cats that require a certain amount of daily activity - their need for exercise can be satisfied by installing a cat's obstacle course or a tall scratching post. Their hair is easy to care for - it is enough to brush it once a week, and from time to time "polish" it by moving a slightly wet chamois leather over it.

Devon Rex cats

A cat of this breed gives the impression of a bully (which it owes to its funny wrinkled skin on its face), but these are only appearances - it is difficult to find a cat with a more friendly, even endearing character and behavior. Some experts even say that representatives of this breed are dogs closed in a cat's body: they can become so attached to the guardian that they follow him step by step, accompanying him in all activities, they can Apparate and even demand to go for a walk with him (and easy to teach them to walk on a leash).

However, among this breed, there are quite often individuals that love to mischief: to climb curtains, tear off wallpaper - so deciding on a Devon Rex, who will accompany the senior on a daily basis, it is worth investing in a home track right away obstacles that will take your pet and make his time enjoyable, especially when the handler is not at home - or make him a friend of the same breed.

Although their hair looks demanding, it requires a minimum of effort every day: it is enough to brush it once in a while with a rubber brush. Notes on sunny daysthey require cat's ears (if they have light fur) - the skin on them is extremely delicate, so to avoid burns, it is worth applying sunscreen on them, even if the pet is not leaving the house, but loves to be around the windows.

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Category:

Geriatrics