A while back we were involved in choosing a rescue cat for an elderly friend. She wasn’t very mobile and used a walker, so we were looking for an older, calmer cat. Fortunately the chosen cat worked out well, though he was a fairly independent soul and it would have been nice if he’d been a bit more companionable.
Of course we can’t always choose a specific breed of cat. Rescue cats are often mixes of unknown ancestry. And kittens are usually a bit lively for anyone that isn’t very steady on their feet.
But when we do have opportunity to pick a breed, one of the benefits of a purebred cat is some consistency in both appearance and temperament, between different individuals of that breed.
Breeds That Work Well For Seniors
If you are choosing a kitten that you’d like to grow into a cat that Great Granny can cuddle when she visits, or if you are fortunate enough to be able to choose an adult purebred cat for an older friend or relative, there are some breeds that are particularly well suited to seniors.
We’ll tell you a bit about each one, then you click on the links to read more about them.
The Ultra Relaxed Ragdoll
We’ve got to tell you that the Ragdoll comes really high on our list of simply awesome cat breeds. This breed is so relaxed around people that they’ll often go limp, and floppy in your arms when picked up. Hence the name!
The Ragdoll’s coat is both a pro and a con when it comes to picking the best breed for seniors, and that stunning silky coat really does need grooming. Left to its own devices, the Ragdoll’s fur may form mats that need to be clipped or cut out. A daily grooming helps avoid this.
Fortunately most Ragdolls don’t mind being groomed. So providing their new owner is willing and able to do some brushing and combing each day, it’s not an issue.
The reason that Ragdoll cats have our vote as a great breed for seniors is not because of their gorgeous cream coat and pretty colored paws, mask and ears. Nor is it because of their striking blue eyes! It’s because these cats are so calm, docile and affectionate.
This is a big cat that loves being around people, and many appreciate cuddling up with their favorite humans on the couch. So when it’s dog-like companionship that’s needed, the Ragdoll cat is up there with the best. You can read more about Ragdoll cats here: The Ragdoll Cat Breed
The Good Natured British Shorthair
Another breed known for their tranquil nature is the British Shorthair. Unlike the Ragdoll cat, the British Shorthair has a dense, easy care coat that requires little in the way of maintenance. Perfect for someone that is not keen on the idea of a ten minute grooming session each day!
British Shorthairs are best known for their striking blue-grey coat and amber eyes, but they also come in plenty of other colors including chocolate, red tabby, white, black and most distinctive of all an amazing rich cinnamon color. A fun fact about the British Shorthair is that the breed is thought to be the inspiration for the Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
This is a cat that enjoys human company without being attention seeking or demanding. Happy to spend part of each day alone, yet pleased to see you when you return, a British Shorthair makes a great housemate for a senior that still likes to get out and about.
Less of a cuddle bunny than a Ragdoll, the British Shorthair is a great choice for busy seniors looking for a low maintenance, and affectionate but not clingy, cat. You can find out more about the lovely British Shorthair breed here: British Shorthair Cats.
The People Loving Birman
At first glance, the pretty Birman cat looks very much like a Ragdoll with their gorgeous long cream fur and blue eyes. Yet these are two distinctly separate breeds with very different histories. And when you look a little closer there are many differences in appearance too.
The most obvious of which is their size. The Birman is a far smaller cat than the Ragdoll often weighing in at around 10lbs whereas Ragdolls can be twice that size. The facial coloring on a Birman cat is unbroken whereas the Ragdolls often have white markings in the center of their mask. And the Birman’s eyes are rounded rather than oval
Birman cats go back a long way and though our first records of the breed occur in France where they became a recognized breed in the 1920s, they may have originated in the ancient temples of Burma.
Birmans share the Ragdoll’s friendly temperament, but are a little more active and curious. They are less prone to matting as their fur is silkier and less dense. We think they make awesome pets for seniors who don’t mind spending a few minutes each week on grooming to keep that coat in great condition. You can learn more about the pretty Birman cat here: The Birman Cat Breed
The Loyal Russian Blue
The Russian Blue cat is one of the most stylish looking cats you’ll ever meet. That amazing short dense smokey blue grey fur never goes out of fashion. And is set off to perfection by their stunning green eyes.
This is a perfect breed for those that don’t want to spend time grooming and appreciate a quieter, more sensitive cat. Unlike some of the breeds on this list, the Russian Blue has no doglike tendencies. This is not a breed that rushes up to visitors and begs for food. This breed is ALL cat. A little reserved, loving without being clingy, the Russian Blue makes a loyal and devoted companion. You can read more about this lovely breed here: The Russian Blue Cat Breed
The Stylish Siamese (traditional)
When we added the iconic Siamese cat to this list, it’s the traditional Siamese we had in mind. The Siamese of my childhood, and yours if you are the wrong side of fifty!
Another colorpoint breed, the slender Siamese has an easy care coat. Their cream fur is accented with the familiar mask and socks that come in a range of different shades.
While slim, the traditional Siamese is a sturdy cat, sociable, and highly affectionate. They make wonderful companions provided you are ok with their tendency to chat! This is not a quiet cat, and they like to make their presence known with plenty of vocalizations.
Like all colorpoint cats, Siamese are born white and the colored markings which are temperature sensitive and appear on the colder parts of the body, develop as they mature. Get to know more about Siamese cats by visiting this page: The Siamese Cat Breed
The Playful Burmese
The Burmese is the Peter Pan of the cat world! Burmese kittens often retain their playful enthusiasm into adulthood, so if you enjoy buying cat toys and interacting with your cat, this could be the breed for you.
The easy care Burmese coat comes in some stunning colors including our favorite: chocolate! And you won’t have to worry about that short, plush, coat matting.
While it does come in a Siamese type colorway, this is not a dainty cat like the Siamese, but an altogether more solid feline. And while vocal, the Burmese voice has a softer, less piercing quality.
Sturdy, affectionate and dare I say a little demanding, the Burmese is no shrinking violet and make wonderful companions for seniors that enjoy engaging with their pet. You can read all about the Burmese cat breed here: The Burmese Cat
The Gentle Tonkinese
This next cat is a mix of the two previous breeds. Breed mixes are always a bit controversial. Some might say that the Tonkinese captures the best of both worlds. Others may disagree.
But the Tonkinese is a mix that is growing in popularity, and like other Siamese or Burmese mixes often makes a delightful companion that will welcome your visitors and be gentle with your Grandkids.
Not sure about mix breed cats? Hold off judgement until you’ve read our review of the Tonkinese here: The Tonkinese Cat
The Classic Bombay
When it comes to the Bombay cat, you can have any color you like, so long as it’s black! The Bombay is a stunning classic cat with brilliant amber eyes set in an elegant and intelligent face.
It’s also the perfect lap cat making it onto our list by it’s wonderful relaxed temperament and affectionate sociable nature.
The Bombay breed is descended from Burmese and American Shorthair ancestors. And they share the Burmese’s playful and affectionate nature.
Bombays are also cuddle cats! Which makes them wonderful companions for seniors. You can find out more about this newer breeds here: The Bombay Cat.
The Shimmering Korat Cat
Last but not least is the gentle and elegant Korat. This another short coated breed, so not demanding in terms of coat care. It’s another cat with a stylish blue grey coat, but this one comes with a difference. Every blue grey hair has a silver tip, giving the an overall shimmering appearance.
The clever Korat is an ancient and intelligent breed that does need an interesting environment and plenty to do. The Korat cat forms strong bonds with their humans and it’s not a breed you can ignore for long! But if you are at home a lot, and if you are happy to have some cat trees and interactive toys around the house, this loving and inquisitive cat could be perfect for you. You can find out more here: The Korat Cat Breed
Finding Your Purrfect Friend
Purebred cats are best sourced from a reputable breeder. Or a dedicated breed rescue organization. And it’s worth travelling to find one.
A reputable breeder will have paid attention to genetic diversity and carried out the appropriate health checks on the parents of your kitten. So that your new friend will have the very best chance of a long and healthy life.
You’ll find more details in the links in each section above.
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