We all know the pure joy of getting a kitten. They are little and beyond cute. They are a ball full of energy and usually get into a ridiculous amount of mischief. However, a large majority of cats that are found in rescues as well as shelters are senior cats.
They are often abandoned or dropped off at a shelter because the owner passes or becomes unable to care for a senior cat. A senior cat is more than their age; more than a number. These 5 reasons to adopt a senior cat will help you to understand why a senior cat deserves being your first choice.
5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Cat
1. Shelters and rescues are usually beyond crowded. Space is a precious commodity and senior cats often get overlooked making them the cats who are the hardest to find homes for. When you adopt a senior cat, you are also making room for them to help another cat in need. You are not saving one life, but two.
2. A senior cat has already gone through their growth cycle, which means they aren’t going to get any bigger. You won’t be incurring any additional costs due to them growing out of their things like a cat bed or a litter box.
3. The personality of a senior cat is developed. When you meet them, you will know what to expect in terms of temperament. This is a good thing in terms of knowing pretty instantly if the cat will be a good for the whole family.
4. A senior cat is already house-trained. Anyone who had had a kitten will tell you that poop and urine issues are constant. However, a senior cat has years of experience and you won’t be cleaning up poopy paws all the time.
To help keep your senior cat litter box happy, use a quality cat litter like Arm & Hammer Slide. It traps odours for 7 days, and is dust-free with a soft texture that’s easy on paws. What’s best is the patented EZ Clean technology means the used litter slides right out! No more scrubbing or scraping the bottom of the box!
5. Senior cats are usually much calmer and relaxed than a younger cat. While constant energy and mischief may be okay with some, most families are looking for a cat that is content without any unexpected naughty surprises.
To adopt a senior cat or learn more about cat adoption, visit your local SPCA or go online.
Maryann D. says
I think it would be wonderful to adopt a senior cat especially if it has a been in a shelter for a while. I have thought about it. I am sure it is rewarding and a good feeling too!
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
I have adopted a few seniors and they were wonderful. Lately it just seems kittens keep showing up at my door lol . Thank you for sharing
Cynthia C says
This is a great idea for saving the life of deserving cat. Older cats are great companions.
Debbie W says
Over the years I have adopted 3 senior kitties. They are forever grateful, and make the best pets. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Cheryl Grandy says
As cute as kittens are, their energy can be a bit much. I like having a calmer, less active cat – definitely an advantage of a senior cat.
Linda H says
We have a rescue cat right now and she is wonderful so if I ever get another one it will be a senior cat.
Dana Rodriguez says
We adopted a senior about 2 years ago.. he is 16 and a great cat. We also have a 3 m/o kitten… Scooter is more active with the kitten here and seems to “mother” him. It is pretty cute actually.
Lynda Cook says
Yes senior cats are a great option when adopting, I find having a senior is good when you have a very young child because you don’t have to worry about the kitten scratching baby
Wanda Tracey says
I adopted a little doggie and a senior cat. Now I am adopting a kitten that I fell in love with and has no home to go to.