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Senior citizens looking for a feline companion need to make sure they find the right furry friend for them.
Energetic or mischievous cats might not do so well with an elderly owner, but there are plenty of breeds that are happy to curl up on their owners' laps and be loved.
Animals that are calmer and thrive on having company often suit older folk, who might typically spend more time at home.
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Breeds listed below have suitable traits, such as friendliness and calmness and are generally affectionate and people-oriented, to help them get along with elderly owners.
The rundown has used information from pet and breeding groups, The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers' Association, charities and pet health websites.
American Bobtail
The American bobtail is an affectionate breed that does not like to be alone and makes a great therapy cat.
According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, these cats "bond with their human family with great devotion," enjoy playing games and going for walks—and are generally pretty quiet.
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American Curl
The American Curl is a physically affectionate breed that loves being with humans and wants to be with its owner all time, according to TICA.
Renowned for their ears, which curl backward instead of standing up, these medium-size cats are "even-tempered intelligent companions" who like to be involved in everything.
American curls also tend to get along with other cats, according to veterinary website, Vetstreet.
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American Shorthair
American Shorthairs are people-oriented and love cuddling, and TICA says that they are good pets for people living on their own, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.
They are also handy at keeping pests at bay, according to pet website Pets4Homes.
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American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is an adaptable breed that can be happy living as a senior citizen's lap cat.
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Australian Mist
Australian Mists love being with their family and according to TICA: "they are certain to cheer you up with their companionship and conversation as well as dish out advice when needed."
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Balinese
Balinese cats are loving and love attention and affection. They demand attention so would be a good pet for someone who is at home a lot of the time.
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Birman
Birman cats are "ideal" for seniors, according to TICA, as they are low-maintenance and love companionship.
Life Care Services, the retirement home provider, recommends these cats for elderly owners. It describes them as "affectionate, gentle and intelligent" creatures that "enjoy the companionship of their humans."
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Bombay
The Bombay breed is social, loves company, and likes to stick close to its owner.
Vetstreet, the pet health website, describes these cats as "calm, gentle and affectionate" and owners of a short, velvety coat that is easy to care for.
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British Shorthair
Slightly smaller than their American cousins (see above), British Shorthair cats are also friendly and affectionate.
They may not be lap cats, TICA notes, but they like being with their owners.
Age U.K., Britain's largest charity for older people, recommends this breed for older pet-lovers. It describes them as having an "easy-going personality" that is "not overly active and will happily relax next to their owner."
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Chartreux
The Chartreux breed is calm yet playful and makes a great companion for a senior citizen.
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Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs are affectionate and gentle cats and love being near their owners.
These cats do well in apartments or houses, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association, but do require require daily grooming to maintain their beautiful coat.
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Havana
The green-eyed Havana breed, which is related to the Siamese, is people-oriented and make for affectionate companions.
They generally enjoy sitting in a lap and chatting to his owner in a soft voice, according to Vetstreet's breed profile, and is pretty easy to groom.
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Himalayan
Himalayan cats are gentle and calm and like living in a calm environment.
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Khaomanee
Khaomanee cats are great companions that are known for being calm and relaxed, making them the ideal lap companion.
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Manx
Manx cats are very affectionate and generally bond closely with one person in the family.
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Minuet
Minuet cats are charming, extremely affectionate, people-oriented, and love curling up on a lap.
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Persian
Persian cats like being in calm environments and are generally very easygoing.
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Peterbald
Peterbald cats are friendly and enjoy company and attention. This breed is also very loving and will tend to follow its owners around.
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Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are loving and quiet cats and are known for being relaxed, friendly, and happy pets.
Seniors' charity Age U.K. advises that these cats "are happy to laze about and show their owners some affection," noting that all cats can at times show "bursts of energy."
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Russian Blue
The loyal Russian Blue cat is known for being friendly and affectionate, enjoying being close to its family.
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Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is an affectionate breed that is devoted to its family. These cats are also placid and cuddly.
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Snowshoe
The Snowshoe cat is generally a mellow breed that thrives on companionship and affection.
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Siberian
Siberian cats are affectionate and playful and love following their family around. These cats are also calm and make good therapy cats.
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Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are social and like to vocalize. They love sitting in their owner's lap and love attention generally.
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Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora cats are affectionate and sociable and like staying by their owner's side.
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