10 Reasons Why Senior Pets Make the Best Companions

Often times senior pets get overlooked when people want to adopt. Everyone thinks the cute little puppy or kitten will be the best addition to the family, but what about the senior pets? Older pets are just as great, if not better for making a wonderful family addition. They make the best companions and truly understand the meaning of getting a second chance at life. In just a short amount of time they will be loyal and loving members of your family. Not convinced? Here are ten more reasons to adopt a senior dog and a senior cat.

Why older dogs make great companions:
1. Older dogs are house trained. There’s no need to stress about going through the stages of teaching a puppy all of the house manners – your older pup has already got it down!
2. Those puppy teeth are long gone and you won’t have to worry about a teething puppy chewing up your shoes or furniture.
3. They’re easier to train because they don’t have as much energy and are more focused.
4. They are much wiser; they know the rules and are aiming to please their owners!
5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Older dogs understand what it means to be rescued and they know that they’ve been given a second chance. They are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be in a loving new home of their own and they will show you every day how much it means to them!
7. What you see, is what you get. The sweet and mellow older dog has already grown into their personality. There won’t be any surprises!
8. Older dogs are instant companions — ready for hiking, car trips, and any other things you might want to do.
9. They aren’t as demanding. Although older dogs still need exercise, they don’t require as much attention as a younger puppy.
10. Older dogs let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

Why older cats make great companions:
1. When a senior cat is adopted, they seem to truly understand the meaning of being rescued and are very thankful for the second chance.
2. Senior kitties already have their CAT-tastic purrsonalities, you’ll know if they are a good fit for your family right away!
3. Older cats are more trainable due to their longer attention span and impulse control.
4. A senior cat most likely already knows the basic household etiquette like not attacking your feet as you walk by!
5. Most likely your senior cat is already litter box trained and is less likely to “forget” where the box is.
6. You know exactly how big your cat is going to get! If you feed your cat the appropriate amount of food, your cat will stay the same size and you’ll know how much cat you’re getting.
7. Senior cats love to relax just as much as you do! They make great couch companions unlike kittens who have a lot of energy and often times get into mischief because of their boredom.
8. Have you ever heard of a cat nap? Senior cats make great napping buddies!
9. Older cats are well aware of what scratching posts and toys are for; they will turn to these things instead of your furniture.
10. Senior cats tend to stay the longest at a shelter – when you adopt a senior cat, you’re truly saving a life!
Next time you’re thinking about adopting, be sure to take a second look at those amazing senior pets! You won’t regret your new found companionship with a happy senior pet. AND don’t forget to stop by Seattle Humane next weekend – we’re matching our seniors with seniors! The adoption fee is waived for all cats 7 years and up and receive $50 off the adoption fee for all dogs 7 years and up for anyone 60 years or older. Complete your family at Seattle Humane today. View more of our adoptable pets at www.seattlehumane.org.