Thinking of adopting a cat? Most people who visit the shelters usually gravitate towards the playful kittens. They’re so cute, right? But take a look around the next time you’re in a shelter. Some of the older cats are very charming and deserve some attention too.
Adopting a senior cat has to be an informed decision. There are a few things to consider when adopting a geriatric cat. The cat hasn’t been brought to the shelter because he or she is necessarily troubled. Maybe their senior citizen owner has passed away or it was found wandering the streets. Taking home an older cat who may not get another chance at a forever home is a truly rewarding experience. Besides saving a life you’ll get lots of love and a great new family member.
Let’s take a look at some great reasons why you should consider adopting a senior cat.
Cats are considered adults at around one year old. When a cat hits seven or eight years of age it is thought to be a senior cat. This does not mean that they are old and start to become sick at this age. They have many years left in them and are usually by that time much calmer, set in their ways, and easier to care for.
People usually go to the shelters to adopt a kitten thinking that it’s what’s best for them and their family. Shelters are usually full of older cats as well that should be taken into consideration. There are many reasons why adopting a senior cat is a good option.
Preparing your home for your new furbaby is essential in order to make the transition from the shelter to your house easier for everybody.
Purchase the necessary supplies prior to your furry friend’s arrival and have everything ready in a dedicated space for him or her. An older cat will need the same basic supplies as a kitten. Items like a pet litter box, litter, food and water, a scratching post, and a few toys. Yes, older cats are often playful and enjoy running after balls and strings.
Give your new furry friend time to adjust to you and to the other family members in the household. Be patient and allow the cat to discover his or her new surroundings at his or her own pace. Use treats and positive encouragements to make it feel comfortable in its new home.
Make sure to inquire about the cat’s medical history and if he or she needs any special medical attention or medication.
Adopting an older cat has a few challenges and some things are to be considered.
One of the main issues people have with adopting an older cat is that it will need medical attention and more veterinary visits. First, the older cat is probably already spayed or neutered so this is a savings factor for you when you bring home a senior cat. Yes, the cat will need regular veterinary visits and may require some medications. But remember, not all aging cats get sick.
The next thing to keep in mind is that you will not have as much time to spend with your new pet as opposed to adopting him or her when it's a kitten. Simply knowing this fact often makes people appreciate the time they do have with their furry friend more.
Even with all this being said, the positives outweigh the small issues involved in adopting a senior cat. All the love and cuddles are definitely worth it.
Providing adequate care for your senior cat will involve a few things that you need to keep in mind.
I think that adopting a senior cat is rewarding and can enrich your life and your home tremendously. The older cats at the shelter seem to appreciate it so much more when they get adopted and head to their forever homes. They still have years of love to give and you should be the lucky one to receive all those cuddles and purrs that they generously and genuinely give.