Bouncy puppies and skittering kittens get immediate attention from adopters. Meanwhile, the senior pets, those with experience and knowledge, are often overlooked and may be the last ones adopted from shelters.
Let’s take another look at those senior pets. Why should anyone adopt an older cat or dog? Is age just a number, and is there real value in making a home for senior pets?
The answer to these questions is a serious YES. Senior dogs can be delightful companions, and senior cats can be just as fun-loving as kittens. Remember that many older pets are taken to shelters because their owners became unable to care for them. These senior animals have experienced life in a home, and they will adapt easily to another home if given the chance. Senior pets need and deserve the same love and care as younger ones do.
When you adopt an older pet, you don’t have to wonder how big the animal will grow or how well they will behave. They have already reached their full size, and their personality has been established. If the pet is friendly and gentle with you at the shelter, you can expect them to remain friendly and gentle when you take them home.
Senior pets know more things, too. These dogs have had time to learn good leash manners, and they know that potty time is only outdoors, that shoes are for walking instead of chewing, and that a crate can be their refuge instead of their prison. Senior cats are familiar with the litter box and scratch pads, and they usually have no interest in climbing curtains and shredding paper. These animals’ pleasant behavior will be a welcome surprise to their new owners, who won’t have to supervise their pets constantly.
Knowing how to relax seems to come naturally to older pets. They understand the benefits of cuddling, napping, and chilling out. They have energy, of course, but they also welcome downtime. Older dogs and cats do need exercise, but not as much, as frequently, and as strenuously as younger ones do.
What about learning new behaviors and new tricks? Senior dogs and cats are capable of learning what you want to teach them with love, time, and positive rewards. Senior animals may already know basic commands and will be responsive to learning more. They have longer attention spans and can focus better than younger animals. They know from experience how to please their humans, and if learning new things is requested and rewarded, the seniors understand the benefit of complying.
Older animals have lots of love to give. They know about the affection they’re missing when their original owners leave, and they’re ready to adore you as their new owner. All they need is a secure home and patient care, and they’ll love you as long as they live.
But how long will that be? Some potential adopters worry about the number of years left with a senior pet. However, animals that are seven, eight, or eleven years old can live and love to the age of fifteen and older. With proper love and care, they can flourish in their golden years. Besides, we never know how long any creature will live; one pet’s life may end unexpectedly early, while another may live beyond expectation. Life itself is not certain, so putting a number on a life is not realistic.
When you adopt a senior pet, you’re making yourself happy—but consider the happiness you’re giving to that dog or cat. When you give them your love and attention, you are giving them a fulfilling life as well. The benefit comes to both of you!