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Original poster

Adopting an older cat, have you?

51 replies

Footdrama · 10/01/2018 11:01

Hello,

I’m in the process of adopting a 10 or 11 year old female cat; through the Cat Protection Society.

We’ve given it much thought, but I’m just so excited to be finally getting a cat that I might be missing something. Also a few conversations I’ve had with a couple of friends has worried me a little.

The cat’s profile is perfect, likes fuss and lap cuddles, likes to play and be centre of attention. We have no other pets, a large enclosed back garden and my 3 Ds s’ are very sensible, caring and animal lovers.

However, what am I missing? A friend has said an older cat will be harder to insure and might not be around for years to come. But then that could happen with any cat? My children all agree it’ll be lovely to give an older, unwanted cat a loving home. What do you think? Any experiences/advice greatly appreciated. TIA

OP posts:
Maysong · 10/01/2018 22:54

Our Cat was eight when he joined us 2 years ago and is in good health. He settled very quickly into our home. Very calm and content and great company. . Hope goes well for you too

MultiGrey · 10/01/2018 23:06

Our previous cat was about 10 when she adopted us and she lived til 18ish we think.

She was living as a stray and just decided that we would be her slaves.

She was the loveliest cat ever and I still miss her to this day.

We have since adopted two more older cats. They were aloof/hostile in the sanctuary and had been overlooked by everyone who had been in and were the longest residents. Within days of getting them they were like different cats, friendly, affectionate, demanding, playful and have rewarded us a million times over with their love.

RamblinRosie · 11/01/2018 00:06

I adopted my Muffin three years ago, aged about 12, he's gorgeous! Brilliant with my nervy little female, and tolerant of Sid the stray who moved in a year later. He's bomb-proof with visitors, even kids.

He'd been in the rescue for 2 years, older cats are so much harder to rehome, but you generally know what you are getting in terms of temperament, they generally don't get into fights and have learned car awareness.

You may get vets' bills for symptoms of old age, but not those caused by the daftness of young cats, that said, Muffin hasn't cost me anything but the standard jabs and flea treatment.

Go for it!

greenlids · 11/01/2018 00:16

We got one aged 5, and she was with us for 10 years (died suddenly), the current one was 12 when we adopted her and she's been here 3 years now - and is sitting purring beside me on the arm of my chair as I write.

Given the choice, I'd rather adopt an older cat and give them a good life in their middle and old age. It's really sad that they can spend so long in rescue shelters because nobody wants them - all they want is a comfy spot to sleep, some grub and some human affection (on their terms of course!!).

EyeSaidTheFly · 11/01/2018 09:52

Posting again because I don't want anyone to be put off because of the health scares reported above.

Any animal, no matter what age, carries health risks. IMO if you can't afford this risk then you shouldn't get an animal. Kittens also may develop conditions as they get older, these things are just impossible to predict and not necessarily determined by whether a cat is rescued or not. The exception to this is if the animal was specifically abandoned because of a health condition.

I insured my puss on Pet plan. They will insure if the cat's less than 8 years. But for most of her time she was uninsured and a very cheap little thing as she was such a healthy and hardy girl.

If you are thinking of adopting a cat, please do not be put off by health concerns. Winning the trust of an animal which has been abandoned is one of the most satisfying things you'll ever do.

Original poster
Footdrama · 19/01/2018 13:07

Update

We are picking her up in the morning. My dc are beyond happy.

This is a pic from her profile. Smile

Adopting an older cat, have you?
OP posts:
Original poster
Footdrama · 19/01/2018 13:17

I see a potential problem though; she was fostered along with 2 other cats, which came from the same owner (really sad that she had to give them up as her new landlord wouldn’t accept pets.) Seems wrong that my family are all so happy due to someone’s heartbreak.

The young male has been rehomed ages ago, but the other female nobody is interested in, not one enquiry (they think due to age and colour) - how can I take one and say bye to the other....

OP posts:
Want2beme · 19/01/2018 13:48

She has the loveliest face. Hope you all have fun with her. Hope someone comes along soon for her friend.

user1471458525 · 19/01/2018 14:00

Awww, is there no way you can't take both? 😒

MultiGrey · 19/01/2018 14:01

Take them both
Take them both
Take them both

Original poster
Footdrama · 19/01/2018 14:07

Not sure if dh would agree, but you never know - I’ll have to see what he thinks.....

OP posts:
Original poster
Footdrama · 19/01/2018 14:11

We did look at both to start with but went with our choice as the description sounded like she’d fit right in. Where the other cat is a little bit nervous and unsure of children.

OP posts:
iggleypiggly · 19/01/2018 14:20

Go with both... go on!! Awww you are so kind. I’ve always had kittens but next time will re home an older cat. There are no guarantees even with young cats. Older cats are amazing, cats can live until 20+ please let us know how you get on Smile

user1471458525 · 19/01/2018 14:28

Just think of her little cutie sad face when her sister leaves without her 😿

iggleypiggly · 19/01/2018 14:53

Yes user... she will love to have her sister... really no difference between having 1 or 2 Halo

QueenOfAccidentalDeathStares · 19/01/2018 14:53

take them both
take them both
take them both

freshstart24 · 19/01/2018 15:07

IMO a cat which is nervous and unsure of kids is very different to a dog with the same description. The cat is likely to choose to not to get too close to kids, but won't attack or hurt them provided it is not picked up or grabbed. A nervous cat can still make a wonderful pet.

Nervous cats are not aggressive cats, so if you do have room for both I'd suggest that you try to take them together. Just explain to the kids to leave her be, and let any contact be on her terms.....

I adopted two cats aged 4. One friendly, one nervous. They both lived to 18. They were very different but adored each other. The nervous one was very affectionate once she got to know me. She didn't like children because they can be unpredictable and shout- but she just avoided them, never showed any aggression whatsoever. She got to know DS and they had many happy times together quietly curled up with a book.

Good luck!

SanFranBear · 19/01/2018 16:57

Take them both
Take them both
Take them both

Grin
Rudgie47 · 19/01/2018 17:11

Take them both OP.
I've had cats live till 17x2, 15 and they havent cost me a lot at all.
One 15 year old had hypothyroidism and we got tablets off the internet for £16.00 per month. Otherwize it would have been £45.00.
One 17 year old passed from kidney problems and one just had to be PTS because she could no longer wee.None of this costed much at all.
Only recently have I insured my cats and I've used Argos insurance and Petplan. Dont let age put you off. You could get a young cat that developed loads of health problems. Its luck I think and if you look after them well they should be o.k.

iggleypiggly · 20/01/2018 23:39

How is your new addition/s? Smile

Toddlerteaplease · 21/01/2018 06:20

Definitely take both. As PP's have said. Two is no extra work. My two both share bowls and litter trays. (Won't have separate) Honestly it's wonderful having two!
Take them both
Take them both
Take them both

Inchyragirl · 22/01/2018 16:22

It’s lovely that you’re thinking of giving a home to an oldie (I can’t bear the thought of seniors lingering unwanted in the rehoming cattery), but consider that you may not be able to get comprehensive insurance on an older cat; please don’t underestimate how much you can spend, month in, month out, on an animal diagnosed some kind of chronic condition.
A cat with kidney disease or a thyroid imbalance (both really common in older cats and relatively cheap and easy to treat) will need daily, lifelong medication, probably around £2-3 / a day, including the regular monitoring blood tests that are an essential component of the treatment, plus, quite possibly, special prescription-only food. You could easily be looking at £25-30/week just to feed and treat.
A cat with diabetes - very treatable in many cases - might require twice daily injections and cost considerably more.
What about holidays? Could you ask a neighbour or family member to medicate or inject your cat? Or would you need to employ a professional cat sitter or cattery which could be £10-20 / night depending on where you live?
Pet ownership is NOT a cheap hobby these days so just think ahead and consider these possible costs which could be not far around the corner.

Original poster
Footdrama · 22/01/2018 22:15

Hello, sorry for not updating sooner, but I’ve had a terrible head and ear ache for the last 2 days.

We collected her Saturday morning, we didn’t get both, as they will only consider children of secondary age. I would have had both so easily.

Missy cat has settled in so beautifully. Her first day went well but she did spend a lot of time behind the sofa. However yesterday and today she has been by my side non stop. And on my lap. Eating well, playing like a kitten and is so well behaved. Like a little dream.

I have some insurance quotes but want to check them out fully. We will make sure she receives any care that she needs.

Adopting an older cat, have you?
OP posts:
LavenderDoll · 22/01/2018 22:29

Oh what a beauty. Older cats are fabulous. Sounds like is settling in well

HardAsSnails · 23/01/2018 07:13

She's lovely Smile