Question: I’ve owned cats my whole life, starting when I was a little girl in Methuen. My last cat, Milo, was with me for 15 years before I lost him to cancer last winter. I’ve missed having a pet in my home, and I think I’m ready to welcome a new one. I know they can be expensive, and I don’t exactly have a lot of extra money hanging around. I’m also concerned about making sure I find an animal I can take care of easily as I age. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer: Pets are such an important part of many of our lives. They bring unconditional love and are always there when we’ve had a bad day. Pets not only reduce loneliness, they also improve the health of their owners in many other ways as well. In fact, pet ownership saves the country $22.7 billion in health care costs each year, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute.
It sounds like you’ve given a lot of thought to bringing a new cat into your home. It is a commitment and making sure you find the right pet for your lifestyle is important. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right animal for you:
- What type of pet are you physically able to take care of?
- Do you have the energy to care for an animal that needs to be walked multiple times a day? Fortunately, cats are much more independent animals then other pets, and many people find them easier to take care of.
- Can you set aside enough time to devote to the health and wellness of your pet? If not, do you have family, friends, or neighbors that can help?
- What age pet works best for your lifestyle? There are many adult and older animals waiting for adoption in local shelters and these animals may be better fits than kittens or puppies.
Of course, the cost of pet ownership also needs to be considered. Many people are in your situation, and we understand your struggle. Our Power of Pets Program can help with your veterinary bills. The program provides up to $300 in veterinary care per year, per household, for those in need. It covers services such as rabies shots, spaying/neutering expenses, a variety of inoculations, flea and tick care, annual checkups, and grooming. You can call us at 800-892-0890 to learn more about this program.
To support pets in getting the vet care they need, we are hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Power of Pets Program on Wednesday, September 25, at BareWolf Brewing in Amesbury.
Tickets cost $25, which includes one craft beer, light refreshments, and entry into a drawing for a door prize! If you cannot attend, you can still support Power of Pets with a donation. Buy tickets or donate here: https://agespan.org/event/power-of-pets-fundraiser-at-bearwolf-brewing/ or call us at 800-892-0890. We’d love to see you there!
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
