Adopt A Senior Cat This November – Adopt A Senior Pet Month

When it comes to ages of adoptees, the cat world has a sad parallel with the human world: Overwhelmingly, people want babies.

The older orphaned children become in the foster-care system, the harder it becomes to get them adopted into a permanent home. Likewise, in the world of homeless felines, most adopters gravitate toward the bouncy little kittens. The more those kittens grow and the less kittenish they look, the more difficult it will be to get adopted.

Imagine, then, the odds facing senior cats — those age 7 and older, and especially those cats with ages in the double digits. How can these older cats compete with kittens or even younger adults?

Thankfully, November highlights the plight of senior kitties with its designation as Adopt a Senior Pet Month. If you have room in your heart and home, consider giving a home to an older cat, so she can live out her years surrounded by love. People with soft hearts for animals may feel inclined to adopt a senior cat because they know seniors need homes the most; the older they are, the less cats appeal to adopters.

Photo credit: imgur.com

Aside from humane, “felinatarian” motives, however, senior cats offer us many benefits. I have had many cats, and their golden years often gave us the best memories. Older cats are so sweet, affectionate and laid-back. They are happy to lounge on the couch with us while we watch TV. Unlike a rambunctious kitten, seniors tend to stay out of mischief and just like to be mellow. And senior cats, having probably spent most of their lives with us, give us so much loyalty and love and gratitude.

Photo credit: LeelooDallasSupremeBeing

When you adopt a senior cat, and begin a relationship with a new feline in her aging years, the cat will be immensely grateful for the second chance at life and a happy ending. The kitty will make this act of caring so worth it, and you may have many years left with your pet.

Photo credit: sumguy720

Just like we should honor our human senior citizens, we should celebrate our feline senior “kitizens!”

Photo credit: SpeedballaOne

Writer: Kellie B. Gormly. Story inspiration: Catster

Have you ever adopted an older cat? Tell us in the comments below.