13 Best Cat Breeds for Seniors & Elderly (With Pictures)

Cats make perfect companions for the elderly because they are minimal maintenance and inexpensive to provide for. While any cat will do, it’s natural to wonder if there are any breeds especially suited to living with the elderly.

We have rounded up a list of 13 cat breeds that don’t require a lot of maintenance and are a bit more independent and less demanding of attention than the average cat breed, and we are going to share them with you now.

The 13 Best Cats For Seniors & Elderly

Here are 13 cat breeds perfect for seniors and the elderly.

1. American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a breed thought to have descended from European cats. It’s very low maintenance and has a long lifespan with few health problems to cause seniors’ concern. It’s an affectionate breed that you can find in more than 80 colors.

2. Birman

The Birman is a long-haired cat with deep blue eyes. The fur is medium length with a color-point pattern, and there’s no undercoat to shed. It’s healthy, friendly, and intelligent enough to help out with tasks around the house. Birman Like to lounge around and watch TV and are usually close by their owners.

3. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a purebred version of the British domestic cat. It’s good-natured with a calm disposition and a round head. It’s dignified and not as active as other breeds, making it perfect for older adults, and it doesn’t like it when you carry it.

4. Burmilla

The Burmilla originated in the United Kingdom And has a muscular body with a sparkling, silver coat. It’s an extremely independent cat requiring very little attention but is social, playful, and attentive when shown affection. They also get along with children and other animals.

5. Domestic

Domestic long hair and short hair cats are those without a known pedigree. These cats are considered the mutt of the cat world. However, they are often extremely friendly and very low maintenance, suitable for indoor and outdoor life. You can get them in nearly any color and pattern, and they are relatively healthy with long lifespans. Domestic cats are also the least expensive on this list and the most readily available.

6. Maine Coon

The Main Coone is the largest domesticated cats and is also one of the friendliest. Often referred to as the gentle giant, it tends to follow you around the house. It’s affectionate but lazy and doesn’t require a lot of attention. It’s very independent and doesn’t mind entertaining itself but remains playful throughout life and is always ready to chase a ball.

7. Persian

The Persian is a long-haired cat with a short, pushed in muzzle. It’s one of the most popular breeds due to its thick, fluffy coat. It’s calm and subdued most of the time, preferring to watch over the home from a high perch. It’s available in a wide range of colors, including the color-point pattern.

8. Pixie-Bob

The Pixie-Bob is a cat thought to be a bobcat hybrid. It’s extremely intelligent and social, and it gets along well with other animals. It likes meeting new people and is usually in the same room the owner is. It’s a very vocal breed that makes lots of chirps, growls, and other noises while it carries on, but it rarely meows. It will walk on a leash and will also play games, like fetch.

9. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a docile cat with a muscular body, often sporting the color point pattern. It gets its name from its behavior when picked up, and it likes to follow you around the home. The Ragdoll is such a docile animal that many believed it could not feel pain, and some breeders have taken to make them less docile for fear it could turn away potential buyers.

10. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue breed is one of the few on this list created by nature. It gets its name from its place of origin and the typical color of its coat. The Russian Blue has bright green eyes and thick fur described as plush or soft to the touch. It’s lazy but intelligent and likes to play or perform tricks.

11. Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is a cat breed with a face that resembles an owl due to a genetic condition that affects the cartilage in the cat’s body. The condition causes the ears to bend forward, giving the cat its unique appearance. Many owners comment on its extremely loving nature and dislike of being left alone. It is happiest when it’s playing outdoor games with its family.

12. Snowshoe

The snowshoe breed originated in Philadelphia, PA, but it’s considered a rare breed due to the difficulty of recreating its color-point markings. It is a mellow cat that’s very even-tempered and sweet. It likes to vocalize its opinions and usually has a concerned look on its face. Snowshoe Cats are intelligent and can learn how to open doors and perform many tricks to benefit the elderly.

13. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic shorthair is another cat breed that features a pushed-in face. It’s very gentle and calm and is friendly to other animals. The only thing that bothers this breed is leaving it alone, and their laid-back nature makes them well suited for apartment life.

Summary

Many cat breeds make fantastic companions for the elderly. They don’t need as much exercise or maintenance as dogs and are cheaper on average. They also make far fewer demands for your attention. The American shorthair, British shorthair, and Maine Coon are all perfect choices for inexperienced pet owners. Still, it is hard to beat the domestic shorthair cat, which you can find everywhere and usually for free.

We hope you have enjoyed reading over this short guide and made up your mind about what your next pet will be. If we have helped give you a few new options you hadn’t previously considered, please share these 13 Cat breeds for seniors and the elderly on Facebook and Twitter.

• Related Read: 10 Best Cat Shelves; Reviews and Top picks.

Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock