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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To adopt a 15yr old cat?

92 replies

BabySquidy · 27/12/2021 20:19

I am going to potentially rehome a 15yr old cat his owner has had to go into a care home.

He is a large black ragdoll type, he seems perfect for us as a family. Used to children, affectionate and likes to be outdoors in the summer and warmer months.

I am told he doesn't like a litter tray but will use one if absolutely desperate and prefers to go out to pee and poop, but won't I need to keep him in for a week or so to get used to his surroundings?

OP posts:
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7
CoffeeRunner · 27/12/2021 20:21

It would be a very lovely thing to do. Give him a comfortable loving home to see out his days.

Original poster
BabySquidy · 27/12/2021 20:23

That's the plan to give him a lovely retirement.

OP posts:
crystal1983 · 27/12/2021 20:25

Do it. You’ll need to keep him in for a bit whilst he gets used to his new house, but sounds like he’ll be a good fit.

motherofcatsandbears · 27/12/2021 20:25

Every animal deserves a good home. His little world has been turned upside down and he may die of grief in a cattery, no matter how caring they are.
Go and get him now, please 🐾🐾❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾

AnxiousMess21 · 27/12/2021 20:26

I did this. Had 3 years with the loveliest cuddliest cat - enjoy!

DontKeepTheFaith · 27/12/2021 20:27

What a wonderful thing to do😻💕

I’m sure the cat will have a wonderful retirement with you. Hope the transition goes well💐

Beamur · 27/12/2021 20:30

Go for it. You may have several years of fluffy company ahead of you. Get insurance organised - it may be expensive but worth it if there are any underlying issues.
Keep indoors for a few days. Kitty will use a litter tray if they have to. Get a big one as Ragdolls are bigger cats!

PatriotCanes · 27/12/2021 20:31

We've just taken on a 15 year old and the biggest issue isn't her age, it's the neglect that happened before we took her on. Now it's wonderful to see her with her chubby belly roasting herself in front of the fire - but it was months of worry and expensive vets bills to get here.

TellMeItsPossible · 27/12/2021 20:32

That's a lovely thing to do. Take it slow with him, maybe slower than even he would prefer, so he thoroughly knows the smells of his new home. Enjoy.

TheDoctorDances · 27/12/2021 20:34

I adopted two geriatric Ragdolls from a rescue centre. They lived for another four and six years respectively with me.

This cat could live for another five happy years with you, I say go for it.

2022beesknees · 27/12/2021 20:35

Good for you, OP. Wonderful kindness.

At fifteen he's hardly likely to make a run for it Grin but I get that you're really concerned about his welfare. Assuming your garden is enclosed, just let him out but hang around with him. You could also put him on a temporary lead if you're worried about him making a run for it while he's pooping.

Catfox1 · 27/12/2021 20:37

You’re one of the best types of people. I’m far too weak to adopt one that old because I would just be heartbroken when they go 🥺

He sounds perfect, you’re meant to keep them in for a while but a cat that age shouldn’t roam too far. She says!!!

Original poster
BabySquidy · 27/12/2021 20:39

He's in great condition am told and certainly looks it he's got super long fur that he regularly enjoys being brushed but not his tum. He's currently with the daughter in law the cats owner lived with them for a few months with the cat before she went into a care home. I will go and get a big litter tray and he doesn't have a bed at his current home so will find him a good snuggly box I think. How long should I keep him in for before I let him out.

OP posts:
Sideswiped · 27/12/2021 20:41

I got a rescue cat that was 12/13 years old. I had him for another 9 years, despite being told he was in his twilight years already. I managed to coax him on to my lap after a few years, and he finally found his purr. In the past few years of his life, he also let me cuddle him in my lap like a baby, which he absolutely loved. Smile
An older cat is not a write-off. They will be with you as long as they are able.
They might well surprise you with the rewards they bring, @BabySquidy.

Original poster
BabySquidy · 27/12/2021 20:41

Garden is far far from enclosed quite open in fact and frequented by local cats.

OP posts:
RosiePosieDozy · 27/12/2021 20:43

Do it. My cats (brothers) are 14 and are in no way like senior cats. They are so loving and friendly. One doesn't go out much and loves being picked up and cuddled. One behaves like a loyal dog and loves sitting on your lap. They are so good, so well behaved and enrich my life.

I am sure you can give so much to this cat and he can give you so much in return.

MediumDwarf · 27/12/2021 20:43

Such a lovely thing to do. You will need to keep him in for more than a few days. Cats need to be really, really settled with a new family, but also their new indoor location. Then you can be confident they know where their home is to return to.

I adopted a cat from Battersea a few years ago and the advice was 14days minimum. Then let them out gradually for a bit longer each day over a few days. Sit in the garden while they initially explore etc.

Good luck, I hope you have many happy years together.

Grendalsmum · 27/12/2021 20:44

Do it! I just adopted a sibling's two old codgers as they're moving in with an allergic partner and it's lovely! We kept them in for several weeks initially so they knew it was home before they ventured out but now they are fully intergrated with the home team cats it's all good.

SagittariusDwarf · 27/12/2021 20:45

🥰🥰🥰 I hope you and this old boy have as many happy years together as possible

JealousOfDDsOodie · 27/12/2021 20:47

Absolutely! So long as you can easily afford any vets fees as insurance premiums will be sly high. But, assuming that's a given, enjoy however many years with your lovely puddy tat and the warm fuzzy feeling of giving them a lovely retirement home

puffyisgood · 27/12/2021 20:48

pretty good idea imo. charitable but could also get you a good pet for a decent amount of time. kids are super resilient when it comes to losing a pet, and teaching them about 'the circle of life' is never a bad thing.

Rufus27 · 27/12/2021 20:50

Do it. I did the same quite by accident and it was so rewarding. We had him for several years longer than we’d expected and he was so grateful and easy going. Getting him insured was harder than it would have been if he was under none, but as it happened he didn’t need much vet care.

tectonicplates · 27/12/2021 20:52

Do it!!! That cat deserves a comfortable retirement 💖

ThreeLittleDots · 27/12/2021 21:02

You will need to keep him in for 4-6 weeks and expect him to be stressed by strange cats in the garden. Consider cat-proof fencing or having him as a house cat. Also make sure he is insured.

MediumDwarf · 27/12/2021 21:12

Here you go, I found this invaluable.
Their general advice for settlement was great, my boy was a super timid cat though so we took it super slow. Happy boy now though so they were right!

www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-care-advice/introducing-your-cat-outside

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