Are you thinking of getting a cat? Choosing which breed of cat to have can feel difficult. But some cat breeds are better suited to older people than others.
Anna Jönsson Bergstedt, licensed animal nurse and certified cat nurse specializing in cat behavior at Agria believe that certain breeds are better suited than others especially for the elderly.
– When older people choose a cat breed, it is important, just like for everyone regardless of age, to take certain factors into account to ensure that cat and owner are suitable for each other, says Anna Jönsson Bergstedt to News24.
Some breeds are more active than others and have a greater need for stimulation. If you are looking for a slightly more relaxed fur friend, it can be smart to choose someone who meets your needs.
– This can of course be very individual and vary from person to person and things such as previous cat habits, health and physical ability, time to spare, what you want to get out of your cat ownership and more can affect. So exactly what is important regardless of the age of the cat owner, says Anna Jönsson Bergstedt.
Here are some more general points to consider.
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You should think about that before you decide
Different cat breeds can have different temperaments. While some require more active play with them, others prefer to sleep most of the day. If you are someone who likes to take it easy, Anna Jönsson Bergstedt advises you to choose a cat with a slightly calmer temperament.
– Possibly choose a breed that is calmer and more sociable rather than hyperactive and demanding breed, as these require more intense commitment.
Some breeds can also be more difficult to handle. It could be that the cat requires a lot of fur care, is very large or weighs a lot.
Anna Jönsson Bergstedt says that if, as an elderly person, you have some limited mobility, it may be better with a short-haired breed that is not too large.
She adds that a cat with a low to moderate activity level may be more suitable for an older person. If you feel that your ability to play and activate the cat may be limited.
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Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TTV Some cat breeds require more
There are certain breeds that stand out as extra demanding. Among them is the exotic Bengal cat breed. The Bengal is a large, muscular and powerful cat with distinctive leopard-like spots in its fur. These cats are very active and need a lot of exercise.
– If they don’t get the stimulation they need, they may feel bad that their needs are not being met and they may need to stimulate themselves. This can mean that they do things we don’t want them to do, says Anna Jönsson Bergstedt.
Other cats she advises against are Sphynx cats. The Sphynx is the first hairless cat breed that has been specifically bred to have no fur. But the lack of hair requires the cat to receive regular bathing and skin care.
– If they don’t get the help they need, they can get skin problems and need care, she says.
The cat’s size and weight may also be worth taking into account. The Maine Coon, which is the largest cat breed, becomes very large and heavy. Smaller cat breeds can therefore be easier for an elderly person to handle as they also weigh less.
– It can be a challenge for older people to handle because they can be difficult to lift and carry and it can mean problems because they also require regular fur care, says Anna Jönsson Bergstedt.
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Photo: Thitaporn Santipolvut/Stella pictures Five cat breeds that could be good for older people:
According to Anna, there are cat breeds that are perfect for an older person. They are known for their affection, calm temperament and are generally easier to care for:
British Shorthair: Considered calm and easy-going with a gentle personality.
Ragdoll: Considered very affectionate and calm, likes to be close to their owners. However, it may require a little grooming.
Holy Birma: Considered very affectionate and calm, likes to be close to their owners. However, it may require a little grooming.
Siamese: If you can imagine a slightly more talkative and slightly more active cat (but not overly energetic), a Siamese might be the right breed.
Domestic cat: It may not feel completely obvious as we generally think of cats with a pedigree and from a cattery. But Anna Jönsson Bergstedt says that she would like to strike a blow for the old honorable house cat and says that she herself has three at home.
– We may not get the same predictability, because we did not breed for a specific breed standard, but of course we can get a dear friend regardless, she says.
But she also believes that it might be worth thinking about getting an adult cat as a pensioner.
– Since cats usually get quite old, it might be an idea to think about an adult cat instead of a kitten. Maybe a cat from one of the cat shelters, says Anna Jönsson Bergstedt.
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