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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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MissCruellaDeVil · 27/12/2021 21:29

You should absolutely give this poor car a chance, he will most likely die if grief in a cattery, older animals don't cope well with change. I'd do it in a heartbeat.

FangsForTheMemory · 27/12/2021 21:32

I would try to keep him in for about 3 weeks. That said, all of my cats have managed to get out on the sixth day, and they came back home again. When you let him out, make sure it's before a mealtime and leave the back door open so he can smell his way home.

Tickledtrout · 27/12/2021 21:36

If he's used to being outside you'll really struggle to keep him in for more than a week or so. In the first few weeks let him go out before feeding him.
He sounds lovely

RIftw · 27/12/2021 21:39

Do it. I adopted a 15 year old gentleman. He died at 21 after a very happy 6 years together. He was affectionate and gentle, absolutely perfect.

Honeygoldcaramel · 27/12/2021 21:39

I adopted this cat when he was 11. Best cat ever.

YANBU, op Xmas Smile

To adopt a 15yr old cat?
Original poster
BabySquidy · 27/12/2021 21:42

Can you change an old cats name?

OP posts:
TicTac80 · 27/12/2021 21:44

Awww, he sounds perfect. Defo, make sure you get insurance for him, also check he's been neutered and microchipped (And transfer the contact details etc for microchip). Like others have said, he'd need to stay in to get used to new home/new family before being let out. We will need pics of him, because cats are awesome :D

RIftw · 27/12/2021 21:44

When I adopted mine, they said to either keep his name or change it to something which sounds very similar/rhymes. Is that possible?

Original poster
BabySquidy · 28/12/2021 11:07

I am going to see him this afternoon with the hope to bring him home.

OP posts:
Beamur · 28/12/2021 19:03

Well?

Original poster
BabySquidy · 28/12/2021 19:05

Well he is home with us snuggled on my belly

To adopt a 15yr old cat?
To adopt a 15yr old cat?
OP posts:
Beamur · 28/12/2021 19:07

Ah. Sweet. What very fine whiskers!

CatDogAlpaca · 28/12/2021 19:07

I've just taken in a 17 year old whose owners care home closed down and she had to move. Couldn't take the cat with her. They were going to pts the poor thing, so I brought him home with me!

CatDogAlpaca · 28/12/2021 19:08

He's beautiful OP

EmmaC78 · 28/12/2021 19:10

I adopted a 17 year old Siamese in April. It was a great decision. He has been the perfect companion. Best of luck with your new addition.

HamSandwichKiller · 28/12/2021 19:10

He's lush. I bet he'll settle in really quickly

eurochick · 28/12/2021 19:13

What a gorgeous boy. I hope he has a lovely retirement with you.

DogsandCatsB4u · 28/12/2021 23:39

Lovely thing to do. Yes you need to keep him in for a while and when you do let him out put butter on his paws. This is an old wives tale but I done it with all my cats even one keeping in for a few days and they came back

LittleRoundRobin · 28/12/2021 23:41

A kind gesture, but be prepared for loads of vet bills quite soon.

When cats get past 14/15 they sometimes start to get lots of ailments. So make sure you have a few thousand £££ for vet bills, coz you sure as hell won't get anyone to insure him.

LittleRoundRobin · 28/12/2021 23:43

Oooops, I see you have him already. Yes he is gorgeous. Good luck!

HemanOrSheRa · 28/12/2021 23:54

Ohhhhhhhhh. He is just gorgeous Smile. He must feel very safe and comfy to sit and cuddle Smile.

We rescued an older dog a few years ago. We don't know how old she is (I reckon about 9, terrible teeth say much older), she is an ex street dog but was clearly a family pet at some point. She is wonky, was underweight, terrible fur, stank to high heaven, her nose had been burnt and teeth kicked out. She is my absolute QUEEN. My soul dog, I adore her Smile.

Twinkle1989 · 28/12/2021 23:58

What a beautiful puss!

Please keep him in for at least 4-6 weeks. He needs to get to know his new home, and new mama (experienced rescue here!)

powershowerforanhour · 28/12/2021 23:59

Beautiful cat. Don't worry too much if you don't have thousands to spare. Like, if his kidneys start to go and you have the dosh to throw at a full workup including abdo scan, haematology/biochemistry/electrolytes/SDMA/UPCR/blood pressure measurement every few months and the kidney food and phosphate binders etc etc - and you really want to spend it- then cool. It'll probably extend his life a bit, and make him happier for longer. But if you don't, then don't feel bad about it, talk to your vet about how to guesstimate the way to get the most cat-happiness bang for the bucks available, and go with the flow. (Just don't start handwringing and self flagellating, or vet-flagellating, in the consult room about the cost of champagne vet med if you've only got beer money, or if you've got a cat that hates the champagne).

Not really talking about you specifically but just ownership of the potentially medically fragile in general. Anyway, well done, he's gorgeous, long life and happiness to him 👍

ALongHardWinter · 29/12/2021 00:00

Aw I'm so pleased you've got him,OP. He is gorgeous. ♥️♥️♥️

saltinesandcoffeecups · 29/12/2021 00:06

Oh..oh..oh… raises hand from the back

We did this back in July, saw his picture on the adoption website while we were looking for a kitten* and adopted a 14.9 (that’s what they told us) cat.

Best decision we could have made. He’s fit right in with our other 2 adult cats as well as became nanny to eventual kitten*

We knew what we were getting into (having put a cat and dog to sleep just months prior) but made the decision that his last years would be the best years we could offer. He was an only cat to a lone senior man who passed. He blended into the household super quick.

It’s corny, but we’ll toast his former owner with a ‘We got him’ every now and again.

To adopt a 15yr old cat?