November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month - which means it's time to celebrate our wonderfully cuddly older cats and dogs!
At Pawshake, we just love our senior fur babies (and yes, they will always be our babies!).
Sadly, however, it can be tougher for older pets to be adopted from shelters for various assumptions - many of which are just not at all true.
Considering adopting a pet in the near future? Here, we break down a few senior pet myths and explore why you might should let a sweet senior pet into your heart and home.
Remember, you can always trial owning a pet by becoming a pet sitter for Pawshake - we already have a handy pet sitter's guide to caring for senior pets to get you started on the right paw.
Senior pets come as they are!
When you adopt a puppy or kitten, it’s hard to predict the long-term health issues they will grow into. A senior pet is likely to be pretty established by the time they reach you – they’re all grown up already, so you’re in for less overall health or behavioural surprises.
A senior pet will often be ready-trained
Chances are, most senior pets will have the basics down – whether these are commands such as ‘sit, stay, come’ for dogs or kitty litter usage for cats. The hard work of teaching them manners will most likely have happened in their youth, so they can slot nicely into your home life.
Senior pets can indeed learn new tricks
These calm souls have the focus needed to learn new commands or habits if necessary. Train with kindness and patience and your senior pet will probably surprise you with their ability to learn very quickly.
Senior pets bring zen-like calm to your home
If you want a chilled-out fur baby that doesn’t jump on you, claw furniture or destroy your shoes, a senior cat or dog is the way to go. Likewise, these pets make great companions for elderly people – they have less energy to burn and are much happier to sit and cuddle than a hyperactive puppy or kitten.
Senior pets deserve a second chance at a kind home
It’s sad to think of these sweet pets in a confusing, scary situation like a shelter after years of loyalty to their human. Senior pets might be surrendered because their owner can no longer care for them, perhaps due to a move, job change or perhaps even the owner passing away. You’ll feel great about giving a senior pet the cage-free care and attention they deserve in their later years of life.
A senior pet will love you unconditionally
It’s as if they know the gift you’re giving them by bringing them into your home! With care and patience, senior pets are likely to bond quickly and unconditionally with you. It’s a feeling of friendship unlike any other and is truly rewarding.
And remember - if you want to experience caring for a pet before adopting a furever friend, Pawshake would love to have you as a sitter. Join us today!
