Senior cats have been featured in this space before, but their cause deserves all of the attention it can get. This is an ideal time to feature senior cats, as November is Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month.
Yesterday, we looked at steps one can take to relax a shy senior cat in a shelter or rescue. Today, let us list some of the benefits of adopting a senior cat.
- Senior cats have been using a litter box for years, reducing the risk of "accidents."
- Senior cats can be just as healthy as younger cats. They may need two regular vet visits per year instead of just one, and it is a good idea to have blood panels done, but by and large a healthy cat is a healthy cat.
- By the time a cat reaches 7 years old and is considered a senior, her personality is established. In other words, a senior cat is not going to be a laid back lap cat one day and decide to be a curtain-climbing hellion the next. Kittens and young adults need a couple of years to cycle through their phases before their true nature dominates.
- Senior cats are often turned in, rather than found running stray. This allows shelter staff to get background information that can be insightful: Does the cat get along with other animals? Has she been around children? What is her veterinary history?
- A senior is a good companion for a senior. Senior pets can be good matches for the lifestyles of senior people. They can also become good friends to other senior pets in the home (unlike a kitten that would torment an older pet with its playful shenanigans).
- You, the adopter, are definitely saving a life. Most people overlook senior cats because they do not have as many years left as kittens (which is true) and because they are shy in their kennels (because most of them came from homes to the shelter and are nervous and/or depressed). If the cat is not adopted, it is at an increased risk of mental or physical breakdown. By adopting a senior, you are ensuring that it will live out its life in a home rather than a cage.
Humane Society of Rome (HSR) has several spectacular seniors in need of loving homes. Please take a moment to view the slide show and meet them. Maybe you can help us congratulate these kitties as we do Cleo, Orion and Maggie Mae on finding their forever homes. At HSR, all senior adoptions are at a reduced price, and, in the case of sisters Daisy and Minnie, you can adopt two cats for the fee of one.
Comments
I would add that my last cat (an adult shelter adoptee- age unknown at the time, guessed to be 1 or 2 years) lived with me for 21 years. so you can still look forward to many, many years of wonderful companionship.
Thank you, Deb! For those who don't know, Deb is a veterinarian and devoted pet parent - she really knows what she's talking about!
I have a 17 year old indoor cat who is in excellent health other than a little arthritis from an old leg injury. She has a loving disposition, but is very timid -- terrified of children, vehicles, and other animals. She becomes extremely anxious when I go on vacation even though she is cared for by a friend she trusts in her own home. I'm retiring in 2012, and plan on going to Europe and moving. What is the least stressful way I can provide for my cat during a long vacation and transition? Thanks to anyone with suggestions.
Hi Carolyn - I wrote about traveling with cats back in August (http://www.examiner.com/cats-in-utica/hitting-the-road-with-kitty-or-not), but I don't think it will cover any new information for you. It's probably best to have a discussion about managing kitty's stress with you vet. I wasn't clear on whether your friend comes to your house to care for your cat, or if your cat goes to her house. I know some people who have had good luck with Feliway diffusers (a synthetic pheromone that is supposed to have a calming effect). You could purchase one for your friend and start preparing your cat for her extended visit by leaving her with your friend one day each week. She'll hopefully get used to being at the new house and learn that you always come back for her. If she's really anxious, you might want to start doing this months before you leave on your trip. When you move, keep your cat sequestered in one room until she settles in. It may seem unkind, but she will get comfortable in the smaller area faster than she would the entire house. Prepare the room with her favorite toys, beds, blankets, etc. so she is surrounded by items she knows. I hope this helps! -Anne
In my experience, the more "senior" a cat is, the more affectionate she becomes. I've had several senior cats and have seen even aloof cats start coming around for more petting and TLC as they get older.
I couldn't agree more - my seniors are senior in name only. They're just as affectionate and animated as young adults (and I sure don't miss the kitten jumo-on-my-head-at-3 a.m. stage).
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