Pets

Personally I'd say choose with careful advice- a small dog is not necessarily a dog that does not need regular walking. I would advise an older dog and not a puppy. And check your apartment rules. We bought and apartment from new, then the owners' association was formed and they decided 'NO pets' - and this has caused many difficulties.

But mainly - enjoy- and make absolutely sure you have a proper will and arrangements in place, with friends, family or rescue- just 'in case'. In fact, I feel every pet owner, at any age- should ensure they have a 'just in case' plan- approved by family and friends.

Good advice from JURA2. If you go to a rescue centre they can usually tell you about the character of the animal such as if they are used to having free access to a garden and how active they are.
You also need to be aware that the constant cleaning of litter trays involves a lot of lifting and bending.

I've also had 3 strokes and I'm quite disabled with arthritis, in as much as I use a wheelchair outside the home but inside prefer to stand even though it's extremely painful. I have 4 dogs a staffie who's 15 but been here since a pup and 3 Pugs the eldest is 7. They are all far more active than me but these days seem happy enough with the house and garden. Which is just as well because I can't walk them. You haven't said how affected you are by your strokes which is the relevant bit. I have very little lingering after effects of my strokes, it's the arthritis making my life difficult.
Lots of flats these days have no pets policy so you would need to check that. Some will allow cats but not dogs. Would you be able to change the liter tray, I know I could. In fact the only thing I can't do for my dogs is walk them but I can get help with that from my two sons.
I'd be lost with out my dogs, they keep me company and make me laugh every day, so I would highly recommend it. It needn't be an elderly dog just one past middle age, that's when most of them slow down and become happy couch potato's although some are like that as soon as the puppy phase is over. I wouldn't go for a vocal breed though as that might upset the neighbours.

This might sound like I am being insensitive, but if you're going to have a pet, and you also have health issues that could suddenly cause you to become incapacitated, do make sure someone is going to check on you at least daily, because you do sometimes hear about pets left to fend for themselves when their owner suddenly becomes sick.

I think a cat would be the better idea . Being if your poorly you don't have to walk them . They are just as loving but need just a little less care than a dog .

I think it will be great for you to own a pet Mickeyboy67 I would say a cat would be much easier than a dog, as dogs obviously need to go for a walk few times a day, even the smallest of breeds need exercise, have you got a garden.? Just weigh up the pros n cons between cat n dog, if it’s raining snowy etc would you want to go out in all weathers,also if you are going to have a pet are they going to be insured, lots to think about , wish you luck and hope whatever you decide to do is the best choice for you, owning a pet is wonderful

Some dog rescue centres offer to cover any vets bills in return for someone giving an old dog a home for the rest of its life. It’s cheaper and better than keeping them in kennels An elderly neighbour of ours has given a home to a whole range of older dogs; she likes the company and a gentle walk every day, and the dogs enjoy a peaceful retirement with all home comforts, so everyone’s a winner!

Cats are lovely company and relatively easy to care for. My old boy is around 18 - a rescue cat who I have had for 14 years. Often animal shelters find the older cats harder to rehome as people often want a kitten. But an older cat would be much calmer and probably a good choice for you ? x

I think an older, house cat might be best for you. You would not need to take it out for walks as you would with a dog. Rescue organisations are always especially glad to get their older animals rehomed as most people want younger animals. Cats Protection branches throughout the country usually have cats for rehoming.

I'd also suggest a cat..I have several Rottweilers and a little Jack Russell, while the big one's are happy with a Potter and then the sofa, my little one has a LOT of energy and she's not young.

Any pet can be great company provided you give them the love and attention they deserve. I think you should go for a rescue pet - they are usually very loyal as they have lost their first love and need someone else to love,

My husband and I moved to a retirement apartment in August- we knew they allowed pets which suited us as we have a 9 year old indoor cat. We had to get permission and fill in a form stating who would look after her if anything happened to us. She is not allowed to go out of the apartment but as she has always been an indoor cat that was not a problem

I too would suggest an older cat that had been living in a flat previously, rather than a dog. Unless, of course, you want a good reason to go out twice a day. You will meet and chat to more people when walking a dog than you ever will because you have an indoor cat.

However, do consider who would be willing to look after your cat, if you are able to go away for holidays and leave clear instructions as to what is to happen to the animal if you have to go into hospital at some point, or residential care. My will gives my son absolute power to decide what to do with any pets I may have when I die.

Check vet's fees in advance and decide whether you want insurance to cover those.

An indoor cat needs cat litter, which is heavy to cart home from the shops and you need to ascertain whether you are allowed to dispose of the used litter as household waste.

Please do not put it down the toilet, even the brands that are specifically stated to be fully flushable have been known to cause trouble blocking toilets!

Find out if any pet shop is willing to deliver cat litter to your flat.

I hope you do get a pet - their company and affection is invaluable.

My DGD has her first kitten, a house cat, which was house trained when she got it. Cat litter and food are delivered, though getting rid of lightweight cat litter can be an issue if bins are long way from door. DGD's cat is very cuddly.

Rescue older greyhounds are real couch potatoes. Some rescue groups have a foster system and they can be with you for long or short times. My mil always had rescue dogs and she said that early morning walk kept her young and greatly helped her generally. Her last dog was an old boy of unknown parentage, he died of old age and she was late 70s and she really missed having a dog around.

Pet shop to deliver cat litter........Iceland frozen food shop also sell cat litter and do home deliveries same as bigger supermarkets. I think the minimum spend there is £30.

Supermarkets sell and deliver cat litter along with the rest of your shopping.

I am quite elderly and have had a West Highland terrier for the past 4 years. She is now aged 10 and was a breeding dog before I got her from Westie rescue. I had lived in this bungalow for 10 years before she came to me and spoke to only my immediate neighbours and knew very few other people in your the area. Since Tilly came to me we go out 3 times each day, we meet other dog walkers , students, school children, and we speak to people every time we leave the house. My daughter and family live 3 miles away and before I got the dog they agreed that they would look after her if I needed it. I have now adopted another one also from Westie rescue and she goes and stays with the family every weekend. I hate to think how lonely I would be without my canine companions. They keep me alert, active and give so much love for the care they need. If you are an animal person I would advise anyone to think seriously about rescuing an older dog from the many centres around the country. These small dogs are worth their weight in gold to me.

My hubby and I are no longer able to regularly walk a dog, even though we would love one. If you opt for a Cat - Cat's Protection offer a "Cat Guardians" service which is designed to take care of your cat when you are no longer there to do so. They will collect and re-home your cat or cats. Obviously, you need to notify friends and family that you have signed up to this service (you get a confirmation document), but it offers peace of mind. There is no charge for this, but reference is made to the fact that many people leave a bequest in their Will to Cat's Protection League (a registered Charity).

Does it need to be a cat or dog? What about a budgie or canary? Different sort of company, but less needful of exercise, inexpensive, but still a lovely pet.

Lots of good advice here Mickeyboy67. Ensure you are allowed a pet in your apartment.
Small dogs do not necessarily need less exercise than a larger breed. Cats are better if you have mobility issues.
Do think carefully before getting a pet, they can be expensive, messy and a tie. They do give you love and a great deal of pleasure though.

It's not only a matter of having to exercise a dog. You need to think about having it clear up its excrement. Not an enticing prospect even if you were fully mobile.

having it having to. Can't imagine a dog filling its own poo bag,

I am 83, dh just died, we always had dogs and cats
my beloved Sheltie died 2 years ago, I still miss her terribly.
I am in good health for my age, no mobility problems, HOWEVER since dh died just a few days ago... oh my I am so ...... phew!
we got a rescue cat, kitten just after my Sheltie dies, ie. 2 years ago, I keep her in at night, litter tray, and now , as I am so shocked by dh death, I am finding it harder to bend, actually I had a bad fall day after her died, out on my walkies, (alone) and I think that has caused physical aches...

so I don`t know how I manage to exist without dog, my cat is wonderful company though

we have our own house, small garden, went to 2/3 rescue dog places after our Sheltie died, got vetted, approved

heard nothing since!!! so I reckon I am not meant to have a dog..

I think I would shrivel up and die without my cat.

we are all different after all.