OkcPets Magazine September 2023

24 OKC Pets • September / October 2023 You might think a puppy or kitten would be fun, but they often cause more stress. The exercise and training required of young animals can be a strain or can cause you to fall if they get underfoot. It is wiser to consider adult shelter animals that are already housebroken and simply grateful for a loving owner. You should also regard the lifespan of the pet. Most dogs and cats will live 10 to 20 years. Who would adopt your beloved pet if you cannot care for it any longer? Con- versely, the loss of a pet can deal a serious psychological blow to the owner. Family, friends, and providers should be aware of the grief that can follow. Benefits of Owning a Cat Cats make great companions and require relatively minimal care. They are happy staying indoors all the time. Most adult cats need only about 30 minutes of playtime per day, and the owner does not have to be mo- bile. Laser pointers and kitty fishing poles are easy to manipulate to keep your cat active. Owning two cats is not much more trouble than one, and they entertain each other and their owner. One study found that cats are particularly good at replacing social engagement for adults who live alone. For people who are sedentary, cats are a natural choice. Lee Larrison enjoys having her cats, Tigerlily and Truth, lie in her lap. She says that on many days, her cats are the only living things she interacts with. They are easy to care for, and they are attuned to her health issues. “I wondered why one of my cats would pat my nose or cheek at night sometimes,” Larrison said. She discovered that she had sleep apnea. “My cats knew something was wrong and were waking me up so I’d start breathing again.” A curled-up cat in your lap is soothing, and studies show that purring can help labored breathing, can help heal infections, and can even heal bones. Cat owners report significantly lower levels of depression than dog owners. When the owner makes short trips, cats can be left alone for a couple of days. Just provide plenty of food and water and a clean litter box, and they are fine. Requiring even less maintenance, birds are a great choice. Their lovely sounds lift the spirit, and some breeds can be taught to whistle or talk. Parakeets, canaries, and finches are all excellent companions. Birds have personalities, are very sociable, and should be kept in pairs. Providing for a Pet Sometimes seniors put their pet’s needs above their own or cannot get to the store for supplies. If the pet has health or behav- ior problems, the owner might be at a loss for what to do. If you know a senior who is having difficulty affording veterinary care, contact the local animal shelter or a veteri- nary clinic. If the pet owner needs help with pet food, the local food bank usually has supplies. Owning a pet is healthy for most people if you choose the right one. Visit a nearby shelter or talk to the SPCA about adopting. The affection, purpose, and unconditional love that a pet provides often make life worth living for seniors who are alone or suffering. 405.960.EYES vecoklahoma.com J. JEFF STUDER DVM, DACVO 3157 N. Sooner Road Edmond, OK 73034 2121 McKown Drive Norman, OK 73072 VISIONARY CARE FOR PETS