Pets of all kinds can make the perfect companions for elderly people, but there are a few extra considerations needed when becoming the proud owner of a pet later in life.
Comparison website Lotte has analysed a series of metrics to determine what the perfect pet is for those in their senior years.
The included were cats, dogs, indoor birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, domestic fowl, fish, turtles and snakes.
To determine which pet came out on top, an individual score (from 1 to 10) was granted to metrics including the cost of keep, the best pets to support mental health, neediness and ease of care to create an overall score.
The included were cats, dogs, indoor birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, domestic fowl, fish, turtles and snakes.
5. Budgies
Scoring high on ease of care (7) as well as support for mental health (6), indoor birds such as budgies can make brilliant companions for elderly people. Birds such as parrots make excellent ESAs (emotional support animals) because of their ability to mimic human speech and their tendency for empathy. Photo: Adobe
6. Snakes
Not all animals are quite so affectionate. Snakes don't form bonds with their owners but enjoy being looked after by humans as long as they are fed regularly and have a suitable enclosure. Snakes are very low maintenance (scoring a 2) and can go for weeks without feeding. They also spend lots of time sleeping but they’re not quite as affectionate (or cuddly) as cats. Photo: Adobe
7. Fish
If you’re looking for a bit of companionship but want a less high maintenance option, fish (scoring 1) and hamsters (scoring 4) may be a perfect choice. Photo: Adobe
8. Cats
With a score of 29, it was cats which are deemed the most suitable pets for seniors, narrowly piping their rival counterparts, dogs (28). Cats scored highly on ease of care (8) and best pets for mental health (9). The Ragdoll cat was the winner, scoring in the top two scores in all factors apart from allergies. Next, there was not much to separate between Siamese, and Maine Coon.