What do you think of having a cat or a dog during retirement. Are they a help or a hindrance?

I love kitties! I think about kitties every day.

But at about age 50 I decided it would be irresponsible to have a pet, because it might outlive me. Also, I might want to travel, or end up someplace where I can't have a pet.

Nowadays, vet bills are cost prohibitive anyway.

AND, I have enough housework. I don't want to clean a litterbox too.
 

Llynn said:
I have chosen not to have a pet at this stage in my life. I like the freedom to come and go as I wish
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Precisely that ^^^.. I get my doggie time ( I love dogs).. now with my Grandfurkids ..my daughters' dogs... but currently I don't want to be tied down by a pet. If there ever comes a day when I'm done going out and about and travelling.. then maybe then..
 
I got Misty a few months after my husband passed away. A few months before he died, my cat passed away at the age of 20. I didn't like being the only 'heartbeat' in the house, so I got Misty. I'm glad I did. She's been a great comfort for me. I have several friends who will take her in if she outlives me.
 
Whether retired or not, having pets is fine and of emotional value for those home bodies that rarely travel or visit local places where pets are not allowed. Many pets can be left alone for short periods but not multiple days lest they take them to kennels. Thus requires somebody whether you or others either always being there. So won't work for the single person living alone like this person that is often away for days.
 
I love dogs and never feel lonely with one. They are my companion, exercise program (2 plus miles/day walks), security and best of all, they think I am the "best cook" ever! Never "the same kibble again" or "I don't like today's kibble, can I have a chewie?" Currently, I have a border collie, Flash (my 2nd BC).

If he outlives me, arrangements are made with a relative to adopt him.
 
boxerpackleader said:
My wife is still working as a teacher and is very busy. I am retired, and my 3 Boxer dogs keep me going. They are my 24/7 companions. I am walking with them 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. They love it, and I need the exercise to stay healthy. Well, I could tell many stories but don't want to bore you. I have many more pictures that would be much easier to share. Who would be interested?
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Go to the Pet section of this forum, next. :D I am sure many people would love both the pictures and the stories.

Start a new thread there, or add your posts in with other threads you might find there.
Welcome!
 
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I feel strongly that a house is not a home without a pet. I've had pets since I left home at 21. My Mom had a no pet policy when I was a kid. I prefer big dogs and have had a few in my lifetime, but he weight limit at my condo complex for a pet is 20 lbs. So I have a cat. Only one pet allowed per condo or I'd have 2 cats. My cat is great company and like @Ceege, I don't like being the only heartbeat in my home.
 
We have always had 2 cats so they keep each other company, and sometimes 3 when we know one is reaching the end of life. When we travel, we board our cats at the vet's office. They have a special cat room with an aquarium. Our cats are a bonded pair, so we ask that they have adjacent cages where they can visit each other. It feels weird when we come home and they are still boarded because there is an absence in the house.

I don't know what I would do without our cats now that I am retired. They compete to see who will be first in my lap when I come home in the afternoon and plop on the couch. I'm not currently worried about them outliving me because we adopted them as adult cats. Also, they both came from homes with elderly owners who passed away, and look where they are now! As @Shalimar mentioned, there are many adult cats that need loving homes. I wouldn't hesitate to adopt an older cat as long as "socialized" him/her with our current ones.

Here are a few benefits.

 
RubyK said:
I feel strongly that a house is not a home without a pet. I've had pets since I left home at 21. My Mom had a no pet policy when I was a kid. I prefer big dogs and have had a few in my lifetime, but he weight limit at my condo complex for a pet is 20 lbs. So I have a cat. Only one pet allowed per condo or I'd have 2 cats. My cat is great company and like @Ceege, I don't like being the only heartbeat in my home.
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I feel bad for you. We had 6 cats (we learned what a pregnant cat does when giving birth) three to four dogs, three Guinea pigs and a budgie at times (bitey little pricks!)

We had 90 lb German shepherds and a 40 lb house dog. My dogs were 55 & 90 lbs. I never really liked little dogs.
 
It is hard to explain the bond between people and their owners but I do know that the house is just too quiet after the loss of a special friend so after a year or two I am usually ready to open my heart to another one.
We have two cats now but I wish we had a dog to be our ears at night, especially as I feel my strength dwindling.
 
I have one pet, a house rabbit. He is good for me as I have to care for him every day. When I moved here almost five years ago he came with me. Some days I feel like I don't want to do anything, but then he needs something so forces me to get up and do whatever. He is free roaming and uses a cage for a litter box so the door of it is left open. He is 9 years old this year and they say rabbits only live to 10, but he is in good health (so far). I love him so much but I want to outlive him so he doesn't have to start over in a new home or end up in a rescue.

I have had cats my whole life and can't believe I am living without one now. At my previous house, I had many different animals. Now "Rabbit" is my last pet. I saw the heartbreak of my neighbor last year when she was near the end of her fight with cancer and had to find homes for her two parrots that she had for many years. It was so hard for her as well as stressful. Not going to do that (I hope).
 
A lot of senior cats and dogs at the shelters are looking for someone to give them a cosy home and, most of all, love. But my wife and me, though still in our early 60s, would never buy a baby cat or a puppy from a breeder. They might live 15 to 20 years. My cousin bought a puppy (German Shepard) at the age of 73. This is not only ultimate stupidity but a crime against this dog too.
 

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