Cats vs. Dogs – What’s the Best Pet for Seniors?
By now, it’s pretty clear that the evidence shows that having a pet is a great idea for many seniors.
Beyond the “soft” benefits of owning a pet – like unconditional love and emotional support – animals can be great for your health. For example, according to this study, owning a pet may significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
But, this raises an interesting question. What is the best pet for seniors?
Your first instinct may be to say, “That’s a personal decision… go with whatever you like!” Of course, there is some truth to this. Some people really do see themselves as “dog people” or “cat people.” But, if we dig below the surface, it seems like there really are some differences between the two. Let’s take a look.
The Case for Owning a Cat
Cats are usually more independent than dogs. If you don’t feel like waking up every morning at 5am to take your “best friend” for a walk, a cat may be a better option. In addition, many women in the community have told me that they love the complex personality of their feline friend. To some people, owning a cat, feels more like “friendship” than “ownership.”
On a practical level, if you love to travel, owning a cat may make your life easier. Most cats are more than happy to stay at home by themselves for a few days. When you come home, they’ll be happy to see you – and they (usually) won’t have destroyed your living room.
The Case for Owning a Dog
If getting more exercise is one of your goals, owning a dog is a great option. Whether you like it or not, your dog-owning days will be filled with walks to the park, strolls around the neighborhood and trips to the back garden.
While not universally true, dogs tend to show “unconditional love” better than cats. Many women in the community have told me that their dog “adores” them. It was certainly this way with my last dog, a blue Chihuahua, called Chica. Every time she looked at me, I could feel the loving emotions radiating from her. It’s not that cats don’t show their love. I’ve had plenty of cats that would curl up next to me for hours. But, it seems like they do everyone “on their own terms.”
It’s entirely possible that I am being over simplistic here. This is exactly why I’d love to get your feedback. Please take a few minutes to join the conversation below and let us know whether you think that a dog of a cat is a better fit for most seniors.
By the way, regardless of what kind of animal you choose, I would strongly encourage you to look at adoption. There are so many amazing dogs and cats in the world that need a good home. You can search for a place to adopt a pet here.
What kind of pet do you think is the best for seniors? If your natural reaction is to say, “It depends…” please tell us what you think it depends on. Please join the conversation and “like” and share this article to keep the conversation going.
I have 2 small dogs & 2 cats One of my cats is a 15 year old Bengal who will follow me around the house & demand my attention… When I come home from shopping she will run downstairs to greet me. The other cat usually comes to see me early evening when I’m sat on the sofa.
The dogs are great company too. One of my
shih Tuz s will follow me from room to room in competition with the cat & oh yes the cat has the upper paw, My other pooch will make herself comfy somewhere & is happy let the world pass her by😀.All Great company
About cats being alone for several days and happy, it is not correct. We should not leave a cat alone more than one day. They suffer and become depressed. All the cat experts say the same. So if you have a cat and want to travel, it is better to leave the cat with a cat sitter or invite some friend to be in your home and take care of him.
No matter what readers decide to do about adopting a pet, PLEASE remember to make solid plans for their care if you pass before they do. It is extremely heartbreaking to see the terror and depression and sometimes abuse and pure abandonment that pets experienec when their elderly owner dies. So please think ahead and make sure to have a plan in place and clear instructions to those who will be clearing out what you leave behind.
You raise a very important matter. I’m 62 now and my parents ( whom I always lived with – dad passed 18 years ago and mum 4 years ago this Christmas ), even had pets before I came along. I’ve never known life without a dog plus cats, rabbits, budgies etc. I’m now left with my mum and my two little shih tzu dogs aged 13.5 and 10 years and I dread the time coming when I may not have them and they go to be with mum. But it worries me so much about what happens to them if I become ill or die first. For now, I’ve some friends who have said they would have them but they are in their late 70s. They are named in my will. But aside from them, I have nobody. No family and no friends who would step in. I fear it would take some days for my neighbours to realise if I were ill too so that scares me for my little dogs. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without a pet as I’ve no social circle but I also think pets are so loyal, better than any friend I’ve ever had and most old friends have their own families to be with and care for. I hate the thought of not having more pets in future and just wonder what others do if they really don’t have anyone else. How can one have a pet and protect its future if the worse happens? Thanks for anyone who might be able to share thoughts.
It is good to have a plan in place for illness or death for your pet’s welfare. I purchased my dog from a breeder that will take my dog back. It is in her contract. He comes from a well-known show line and this might not be applicable for many breeders or, obviously rescue dogs. The other option would be a close friend named in a will. Also breed rescue groups exist to rehome the dog. One can leave a sum of money for the pet’s care if possible. I also connect with friends daily so that I can’t just vanish. There is technology as well to make sure we don’t expire alone in our homes leaving our pets without care. It’s about thinking ahead and planning, getting the conversation going which is what this article is about.
Yes, understand. I just worry because I don’t have any friends who would do this beyond the dogs I have. And the friends that said they would, are unlikely now to be able to even though named in my will and with a sum of money left for my pets. I don’t know of any technology that would alert any authorities if I were unable to wake up or respond other than lifeline in the UK which is too expensive for me.
Agree. I’ve registered my kitty with SPCA’s Pet Survivor Care Program, and given a friend and my vet a copy of the document. There’s also a copy on my fridge. And when I update my Will in early 2026, the necessary info.will be there, too.
I have 2 cats and a dog. I think they both make great pets
I live in a full apt. I do a lot of crafting. My Daughter has 2 Shepherds, but I’m more of a cat person. I’m not very active, and live upstairs. Any suggestions?
Cats can be almost as loving as dog and you don’t have to worry about walks every 3 hours.
I have a lot of porcelain figurines, and I mean a lot. I would love a cat because my mobility is challenged but what am I going to do with my figurines? I love them too, but cats jump.
Do you have glass cases for your figurines? Or can you keep them in a room to which a cat is not accessible? I do understand your dilemma-I had a cat who could jump to the top of a ten foot tall bookcase and then sat there, washing her face with élan. Ikea has glass cases for reasonable prices or you can get them at local auctions for almost nothing. Good luck. I hope that a meowvelous cat comes your way.
Cats can be trained to not jump. My very happy kitty has lots of special places to perch and sleep, but she knows table tops, counters, the mantle, etc. are out of bounds.