Pets are a wonderful addition to any home. Caring for them enriches our lives in ways that you may never expect. Pets offer companionship and unconditional love for their owners, but not everyone has the energy or resources to care for an active pet like a large puppy. For seniors, an indoor-only pet may be the best option. This is especially so if they live in apartments, condos, retirement homes, and other living spaces with restricted access to the outdoors. This article will discuss some indoor-only pet options and why they are good choices for senior citizens who want a pet.
Common Indoor Pets
There are a variety of pets that can be cared for solely indoors. And all of them have different ways that they can help better the well-being of your senior loved one. Here are the most common ones.
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Cats
Cats are often the top pet of choice for seniors. They require little daily effort requiring very little energy from the owner and they provide warmth and companionship. Cats also thrive with routine and managing that can be a welcome activity for their senior owners who can also benefit from routines.
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Fish
Fish have been long-time favorite indoor pets as they require minimal space, low maintenance, and limited daily effort. They are also peaceful creatures that offer calming effects with their steady swimming patterns. An added bonus is that managing an aquarium can be a mentally engaging, yet low-effort task. Fish tanks also allow you to hone your landscape design skills.
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Birds
Birds provide stimulating company and their calls and whistles can improve a lively atmosphere in a living area. And because birds spend nearly all their time in a cage, they require less space than other pets. However, they do require regular feeding and some cleaning of the cage but once that’s incorporated into your senior’s routine, it should be no problem.
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Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular pets for seniors due to their low-energy needs and low-maintenance lifestyles. These independent animals don't need to be held often. They only need occasional brushing or petting from their owners during bonding time. They are also nocturnal, exercising themselves when their humans are asleep.
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Rabbits
Rabbits offer companionship for seniors and are very interactive, making them great alternatives to cats or dogs. And while rabbits need daily exercise, they only need a small space. Keeping up with them, however, can help senior citizens stay active even if they don't have the energy for a larger pet.
Senior Helpers Offers In-Home Support
Caring for a pet comes with many advantages for senior adults. Pets offer a sense of routine and provide much-needed companionship, but choosing the right pet is important. For pet help, from choosing the right indoor-only companion to care for at home, Senior Helpers Dunn can help. Our caregivers offer personalized care services for seniors in and around Dunn, Fayetteville, Elizabethtown, Cumberland County, Robeson County, and Johnston County.