As the population continues to age, so does our pet population. In fact, as of 2016, more than 13.6 million Americans had a rabbit as a pet. These figures likely only continue to rise because they make great pets for seniors. Not only are rabbits easy to care for and relatively low maintenance, but they also provide companionship and love without being smothering or overbearing like some other pets may be. That being said, getting a rabbit as a pet isn’t necessarily without its challenges. If you’re considering adding one to your home, take heed and proceed with caution. Here’s everything you need to know before making the plunge into rabbit ownership:
Is It OK to Get a Rabbit As a Pet For Seniors?
If you’re considering getting a rabbit as a pet, the first thing you need to know is whether or not it’s a good idea. And here, we’ll tackle the question of whether or not it’s safe to get a rabbit as a pet for seniors. Simply put, rabbits are low-maintenance pets. They don’t require much in the way of care or maintenance, making them great choices for seniors who are looking for low-impact, low-cost pet ownership. But, is it safe to get a rabbit as a pet for seniors? The short answer is yes. In fact, in an effort to better serve its senior population, the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATSB) has in fact designated rabbits as a “appropriate” therapy animal for the elderly. This is thanks to rabbits’ low-intensity exercise requirement, which makes them an ideal therapy animal. In other words, they don’t need to run or jump in order to engage in physical activity. Additionally, as a social animal, rabbits make great pets for seniors who may want or need companionship. And finally, because rabbits can live for an average of 12 years, they’re an ideal pet for seniors who may eventually want to downsize their pet ownership.
What is a rabbit?
Rabbits are small mammals that have a short coat and short, stubby hind legs. Although rabbits have large eyes and ears, they don’t have external ears. Instead, they have ear-shaped lymph nodes on the sides of their heads. Rabbits have a short, soft undercoat of fur that comes in many different colors and patterns. Unlike other types of pets, rabbits don’t have to be groomed. Instead, they groom themselves by licking and chewing on their own fur. Additionally, rabbits don’t need to be brushed or combed, making them a low-maintenance choice compared to other types of pets.
Why Get a Rabbit as a Pet?
Rabbits make great pets for seniors because they’re low maintenance, low impact, and low cost. Additionally, rabbits are social animals that make great pets for seniors who may want or need companionship. But, why get a rabbit in the first place? Perhaps you’re looking for a low-impact pet that can be kept in a small space, such as a condo or apartment. Or, it could be that you’re interested in a pet that requires little space and low commitment. Either way, after looking into rabbits as pets, you may find that you weren’t kidding about how low-maintenance and low impact they are.
The Benefits of Owning an Adult Rabbit
– Companionship: Rabbits are social animals, making them great pets for seniors who may want or need companionship. – Low-Impact Exercise: Rabbits don’t require much in the way of exertion, making them ideal pets for those who want low-impact, low-cost pet ownership. – Less Mess: Rabbits don’t require grooming, making them a low-maintenance choice compared to other types of pets. – Low Cost: The initial cost of adopting a rabbit is low, making it an affordable pet option for those who want a low-cost pet. – Friendly: Rabbits are considered to be one of the friendliest types of pets, making them safe and suitable for seniors. – Long Lifespan: Rabbits are one of the longest-living pet types, making them an ideal pet for seniors who may someday want to downsize their pet ownership.
The Challenges of Owning a Rabbit as a Pet
– Cleaning: Rabbits don’t require grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet type. However, the lack of grooming can make it more difficult to keep your rabbit clean. And, you may have to clean your rabbit’s litter box more often. – Housing: Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits don’t need to be walked or taken for walks. This means that rabbits need smaller, less expensive housing options, such as hutches or cages. – Litter Boxes: Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits don’t have a toilet that they use to poo out their waste. This means that you’ll have to clean up after your rabbit with a soft, absorbent litter. – Cost: The initial cost of adopting a rabbit is lower than that of adopting a dog or a cat. However, the cost of keeping a rabbit in a healthy condition can be higher than that of keeping a dog or a cat.
Conclusion
Rabbits make great pets for seniors thanks to their low impact, low maintenance nature, low cost, and friendly nature. And, you can even adopt a rabbit from a shelter, making it even easier to get a rabbit as a pet for seniors. As long as you’re aware of the challenges and challenges of owning a rabbit as a pet for seniors, you should be just fine. After all, rabbits are easy to care for and are low impact.
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