To want to find an old cat that needs me?

[Viciouszebra]

I want to adopt the oldest cat I can find to give it a loving home for the last year or two of it’s life. I’m single and work from home so he/she would be welcome company, but I don’t want an energetic kitten or young cat. I like the idea of caring for an elderly cat (even one with health problems) and knowing that it’s loved and cared for in its final years. I live in a 2 bed flat, so none of the cat charities I’ve contacted will allow a cat to be rehomed with me, even though the flat is ground floor and there is communal garden areas. Is there anywhere else I can contact for this? I live in the south east.

Keep trying. My first cat was a ten year old old lady cat and she was lovely.

Our c.p. Are always looking for people to adopt older cats, whereabouts do you live.

oh it looks like shes now been rehomed.

I was going to suggest the Cinnamon Trust as well, as they specifically rehome cats whose owners have died.

It might also be worth looking up a site called Cat Chat as they have a lot of links to rescue and also "emergency" threads for cats that are in danger of being put to sleep. There are always lots of older cats there.

Good luck and I hope you find a suitable kitty. I took in a golden oldie at the end of last year; he was about 18-19 and had been living in a garden for years. I only had him a few months but he had lots of food and cuddles in that time.

Is there a cat cafe near you, they tend to also rehome and they are indoors. The one in Nottingham certainly does.

We do this and have done for a few years via Celia Hammond.

We’ve had our current (4th) elderly adoptee for 3 years, he is est 14 years old and just wants a place to sleep, eat and get fuss, he was very nervy but over the years is a happier and confident cat.
His story is chucked out pet when elderly owner died. Bullied as in tact Tom, Celia said he was in a bad way with injuries and bruises when saved but I declined to see the photos.

He also gets a Celia Hammond vet discount, though we do pay full price when we can. He is in very good health although he is toothless, has battered ears and probably would have needed PTSD therapy when we first got him.

We refer to our home as a 1 level cat retirement home. It is a pleasure to see these old and totally nervous cats eventually blossom. My current boy took about 5 months to settle.

There's a FB group called 'special needs cats for adoption'. I'm not sure if they have many elderly cats, but they mostly rescue cats from abroad with health issues - a lot of the time blind cats (which are wonderful loving companions). Because of their special needs, a lot need to be kept indoors.

I know of one in a local (very small) rescue near me. He’s been there for months with one viewing. I have other cats and a toddler so probably wouldn’t like it with me. It’s in Hampshire, and he’s 11. PM me if interested.

I want to do this too when the timing is better.

Sometimes if you ask a smaller rescue they will have a cat that is suitable for indoor only. Older cats especially are suitable to be indoor cats, also blind or deaf ones if you don't mind one like that.

It is also possible that a cat that has been listed as 'outdoor access' will be happy as an indoor cat.

The CP I volunteer at would home a cat in a flat but it's done on a cat by cat basis. Some can't go outside for health reasons and some older cats are more than happy to be indoor cats-they would still need enrichment toys and equipment to stop them getting bored.
Often older cats do have health issues so you definitely would need to budget for that.

If you are near Essex try Goldies Oldies goldies-cat-rescue.co.uk/

That seems daft because when I was looking for cats to adopt, all of the charities had FIV positive cats who weren't able to go out and needed to be kept indoors. Surely a 2 bed flat is plenty of space for a n elderly house cat to explore.

We adopted an older cat with FIV abd she lived happily with us for 8 years in our apartment. She didn’t come out from behind the bookshelf for 3 months when we got her. She died last year, a very happy, old grouch and we still miss her every day.

I'd have recommended you contact Cats Protection, but as they're probably the biggest cat charity, it sounds like you already have, and been disappointed. As a former volunteer for a number of years, I'd be very disappointed too.

As well as the essential toys for an indoor cat recommended upthread, you can make an indoor home more interesting for your cat by giving it a few higher places to sit on, if you don't mind putting up a shelf or two, with a comfy cushion or blanket to snuggle on.

I really am disappointed you're having difficulty; being a long-term volunteer fosterer is an excellent suggestion, there are so many needy cats. I have space for another permanent resident but my grumpy bully cat is very old now and I'm too afraid of it being unfair on him although he is socialised with other cats, which would make it so unfair on the newcomer too.

You sound lovely; I'm sure your cat will find you soon.

I've just rehomed an older cat. He's 12 and a fluffy ball of fluff! Maybe get in touch with Cats Protection in your area, they're really helpful!

Wood Green have homes in London and Godmanchester and were willing to consider it for my cousin in a flat with no garden, but only for the right cat and said it could take time (which she was fine with but ended up having to move abroad so lucky in the end she didn't find a moggy!)

I agree that cats with FIV could be a good avenue to pursue as they are often indoor cats

Yours sounds like a perfect home for an old cat. Celia Hammonds would definitely home to you. If you are in London or surroundings please pm me.

Where are you Op??

Celia has three places, two in London and the Sanctuary near Hastings.

We adopted these two 10 year old sisters this summer after our 16 year old went to Rainbow Bridge. They are clearly miserable 😊😊

We were literally talking about this at work today and there are many many cats of 15+ on the Blue Cross website. Some as old as 17 🐈 😍

Thanks for all the replies. I live in Surrey and tried my local CP but they weren’t interested as I live in quite a busy area near streets with heavy traffic (even though I’m only looking for indoor cats). Battersea weren’t helpful either. I will try some smaller shelters. Ideally I was looking for a 14/15 year old that just needs a roof, food and a warm lap but it’s proving to be difficult so far!

Katz castle in Cobham anywhere near you? A lovely 11 year old tabby. Nervous Emma.

If you're Surrey you may be too far but Mitcham CP could help you- they regularly have indoor only cats. Around Worcester Park there is Ginger Cat House Rescue and another called Stepping Stone nearby.

www.catcuddles.org.uk/ perhaps try here?