June is Adopt-A-Cat Month. Would you consider adopting an older cat?
We both remember the day we got to go home. It was the best day of our lives! Even though we cried all the way there, in our hearts we were purring and purring because we knew somebody loved us as much as we loved them.
And even though we were adopted separately, many years apart, we both love each other right to pieces, too.
We know kitten season is in full swing, and it’s so hard to resist the temptations of those cute little babies with their tiny squeaks and purrs bigger than their bodies. But we have a special Adopt-A-Cat Month request for you: Please visit the adult cats first! You’d be amazed how much love a grown-up or special needs cat can give.
Here are some great reasons to adopt an adult cat:
1. Their personalities are fully formed
You never know quite what you’re going to get when you bring home a kitten. All the environmental enrichment and training in the world may not bring you the lap cat you were yearning for, or the independent spirit that can do well even if you spend long hours away from home.
2. You’ll still have lots of years together
Youth is no guarantee of a long relationship. After two of our sisters died tragically at young ages, we know that. A well cared-for cat can live at least 15 years, so even if you adopt an older adult, you’re still likely to enjoy a long and love-filled life together.
3. They’re extra grateful
Adult cats usually spend a lot longer at the shelter than kittens do. If the shelter is open-admission, adults, especially older adults, are the first to be put down to make space for “more adoptable” cats. Often, adult cats have had homes and were surrendered to the shelter for reasons ranging from the legitimate (Thomas’s first human had to go to a nursing home) to the absolutely shocking (the cat didn’t match the new furniture — yes, we actually have heard that one before). When an adult kitty finally does find a home, you’ll find that after they settle in, the love and gratitude in their eyes may overwhelm you.
4. Adult cats are calmer
Adult cats aren’t crazy curtain-climbers. They don’t need to be trained not to bite or scratch or use your body as a climbing post.
5. On the other hand, they’re still quite capable of kittenish antics
Even though older cats are more sedate, they can surprise you with their vigor when chasing a toy or running up the kitty condo. Three-year-old Bella isn’t quite as hyper as she used to be, but she still loves to go running through the house playing soccer with her favorite toy.
Adult cats can be plenty of fun, too. They’re excellent bed warmers on cold nights and wonderful lap snugglers when it’s movie time.
If you’re an older person and you’re concerned that your cat might outlive you, please consider adopting a senior cat. Some shelters have “seniors for seniors” programs, where senior cats are adopted to human senior citizens free of charge or for a drastically reduced adoption fees.
If you’re concerned about your ability to pay for veterinary care, some shelters offer permanent foster programs, in which you provide a loving home for a senior or special needs cat and the shelter pays for all that cat’s medical care, from routine screenings to the cost of treating a chronic illness.
If you can’t adopt, Petfinder has a list of 10 great ways you can support Adopt-A-Cat Month. Check it out and if you can do one or more of these things, please do.
Have you adopted an adult, senior or special-needs cat? Have you participated in a permanent foster or “pawspice” program and helped a cat that way? Please share your adoption story in the comments!
I love all four of my cats, but I’m especially attached to my oldest boy, Raja. He’s my best friend and I can’t imagine life without him. I wish that I could adopt more older cats but I’m at my limit that the City of Wichita will let me have…
Yup, adopting older cats is the best! I was rescued when I was fully grown and the peeps love me as much as they have ever loved any kitten.
Purrs,
Seville
I really wish my dog was nicer when it came to kitties. I miss having a feline around so much; I lost my childhood cat last year after 23 years and it was rough. (she lived with my father because my dog is a jerk) I really wish more people would go out and adopt shelter cats – there’s so many amazing ones to choose from. I know this time of year is also difficult for rescues trying to deal with “kitten fever.” If I ever get a cat again (crossing fingers) I’ll be getting an older shelter kitty for sure.
I absolutely love this post! :-) I’ve gotten all of my cats as adults, since most of them either wandered into my life as strays or were kitties needing homes from when I worked at the veterinary clinic. I love kittens too, but after watching what my sister went through with numerous kittens over the years (shredded clothing, draperies, couches, and hands that made her look like “Edward Scissorhands” for about 6 months after every adoption), I know there are many benefits to having an older cat who’s calmer and has their personality firmly established. I read an article once about someone who walked into a shelter and immediately asked to see “the cat who’s been here the longest.” I love that, and plan to do the same for my next adoption!
I work with a cat rescue and although the kittens are sweet (we wish people would be responsible so there weren’t so many) I love adult cats. I have to smile when people think a two and three year old cat is an older cat. My Patches died at 18, Little Bit at 16 and John L. at 14. A kitten’s health is often tenuous and I have seen healthy kittens pass on tragically from leukemia, FIP or simply failure to thrive. I always chose the adult cats (or they chose me). They are forever loving and grateful and wonderful companions.
Jane, I read you and your kitties stories and I am teary. So beautiful…
I adpopted a 9-y-o tom cat a few years ago. He’d been in the slammer for over 2 years. :( (Not that I’m not forever grateful that they provided for all his – many – needs, and promised to do so forever, if they had to. I am.) He’s grumpy and rough around the edges externally, but I heart that giant goober more than I can say!
This is a tough time of year for the adults in shelters, but I’ve seen many (local to me, included) offering special incentives. Was encouraged today, as well, to see the adult cat rooms at my shelter scantly populated.
Thanks for this article! So true!
Beautiful post. I wish our neighborhood would let us have more pets – I would love to add a cat to our family!