Adopting a Senior Cat

​If you’re set on welcoming an older cat to your household, there may be a few things that you’ll  want or need to know. And this is why today’s blog at Fat Kitty City will cover everything you  should know about senior kitties, to help you make an informed decision and help you find the  perfect cat for you. Healthcare, behavior, expectations, and lifespan: here’s Senior Cats 101! 

​Senior Cats Behavior And Temperament 

What is a senior cat? By definition, senior cats are those older kitties over the age of ten years.  The first thing to address in senior cats is their behavior and temperament. If you’re looking for  a bonkers pet that zooms around the house and brings a whole lot of energy in your home,  perhaps senior kitties are not the right fit for you. The same way people usually don’t expect  trying out bungee jumping with their grandparents, well… You shouldn’t adopt a senior cat  expecting the same type of energy that a young adult furry friend would have!

Senior cats are known for their mellow temperament, enjoying the simpler things in life. They  are the perfect pet for someone looking to find a fur ball curled-up on the couch to cuddle after  a long day spent at work. They don’t seek constant entertainment, but enjoy human (and feline)  companionship based on mutual respect and a gentle approach. 
​
This doesn’t mean that senior cats don’t enjoy playing at all: after all, it’s cats we’re talking  about. These mischievous little creatures never fully lose their lust for life, and if your cat enjoys  playing, they will let you know when they’re in the mood for it. All it takes is a little patience! 

Adopting A Senior Cat: How To Prepare 

Welcoming a senior cat in the house might require a few extra steps that you wouldn’t think of  when adopting a kitten or a young, adult cat. For example, you may want to take more care in  placing their litter boxes, toys, food and water bowls, and beds in places that are easily  reachable and don’t require climbing. You should also purchase a cat gym or scratching tree  too, but be mindful and also provide them with options that require less effort for them to enjoy. 
​
If you have younger cats around, make sure you create some space for your senior so that they  can enjoy some peace on their own, away from more high-energy siblings. Cats are pretty  efficient in communicating between each other, and an older cat will be more than capable of  making themselves respected by younger newcomers — but giving them the option to be able  to time out whenever they feel like it is always a good idea.  

This also works for other situations that may make a newly-adopted cat uncomfortable, such  as visitors and guests in the house that are unknown to them. 
Sign your senior kitty up to a trusted veterinarian immediately. As unfortunate as it may sound,  just like elderly people older cats are more prone to certain health issues. And whilst there are  plenty of cats that live well into their twenties without much of a hassle, it’s always best to be  safe than sorry. 

Why Adopt A Senior Cat?  

Senior cats ore often overlooked due to myths such as “they are likely to have poor health”,  “they are likely to have behavioral issues”, and last but not least, many mistakenly believe that  older cats won’t be able to bond with new owners. This, of course, couldn’t be further from the  truth! Adopting a senior cat has its very own pros, for sure. 

They Give Lots Of Love 
Cats are highly intelligent animals, and they will notice all you do for them. As the years go by,  they will notice that their bodies no longer allow certain activities, and senior cats are extremely  appreciative of everything we do to make their last years as comfortable and happy as we can.  They no longer get distracted by activities such as intensely playing, fighting, or hunting as  they may have been used to during their youth, and are perfectly content with being stroked  whilst watching tv together, or sleeping at the end of your bed. In other words: senior cats may  not be here for a long time, but they surely are in for a good time. 

They Are Less Of A Hassle 
Senior cats have established their routines and know what they like and what they don’t like.  They aren’t likely to need any litter box training, to name one — and will quickly show you their  preferred spots for napping, cuddling, or playing. On top of that, they will take brief but  numerous naps here and there throughout the day, so they aren’t likely to disturb any Zoom  meetings for those who work from home!  

It’s A Kind Gesture 
You, as a human, can make a great difference in a senior cat’s final years, providing them with  the love, warmth, and security they may have never known before. It’s your chance to do the  right thing and make a cat happy in a world that more often than not favors kittens and  younger cats.

​What To Do When You Bring A Senior Cat Home  

Once you’ve found your perfect companion, it will take some time for them to adjust. Unlike for  younger cats, seniors may find it a little difficult to explore your place, especially if it’s a  multiple-story house. Give them time to explore on their own, without pushing things. Place  their toys, bowls, litter box(es) in places that are easily reachable for them, and provide more  than one option for their beds. Certain cats are particularly keen in staying close to their  humans, so make sure you create some space for them in places where you usually hang out  — the couch, the bedroom, your studio… You name it.

​Make sure you also stock up on selected food that is designed to cater to the needs of a senior  cat. Some diets focus on joints health, heart care, or urinary trait health for example. At the  point of adoption, don’t be scared to ask as many questions as you need: after all, we want our  adoptee to be happy and comfortable, just as much as you do. Asking questions is never a  mistake: if anything, it tells us that you really, really care. And we love seeing that! 

Do Older Cats Bond With A New Owner? 

A lot of times people are put off the idea of adopting a senior cat because they believe that  they won’t be able to bond with them. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Senior cats have  lots of love to give, and once settled they will be just as loving to you as they may have been  with a previous owner. This is because a bond with a cat is built on trust, respect, and  consistency!
Cats are creatures of habits, and establishing a routine for them will make them get  comfortable in no time. Some tricks, such as hand feeding them food/treats every now and  then, can help you build a significant bond between yourself and your newly adopted cat — no  matter their age. 
​Respect their time and don’t force them to cuddle with you if they don’t feel like it. Don’t pick  them up against their will (unless strictly necessary), and don’t push their limits! When the time  is right, they will come to you. You can better understand if a cat likes you and enjoys being pet  by reading our dedicated blog: 10 Signs Your Cat Loves You. 

What Are The Cons Of Adopting A Senior Cat?  

Some people simply prefer active, energetic pets. If this is you, and you’re not ready to commit  to the needs of a senior cat, you should perhaps consider a younger cat. This depends on the  lifestyle you are willing to achieve with your furry companion. Senior cats, in most cases, are  quite low energy — and this is not for everyone.
​  
Another reason why senior cats might not be the best fit for certain people, is the fact that they  are more likely to incur certain health issues when compared to younger cats. This can be  costly, and if you’re not ready to face these expenses at this specific time of your life, perhaps  you should reconsider adopting a senior cat that might need medical attention in the  immediate future. 

Last but not least, senior cats have a limited time left. Some seniors can get adopted and  happily live an extra ten years or so, filled with joyful memories and lots of love — but some  people prefer to adopt a younger pet and keep the day they will cross the rainbow bridge as far  off as they can. 

Conclusion

​Senior cats, just like kittens and younger furry friends, can make great companion for certain  people. They are loving, wise, and mellow — and they are sure to bring joy, warmth, and  happiness to any house that will take them in. If you’re looking forward to welcoming an older  cat and fill their remaining years with all the love they deserve, contact Fat Kitty City to discuss  the options and get some free snuggles by our senior furry residents!