Please share your experience of adopting 10+ year old cat

[Kenwouldmixitup]

Hesitant but the idea of an older cat really appeals. Concerned of potential large vet bills at a time of rocketing cost of living.

I adopted 2 who were almost 9. One had heart disease so couldn't be insured ( and died unexpectedly 3 months later). I had no problems insuring the other and she's been healthy so far ( now aged 13).

I had a failed adoption with a 9 year old cat. I had told the rehoming charity that I could not deal with litter box issues/inappropriate soiling but the cat would wee everywhere and I sent him back to them.

So just be aware that any behaviour issues are hard to correct at that advanced age. That did put me off and I got a kitten instead.

You've got to really be a hardcore cat lover to consider this but it would be lovely to look after an old cat, despite the challenges
My friend who passed away recently had an old cat that she loved and I hope they find a lovely home for him to live his final years in, he must be so confused bless him
I assume most older cats who are homeless have been through trauma

Ouch but thank you for the reality check. At least I have a better idea of questions to ask.

@StarbucksSmarterSister and thank you for the positive.

I don't have experience of adopting an older cat but my cats are old now.
And I wouldn't hesitate to adopt an older cat in the future.
Yes sure there are the obvious downsides ie may be more likely to be poorly due to age and won't have them as long. But they're amazing. And they might be perfectly healthy and live for years still.
I would love an older cat

Re inappropriate toileting, this happened for a month. Usually poo in the bath! Then it just stopped. I was their 3rd owner, not counting them being sent back to the breeder for short periods inbetween so they were obviously not happy. The vet said it would stop once they felt safe, and it did and all has been well ever since.

I adopted an 11 year old this year and he's wonderful! He was in the rescue as his previous owner said he was attacking her but it's been 8 months and apart from a couple of times scratching earlier on he's now completely settled and happy

I inherited an elderly cat (approx 15+) and then adopted an 11yo cat and quite frankly, I find them far easier than the lunatic "feral" young cat I've recently been adopted by. The old guys just snooze, eat, occasionally present me with dead stuff. The young guy engages gremlin mode when the lights go out.

The only inappropriate toileting I've had is from the old girl who has CKD and had a UTI. Once the UTI was treated, although she urinates a lot, she's very fastidious about where she goes even though she spent half her life living in a barn.

None of mine are insured but I do have a "no heroics" clause (eg had teeth removed on oldest cat but wouldnt do a major complicated surgery) and a separate account for their vet bills.

@marniemae heartmelter

@StarbucksSmarterSister as is yours.

Again. Thank you for sharing your experience all. Really appreciated.

We adopted a healthy 13 year old cat. He was the most awesome unfazed cat ever. Of course as soon as we adopted him he needed major teeth removal. And then he developed hypothyroidism, a heart murmur and a mystery ailment, where he pulled half of his fur out, that the vets never got to the bottom of.

Quite honestly he looked like he'd lived on the streets for his whole life and I had to put FB posts up to tell locals that he wasn't a stray and there was no need to "rescue" him 🤣

He died at 16, his body finally gave up on him but he had the most wonderful twilight years with us, roaming in fields, mousing and sleeping. I'd do it all again.

Adopted a cat of uncertain vintage, maybe 9-10 yrs old. He was a grumpy sod so we love-bombed him for years. Didn't go far from house so we didn't bother with annual jabs for him. After about 5 years he lost weight which we had investigated (£150 all together, including several steroid prescriptions): his weight loss stopped. And then 2 years later he declined and lost appetite for no specific reason and we had him put down (£80). Vet was satisfied that was in his best interests at age 16/17. No big expenses.

We inherited a 15 year old. The first 6 months were hell and if we hadn't had the emotional attachment then I think it would have been a one way trip to the vets. Spent a fortune on Feliway and happy pills. Luckily the vet ruled out anything medical early doors so no large vets bills on top. Two years on she's settled into a routine that suits her - if not us. I'm glad we've given her a happy retirement.

Why was it hell?

She'd been neglected for a few months so was flea ridden, skinny and exceedingly anxious with bleeding bald patches from nervous over grooming. There was a lot of vomiting and incontinence. She seemed really unhappy and unhealthy even if the vet had ruled out anything big.

My last cat was nearly 9 when we adopted him, he was an absolute dream of a cat. I would have no hesitation at all taking on a cat around 10yo ish. I currently have a young hooligan and realise how I never worried about my old boy, he was just so damn sensible and easy (current girl is utterly adorable but completely different!).

Thanks. I particularly appreciate reading about instances where it has been a challenge. Strangely, I feel less hesitant. Information is power.

My intention would be to rehome from an animal rescue so the cat would be vet checked and some honest understanding of the cat’s behaviour and habits.

If you fancy sharing a photograph, this would be guaranteed to push me into the ‘yes’ camp. 😎

We adopted our cat when she was 9 in Jan 2020. No health problems at the time so was £18 insurance a month. Since then shes had various kidney infections and is on long term medication for hyperthyroidism. Thank god for insurance as we wouldn't have been able to afford the treatment otherwise. I definitely don't regret it though as she's such a lovely sweet natured little thing. If you can get reasonably priced pet insurance I'd go for it.

My friend at work adopted his mother in laws 17 year old cat who is currently living his best life and my friend is besotted !
No health problems but living out his twilight years in peace

This is/was my old boy ❤️

This is our sweet Cubby. She's 11 now

We adopted a (we think) 9 year old, he's approx 11 or 12 now.

We are his 4th or 5th home.

He is the smartest, most affectionate cat.

He literally kept us sane during lockdown.

Zero health problems.

Our previous cat lived to 18, so he's really only middle aged.

We LOVE him.

I adopted 2 10-year-old sisters who had been at the RSPCA for several months. They were my first cats and i have never regretted it. They settled in very quickly, no issues with eating, litter tray etc. Sadly, one sister died at 16yrs, but the other is still going strong at 18. I wouldn't hesitate adopting an older cat(s) again