Adopting a pair of senior cats

[Tirednortherner]

Hello

I’ve lots of experience with rescue cats, grew up with them, briefly fostered then adopted the ones I fostered. When my last cat died it was a busy time in my life so haven’t had one in a year. A cat shaped hole in my life.

I’ve never had kittens, all cats been 1-5 at age of adoption and with the exception of my family cat who is still alive (12 and lives with parents) I don’t have experience of very elderly cats. My rescues died at 6, 10 + 11 - all had health issues from prior homes.

My local rescue seems to really struggle rehoming pairs of cats and cats aged 14+. I’ve always wanted to adopt senior cats/been in the rescue a long time but wanted to be in the know of potential issues beforehand.

I’m used to having cats with limited insurance cover, timid cats who take a while to warm up etc .

I have an enclosed garden and will get a flap.

I have made initial enquiries and stated I’m interested in adopting a pair of senior cats.

Any advice appreciated

thanks x

I should’ve stated only two of my cats overlapped living with me and had a mutual apathy for each other.

My old boy was roughly 7 when I got him (he was actually feral, had never lived in a house before). He may have been older than that. I'd say go for it, accept that as older cats, they're likely to end up having health problems later - my boy hasn't, although he's now about 18, had an eye out a year ago because another cat scratched him. He's deaf and hasn't got any fangs left.

Thanks for your reply, the centre said they have a few pairs of senior cats / solo senior cats who’ve been in for months so are going to assess me as a match for them

Well done you. I'd love to just adopt senior cats. Maybe in the future! The current occupants would not be happy!

It's a lovely thing to do but a big commitment to look after a really geriatric animal. Litter tray accidents and other odd behaviour, emergency vet visits and extreme clingyness are a huge drain on your time and life.

It’s very hard when you have to have one put down just as they’ve settled with you - actually it’s harder if one has to be put down even before they’ve settled, because the remaining one will be especially distressed (or withdrawn).

I have adopted several elderly cats over many years but only one at a time, and with other calm and confident younger cats (and dog) already here.

I rehomed an 11 year old (is that elderly or just late middle age?) calico girl from Battersea 4 months ago, I was specifically looking for an older cat and I have to say she is the easiest, most chilled cat I’ve ever known! Who knows what her future holds but I don’t regret my decision for a minute and would happily do it again in the future. My mum has two girls aged 12 and 14 who are just a joy and so easy. Photo of my little lady attached!

My last cat lived until he was 19. Never had any problems with him. He just slept a lot more when he got older and stopped going out as much. Had to have him pts in the end due to kidney failure.

We never had insurance for him and he never had any health issues until right at the very end. Probably a good idea to get insurance though.

We adopted a pair of cats aged 9 and 10. We were told that their previous guardian became ill and had to give them up. They are now 15 and 16. One of them is on meds. They don't go outside much anymore. I just think we have given them a nice retirement.

Seniors are my favourites, and when I was starting off being involved in cat rescue I had a house full of them. Many of them I adopted when they were in their late teens, early 20s. Many went on to live to be 25 or so. They tend to be the easiest to look after - sleep a lot, affectionate, chilled, not interested in wandering. Good luck with your adoption.

Thanks so much everyone.

I got matched to a pair of cats aged 14 and 17 but sadly one died, then the other was heartbroken and also died.

I've been matched to two 15 year old cats now and should be able to pick them up next week

We adopted 2 seniors, they are nearing mid teens now. One is on steriods/apoquel and has a heart murmer. The other is like a giant kitten.
My previous adopted senior developed tummy issues so there was probs with that (had to buy a litter tray she could just walk into).

I adopted an 8 year old cat along with a 1 year old 5 years ago so the old boy is now 13. I’ve always had insurance but yep his excess and the cost shot up after he was 10. Well worth it though, he’s on meds for hyperthyroidism and he’s got arthritis in his back legs. Meds for arthritis didn’t work well with thyroid meds (he’d throw up a lot) but I’ve just started him on Solensia injections to see if it helps. There’s a thread about them on here, sometimes a miracle cure, sometimes not. We’ll see.

Yes he’s clingy and there are a fair few accidents as he doesn’t really go outside anymore and won’t use his litter box if anyone else is around (small house, bit of an issue) But I love him and he’s got a good retirement with me, & I’m so happy to provide that (abandoned by previous owners who moved house and left him behind, the utter wankers; and the shelter was really sad, lots of cats just outside in pens). He’s sweet, affectionate (licky), & spends his days lounging on the bed. The shelter assured me him and young girl cat were “friends”. They were not.

She gets playful and then bullying to him sometimes & he either takes it pathetically or sometimes smacks her round the head. But they both sleep near each other on the bed & sometimes she deigns to be licked like a kitten by him. He’s doing well really and I reckon he’s got a lot of life in him.

Never had a senior cat before — my last two fluffers had health problems. One died tragically young & my beloved ginger girl floof of kidney disease/cancer at 10. So it’s a little challenging but very rewarding. I’d say go for it.

That's really kind of you OP. I adopted a 17 year old from a rescue last year, sadly he died a few months ago but I was so happy to have had him even for that short time.