Adopting an older cat

[anysia]

Aikidomayland and I have been on a waiting list with two pedigree breeders. Not for a kitten. Kittens are cute, but they don't stay kittens long.But for an adult cat. One that needs to be re-homed due to losing it's family (illness, relocation, job loss) or taken from a home due to abuse, or a retired queen.

We got a phone call last night. There is a 2 yr old marbled Bengal queen who is retired. She has a sweet disposition, and likes being around other cats (or even a dog!). We are going to go see her this weekend, as we believe that cats pick their people, not the other way around. If all goes well, we go back home, and prepare the house for the new addition, and to let the boys get used to having a girl around the house.

There are many cats available at shelters who are between the ages of 1 to 6 yrs old, sweet lovable cats, that need to be re-homed. That is where we got our sweet Affy (well, he wasn't so sweet when we first got him. He had been abused by previous owners, and it took time, dedication and gentleness to turn him from a terrified cat, to a musher). Everyone I know who has adopted an older cat has not regretting it for a seond. :)

Comments

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

I kind of hedged my bets on the adoption age thing and picked Cat Haven teenagers between 6-12 months. A total of half a dozen over the years.

[anysia.livejournal.com]

That's a good age too, almost grown, but still young. :)

[firvulag.livejournal.com]

We got Lil a few years ago now. she was saved from being put down with her owner dying and the partner not wanting to look after a 12yr old with health issues. She'd had cancers take most of both ears by that stage. While she has had an eye problem and a few visits to the vet since, we've had her for about 3 years now, and while she has toileting issues and some precancerous spots on her nose, she seems to get along fine most of the time.

Given choice, I'd go for a younger and healthier cat, but we have one of those also. And yes, cats do pick their people.

the older cats

[shadoutcarver.livejournal.com]

are the ones who most desperately need a loving home!

Kudos to anyone who adopts a cat near the end of their lifespan.

Re: the older cats

[firvulag.livejournal.com]

And it would seem I broke things. Less than 6 hours later I ran Lil over and the resulting injuries required her to be put down :(

We're quite sad about this and my seeming ability to make this month get worse and worse. and there's still 3 days of it left...

Re: the older cats

[shadoutcarver.livejournal.com]

oops?

Re: the older cats

[anysia.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to hear/read that. :(

Uhh, Cat Haven has lotsa kitties in need of homes O:)

Re: the older cats

[firvulag.livejournal.com]

yes they do, and when we choose to get another, we will more than likely look there first.

We do still have Bella, who was re-housed from a friend who managed to come into breach of his local council's cat limit when he moved back home.

She's about 5 now, and we've had her for a couple of years. Another cat would be fine, but I think we'll wait to see how my health develops and see if we can afford to care for 2 cats

Re: the older cats

[anysia.livejournal.com]

Agreed. :)

[anysia.livejournal.com]

We got Affy because he was removed from his home due to abuse (bastitch kicked him in the face, chipped a tooth and put a split in the side of tongue) and he was any where from 3 to 5 yrs old. It took months to get him to not be afraid of feet or shoes, but we did it.

We had him for 7 yrs.

[replyhazy.livejournal.com]

We love our rehomed Siamese brother and sister. We've had them around five years now, and they are just the sweetest kitties. (Except for the puking. And the urinary tract problems. But cat health can be a tricky thing.)

[anysia.livejournal.com]

Like kids, they do have their health issues.

Keito has a corneal scar which makes one eye tear a bit more than the other.

Loki had a broken leg/knee but is perfectly fine now.

[roya-spirit.livejournal.com]

Luvverly Pablo here is four and we just got him. He wasn't all that friendly at the shelter, even hissed at Jay once, but at home now? Biggest lovercat evah!

They told us that black cats tend to stay at shelters the longest as no one wants them as much as the "cuter" cats.

ooh, and I hope your kitty takes well to you.

[anysia.livejournal.com]

They told us that black cats tend to stay at shelters the longest as no one wants them as much as the "cuter" cats.

Really? I think black cats are the most regal and sleek, with tabby colors a close second.

[roya-spirit.livejournal.com]

I *know*.. me too. It's the "black cats=unlucky" thing is what we were told.

[slightlysatan.livejournal.com]

How exciting! I can't wait to meet her - I've heard good things about the temperament of Bengals and they are gorgeous.

[anysia.livejournal.com]

You're welcome to come over and say "Howdy do!" to her. :D