Please don't forget the older cats.

[Toddlerteaplease]

It's lovely seeing all the pictures of kittens. But please don't forget the older cats in rescues who can spend a long time being overlooked because of kittens. They have just as much to give. And you know what kind of personality you are getting.

This is AwkwardCat. She was about two when we got her from the rescue, so not old, but not a kitten. She was very reserved but I fell for her. It didn’t take her long to settle in with us but it did take ages before she really relaxed. She’s about eight now, still not very cuddly but she is such a lovely, funny, well-mannered, expressive little creature. I love her.

My lovely boy who we adopted last year aged 5. He's a house cat who loves his walks on his harness.

I couldn't agree more, OP. So many beautiful cats with so much love to give.

I had the intention of adopting elderly cats when I got mine, party because their character is well established so you know what you are getting, and also because I know they are the hardest to rehome. However I ended up with a pair of 2 year olds.

In my defence, they had been in the rescue for a whole YEAR being overlooked because of their shyness. They hid in the little house in their pen the entire time I was there, but unlike other ex-ferals at the rescue when I reached in to stroke them there was no hissing, growling or claws. At the second try, I got a tiny, elegant black paw placed gently on my hand & that was it, I floated back to the office and asked for the adoption papers for them immediately.

There was no question that I was gong to get adults though. Kittens are very cute, very demanding and very destructive, and they only remain kittens for a short time compared to their lifetime. And there is no way you can tell their character at that age.

allergic

Plenty of cats are overlooked because they don’t show themselves well in the rescue centre. I think it’s lovely you’ve adopted some shy cats, as often people don’t feel they can put in the time to bring them out of themselves.

One of my adopted cats lived on the top of the wardrobe for a month before he trusted us enough to come down. He is the most affectionate lap cat now he knows he is safe though.

Rhonda I've had them over 2 years now, and they are still very shy with anyone except me. Neither likes being picked up still, though Boycat will have cuddles & tickles laid beside me in bed or on the sofa, and Girlcat graciously allows me to pet her head and tummy if she's in the right mood. Took them days before they emerged from behind the sofa, and they still hide there or ijn the wardrobe if there's anyone else in the house.

We adopted two 'feral, couldn't be chipped, needed to live in a barn' adult cats.
I don't have a photo, but one likes to kangaroo with a paw on each shoulder and lick noses. She loves our neighbour's toddler so much she has been known to bring her a mouse for extra snack. (Fortunately our neighbour is both quick on the draw at exchanging snacks and fond of cats )

The other isn't quite so in-your-face, but she still likes to sit on laps and get underfoot keep me company while I'm working.

So happy to see everyone’s lovely “mature” kitties! 😍😍

My 'mature' kittens were 7 and I think 9 when we became their slaves. One was neglected by a neighbour, and thought we were a better bet (he's still here 8 years on at 15), and the other was abandoned and taken in by the cattery. I thouhgt he was 7 when we got him, but the current vet reckons he's older, so he is now 13/14 as opposed to the 12 we thought. Wouldn't be without them.

Kittens are hard work!

With an adult you get a fair idea of the temperament.

Black or black and white cats so often get overlooked, some of my most affectionate cats have been pig-ugly b&w 2 year olds, one had been overlooked for a year .

I think that the best approach is to go with no preconceived ideas and see which one just feels right.

Adopted Ebony aged approx 4 in February but I looked at cats of all ages as my last cat sadly died aged 11 & seemed young still.

Lovely thread OP

Am LOVING all your older cat stories 😻

Sox was around 5-6 when we got her last year - the rescue didn't know for certain due to the circumstances they found her in, that was the vet's estimate. DH and I wanted an older cat as she's our first pet together and my first cat.

We were told she was super timid, easily spooked and would take a while to trust us. She was on our laps demanding cuddles within hours of bringing her home!

Wouldn't change her for the world. If we thought she would tolerate a cat-sibling I'd love to rescue an older black cat as they are so often overlooked too

We adopted a cat from CPL last year. He is smashing. I did say I would have happily it takem any of their little old ladies, but apparently my house of children and dogs and many visitors was too busy for them! So we got this lovely chap instead. He is 8, so no spring chicken himself

Ploppy, he's a fine specimen, indeed. What's he holding on to?

I know! I can’t believe someone gave him up! He is holding onto his tail 😁 he also has the most glorious hairy sprouts in between his toes which are so long they curl! Lush.

He is so well trained, perfect toilet and hygiene. Very polite and loves cuddles. Tolerant and kind to children, fronts the dog if he gets too much. Just amazing. So much easier than a kitten. We are v lucky to have him.

Ploppy, he is truly lovely

My old boy had those hairy bits between his toes. I used to try and trim them when he wasn't looking

Thank you, we do ❤️ Him

Lovely CantCat was 2ish so not exactly elderly but not a kitten. He was at the shelter for 9 months :( possibly because he can be a bit, erm, bitey... not that you'd know if my looking at his little angel face

All of them are lovely!!