Are You Ready For A New Cat Or Dog Mr. Or Mrs. Senior Citizens?

The joy that a cat or dog can bring to a senior citizen is beyond measure. Especially for someone who is homebound, due to health issues. But, like most things there are good and bad problems that make up the issue. Research has shown that having a cat or dog can reduce your stress and blood pressure. There are even programs now which take cats and dogs into hospitals and care facilities, because it has such a positve effect on the patients.

A cat/ dog will not let you just stay in bed feeling sorry for yourself. You must get up and see to its food and its need to be socialable with you. But, in return you have someone to talk to.They understand a lot more of our language than we do of theirs. They can sense your moods and even tune in to your pain level. When you are not feeling well, they will cuddle up with you, if allowed,giving great comfort.

Think of the care giver dogs and how tuned in they have to be. Yes, they are specially trained, but there are a lot of very smart cats and dogs who just do it on their own, because they care about you.If you are a recovering heart surgery patient a dog is great to walk with and will offer you some safety from being mugged or help if you get into a medical needs situation. Remember - do carry your cell phone with you on each and every walk.

A cat or dog will give you unconditional love, even when your family and friends may not.You need to make arrangements for your beloved cat or dog ahead of time for when the time comes that you may need to be hospitalized, need a care facility or die. Who will take care of and love them? It is very sad to see them advertised in the paper, by a non-caring family, who could not find someone to love them in a hurry.

Please also plan on what to do for a disaster like a flood, tornado, earthquake, wildfire or hurricane. Do you have a carrier on hand? Is it large enough for the pet to stay in for a few days, if necessary. Do you have all your pet supplies such as food, water and medical papers ready to take with you?Preplanning and being prepared can save both you and your beloved pet.Make sure you have a harness and leash with their tags, so that they can get out of the carrier and be exercised.

Have a rubbermaid type sealable container with litter for your cat, ready to go.We use that type all the time. Our rubbermaid box is 9 inches high X 15 inches wide and 21inches long.We like it because it also helps keep the scattered litter problem under control.It is also great for travel and moving.

There are several organizations designed to care for pets during disasters such as the ASPCA or the Humane Society Disaster Relief Fund so that the poor treatment pets endured in the aftermath of Katrina will not be repeated.

If you are getting a new pet, please consider adopting an older one, so that it ages with you. An older pet is usually easier to adjust to your home, because it should be house trained and not so full of energy as a young kitten or puppy. If you rescue an older pet, chances are that it will already be spayed or neutuered and a cat declawed.

A declawed cat is a good idea for seniors with fragile skin and can keep your homes furnishing from being ruined. Please consider the cost of having a cat or dog with the food, medical and all the other cat and dog supplies factored in and figure for inflation that will be coming in future years. Can you afford to take good care of your pet?

You need to take extra care with a new pet in the home, so that you do not trip over them. Soon they will understand not to walk too close or get in the way when you are moving about. The love and care you give them, will be returned in great quanity. Each day they will make you laugh at their antics and they will bring much joy to your heart and soul.