November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month! It’s a special time devoted to raising awareness of the awesomeness of senior pets. My next cat will be a senior cat. Why? Because senior pets are a little more chill. Don’t get me wrong, I love my adult, but still kitten-like cat. She’s a lot of fun and keeps me on my toes. But she also takes a lot of my energy. By the time it will be time for me to find a new furry friend, I’m going to be in my 50s. And the thought of starting over with a kitten or another younger adult so full of exuberance is probably not something I’ll want to entertain. But, whether you’re young or old, there are a number of other reasons why senior pets are a great choice to add to your home.
Older pets don’t come with as many surprises. A lot of the senior pets in shelters usually come from previous homes, so they know the routine. They’re potty trained, know the litter box inside and out, and have a better history. You’ll know their preferences, likes/dislikes and you’ll be able to match a senior pet to your lifestyle a little better.
Because of this, senior pets aren’t just for senior humans. Senior pets make great additions to the homes of busy professionals. That’s because they require less training, and they aren’t as active as younger pets. So if you’re working a lot, a senior pet is fine sleeping all day and ready for you when you get home!
While all pets need time to adjust to a new home, a senior pet is more likely to adjust quickly. They’ve been around humans before, and if they’re in a shelter, they’re probably very eager to be in a home again. They’ll be especially grateful to you for taking them to their new home. It’s an instant happy family in the making!
Senior pets are usually more affordable, or even free. Some shelters may waive the adoption fees for senior pets, making them a great choice if you’re on a budget. Just keep in mind, save that adoption fee money for the vet, as senior pets will likely require more vet visits down the road.
Senior pets will also (probably) save you on new furniture. Kittens and younger cats are more likely to want to scratch everything in sight. Older cats sleep the vast majority of the day, which means less time to get in trouble!
So if you’re thinking of bringing a new pet into your home around the holidays, consider adopting a senior pet. Visit your local shelter or rescue to get started!
