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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Adopting a 7 year old

100 replies

jamesdeandaydream · 26/12/2015 15:28

I took dd (1yo) to a cat shelter on Christmas Eve with full intentions of reserving a 3 year old boy I'd seen the previous day. When we introduced him to dd he just wasn't too keen on being around her so we had a look around and came across a beautiful black and white 7 year old girl who warmed to us both straight away. Dd instantly gave her a kiss on the mouth (her new habit that I'm trying to stop) and also hugged her and the cat was purring and enjoying every second. She was so loving and gorgeous. The age factor put me off but I can't not take her after seeing how good she was with dd.

Any tips on adopting an older cat? Am I doing the right thing? I'm so excited but a bit clueless at the same time - she'll be my first cat!

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 26/12/2015 15:35

Seniorboy was close on 14 when he came to live with me! These days, 7 is barely - barely - middle aged. There are some things you might have to keep an eye out for - deteriorating teeth and joints for an example - but Heck. Even with a young cat, you have no idea what the next week will bring. ( And I'm talking about looking out for things in a couple of years time and not tomorrow. )

Check out the insurance position if you're likely to want it but otherwise? 7 is nothing.

Vinorosso74 · 26/12/2015 15:53

Our B&W girl was 6 when we adopted her. It's only been this year that she's had any "ills"; she's now 13. Her and my DD who is almost 6 get on fine and always have done. If ever puss wants some peace she takes herself off for a snooze.
Sounds like that cat has chosen you! If she was happy with your DD I'm sure she'll be even better at home.
Re. pet insurance I think you can take out lifetime cover as long as they're under 10.

YeOldeTrout · 26/12/2015 16:55

7yo is plenty young :).
Surprised the shelter would let you adopt a cat with a 1yo in the house. They are normally very (too imho) strict about no children.

YeOldeTrout · 26/12/2015 16:57

ps: re age... I don't bother about insurance but you want to consider if it's a product for you. My 11yo cat never costs us anything for medical but 3yo cat had an injury that cost £500. Age wasn't relevant.

timtam23 · 26/12/2015 17:31

7 is young these days. My 2 previous cats both lived to 18 and really only gave us any long term worries with their health from age 16 onwards. If she gets on well with your DD I would say go for it!

Original poster

jamesdeandaydream · 26/12/2015 17:42

What's the reason for being reluctant to place a cat with a 1 year old? Should I be worried?

OP posts:

YeOldeTrout · 26/12/2015 19:28

I guess they are often afraid your 1yo would torment the cat, and cat may already have been thru an ordeal or might be intolerant of kids so might scratch & then you might just reject cat after all.... We were allowed 2 kittens when my youngest was just a month short of 4yo, I was made to feel that was a big exception for the rescue to allow.

Of course you could get a cat (animal) in a million other ways and nobody will check who else is in your house. But when you get animals from rescues, they tend to be fussy.

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/12/2015 19:31

Mines 6, 7 in April if I restrain myself, and only just calming down.

coffeeisnectar · 26/12/2015 19:32

We took on my girl when she was 8 and she's adorable. So loving and sweet natured.

PolterGoose · 26/12/2015 19:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Scoopmuckdizzy · 26/12/2015 19:38

I adopted a. 10 year old and he's still sprightly at 16!

Original poster

jamesdeandaydream · 26/12/2015 20:37

Aww I'm even more excited now . I have a home check next week and then she should be all mine. Is there anything I can do to help her settle in well?

OP posts:

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/12/2015 21:20

If she's a confident cat she'll settle herself and let you know of any shortcomings in your arrangements.

BrokenGirl1 · 26/12/2015 21:20

Aw Agree with the others that 7 isn't old at all.
I adopted my Madame a few months ago, who was then 8. She still plays and runs around, but is generally laid-back. It's a good age imo.
Do watch your 1yo with her, especially while she's settling in, as even the sweetest cat can get fed up with cuddles or freak out if toddler accidentally hurts them. But sure you'll be fine. You have been adopted

Original poster

jamesdeandaydream · 26/12/2015 21:37

She definitely chose us I didn't even see her when I went on my own the day before, I think she must have been hidden or asleep somewhere. I wish I could bring her home now! I'm hoping she'll snuggle up on the sofa with me when dd's gone to bed and keep me company

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 26/12/2015 22:24

I think that the oldest cat I've seen on a rescue page was a 19 year old Siamese gent whose owner had died. If I recall, he was only on the breed rescue page for a couple of days before finding a new home.

That should give you some perspective.

sashh · 27/12/2015 09:16

7 is not old, the oldest I fostered and was rehomed was 19. (Was rehomed with a lovely lady on her 90th birthday).

You and dd have been chosen, it is meant to be.

JennaRoss · 27/12/2015 09:20

IME older cats are better with younger children. Ours adopted us at 10 and was in good health right til the end at 17.

Sounds like 2016 is the year of the cat for you OP

Original poster

jamesdeandaydream · 27/12/2015 14:51

I think so too. I've ordered a couple of books from amazon to do some research so I can make her as happy as possible!

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 27/12/2015 14:54

Let us know how the home check goes then.

JimmyGreavesMoustache · 27/12/2015 15:01

our last cat was 11 when she came to us
she was very relaxed, and slept a lot, but had plenty of personality.

our present cat is now 9, and she's definitely not old yet - she's been haring around like a kitten all day.

Penfold007 · 27/12/2015 15:14

We were adopted by a six year old tortie girl. She's been with us two years now and I think she has us all doing her bidding. Giving an older cat a second chance has been fine for our family.

FizzyBanger · 27/12/2015 17:31

Agree with everyone else that 7 is not old for a cat. Fizzycat was 15 when he joined us from rescue a few months ago and he is fabulous!

Original poster

jamesdeandaydream · 28/12/2015 02:42

I will update after the home check

I'm probably pushing my luck buy it would be great if I could pick her up this week!

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 28/12/2015 07:27

I think you might - but who knows. Try to keep your thinking low-key. It would be the norm, rather than otherwise, for a rescue to not OK a home with such a young DD, I think. (Although what they would make, officially, of someone who acquires a cat and then has a baby I don 't know. There must be so many of those situations on MN.)

Much depends on the cat, The girl you have in mind sounds very laid back - almost bullet-proof in fact with regard to little ones - so it might be that having shown her bond, they could OK you for her even if not in general terms. Fingers crossed for you anyway.

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