Cats make perfect companions for the elderly because they require minimal maintenance and are inexpensive to provide for. While any cat will do, it’s natural to wonder if any breeds are especially suited to living with the elderly. We have rounded up a list of 13 cats that don’t require a lot of maintenance and are a bit more independent and less demanding of attention than the average cat breed, and we are going to share them with you now.
The 13 Best Cats For Seniors & Elderly
1. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a breed thought to have descended from European cats. It’s very low maintenance and has a long lifespan with few health problems to cause seniors concern. It’s an affectionate breed that you can find in more than 80 colors.
2. Birman
The Birman is a long-haired cat with deep blue eyes. The fur is medium-length with a color-point pattern, and there’s no undercoat to shed. They’re healthy, friendly, and intelligent. Birmans like to lounge around and watch TV and are usually close to their owners.
3. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a purebred version of the British domestic cat. They’re good-natured with a calm disposition and a round head. They’re dignified and not as active as other breeds, making them perfect for older adults. However, they don’t like being held in your arms.
4. Burmilla
The Burmilla originated in the United Kingdom and has a muscular body with a sparkling silver coat. They’re incredibly independent and require very little attention but are social, playful, and attentive when shown affection. They also get along with children and other animals.
5. Domestic
Domestic long hair and short hair cats are those without a known pedigree. These cats are considered the mutts of the cat world. However, they are often extremely friendly and very low maintenance, suitable for indoor and outdoor life.
You can get them in nearly any color and pattern, and they are relatively healthy with long lifespans. Domestic cats are also the least expensive on this list and the most readily available.
6. Maine Coon
The Main Coone is the largest domesticated cat and is also one of the friendliest. Often referred to as the gentle giant, the Maine Coone loves to follow their owner around the house. They’re affectionate but lazy and don’t require a lot of attention. It’s very independent and doesn’t mind entertaining itself but remains playful throughout life and is always ready to chase a ball.
7. Persian
The Persian is a long-haired cat with a short, pushed-in muzzle. They’re one of the most popular breeds due to their thick, fluffy coat. They’re calm and subdued most of the time, preferring to watch over the home from a high perch. They’re available in various colors, including the color-point pattern.
8. Pixie-Bob
The Pixie-Bob is thought to be a bobcat hybrid. They’re extremely intelligent and social, and they get along well with other animals. They like meeting new people and are usually in the same room as their owner.
They’re a very vocal breed that makes lots of chirps, growls, and other noises but rarely meows. They’ll walk on a leash and play games like fetch.
9. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a docile cat with a muscular body, often sporting the color point pattern. They get their name from their flopping behavior when picked up, and they like to follow you around the home.
The Ragdoll is such a docile animal that many believed they could not feel pain, and some breeders have tried to make them less docile for fear it could turn away potential buyers.
10. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is one of the few on this list created by nature. They get their name from their place of origin and the typical color of their coat. The Russian Blue has bright green eyes and thick fur described as plush or soft to the touch. It’s lazy but intelligent and likes to play and perform tricks.
11. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a breed with a face that resembles an owl due to a genetic condition that affects the cartilage in the cat’s body. The condition causes the ears to bend forward, giving the cat a unique appearance.
Many owners comment on their extremely loving nature and dislike of being left alone. They are happiest when playing outdoor games with their family.
12. Snowshoe
The Snowshoe originated in Philadelphia, PA, but they’re considered a rare breed due to the difficulty of recreating their color-point markings.
They have even-tempered personalities and are affectionate with their owners. They like to vocalize their opinions and usually have a concerned look on their face. Snowshoes are intelligent and can learn to open doors and perform tricks to entertain elderly owners.
13. Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic shorthair is another breed that features a pushed-in face. They are very gentle and calm and are friendly to other animals. The only thing that bothers this breed is leaving them alone, and their laid-back nature makes them well-suited for apartment life.
Summary
SummaryMany cats are fantastic companions for the elderly. They don’t need as much exercise or maintenance as dogs and are cheaper on average. They also make far fewer demands for your attention. The American shorthair, British shorthair, and Maine Coon are all perfect choices for inexperienced pet owners. Still, it is hard to beat the Domestic Shorthair cat, which you can find everywhere and usually for free.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this short guide and made up your mind about what your next pet will be. If we have helped give you a few new options you hadn’t previously considered, please share these 13 Cat breeds for seniors and the elderly on Facebook and Twitter.
Related Read:
- 10 Best Cat Shelves: Reviews and Top picks.
- Cats in Nursing Homes: Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Risks & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock
The 13 Best Cats For Seniors & Elderly
