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Taking on a 16 year old cat.

37 replies

Cally62 · 19/05/2025 19:43

After following @parsnippuree thread and not wanting to hijack her thread about the cats who's owner had died.

A new cat appeared in our garden last week. I fed it for 3 evenings as it appeared at 7pm each evening. On Friday evening I decided to bring it into my home. It was skinny and dirty and didn't object to me brining it in.

I took photos and put them out on every community fb page. No one came forward. A lady offered to come over and scan her.

So Friday night the cat was more than happy to sit on a cushion in my window, 2am she had snuggled on the sofa.

I already have 2 indoor cats and was expecting mayhem overnight. Everything was calm.

Lady came and scanned the cat and she was chipped. She went away saying that she'd go away, find the owner and contact them.

Well, we had tickets to go and see Kylie on Saturday evening so we left around 3pm leaving all 3 cats at home.

Lady called after we had left home saying that she had contacted the owner and would return the cat back to them on Sunday.

Gizmo, the cat had settled in in just 2 days, walking about, coming to me for snuggles. It broke my heart to let her go.

Today I received a call from Gizmo's owner who has asked if we'd like to take her.

I said YES.

He's coming over to discuss this with us tomorrow.

I don't t know much atm but they have young children, didn't notice that their cat hadn't been home for a few days.

What else could I do....

We are more than happy for this adorable girl to come and live with us, at 16 I think she's lived the best part of her life, she will have a quite, loving home with us and as many snuggles as she wants.

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Youstolemygoddamnhouse · 20/05/2025 22:59

amybabysa · 20/05/2025 18:47

Good for you, but Gizmo’s owner does not necessarily sound like a good person.

Make sure if he has it, he transfers his pet insurance to you. Looking after an elderly pet is so rewarding (I do it) but can be incredibly expensive in terms of possible health issues, medication. Our senior dogs old owners didn’t tell his a jot about his health issues, we had to find out for ourselves and he wasn’t insured.

Only keep if you can afford to

Cute

SleepingisanArt · 20/05/2025 23:38

We took on a 12 year old cat who lived until they were 24! Don't believe anyone who says 16 is an old cat 😂

Cally62 · 21/05/2025 16:07

One hour until she’s here…

Is there anything I should ask her family.

Details of any insurance.
Id chip number.
Vet details.

Already asked about food & litter.

Apparently she only drinks from a stream in her garden.
How do I get her to drink tap water or do I buy spring water 😁

I’ m overthinking it aren’t I. 🤣🤣🤣

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CatChant · 21/05/2025 16:19

Lovely, lucky Gizmo.

Vaccination history and certificates if she has them.

I’d try putting out a bowl of tap water for her and see how it goes. Maybe she’d like a water fountain.

Your other two are gorgeous too.

Cally62 · 21/05/2025 19:13

She’s here and exploring 😺

Taking on a 16 year old cat.
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CharlotteStreetW1 · 21/05/2025 19:19

😻

What a lovely tale. Or tail.

We took in a 16 year old cat. She was teeny and looked like a kitten until her dying day at 23.

Cally62 · 21/05/2025 19:33

CharlotteStreetW1 · 21/05/2025 19:19

😻

What a lovely tale. Or tail.

We took in a 16 year old cat. She was teeny and looked like a kitten until her dying day at 23.

Oh gosh. 23 that’s a good age.

😻

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Toddlerteaplease · 22/05/2025 10:26

Where did your DD get the wrapping paper from?

Cally62 · 22/05/2025 19:25

@Toddlerteaplease

Funky Pigeon 😁

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Motnight · 22/05/2025 19:29

Lucky Gizmo, Op. Our boy cat is 16 and living his best life! He definitely appreciates cuddles and company.

Yiayoula · 22/05/2025 19:45

Aaaah, love how you were so excited and counting down the time until her arrival ❤️
She was certainly worth waiting for .
Enjoy your forever home, Gizmo !

Cally62 · 22/05/2025 20:43

First real night in her new home, she obviously explored the house overnight as there was no fresh food left anywhere and she certainly made the most of the dried food we have around the house.

She used her litter tray and did an enormous poo and huge wee. Was expecting little accidents everywhere. Phew.

She slept most of the day.

My dd came over and gave her a few head strokes.

She’s just keeping herself curled up in a corner atm but has popped her head out for a look around and food.

My other 2 cats are really quite chilled which is another win.

Have a feeling that Gizmo will fit right in.

Can’t believe we now officially have 3 cats.

Have messaged her previous owners to let them know that she’s ok.

They’ll be popping over occasionally to see her😁

Taking on a 16 year old cat.
Taking on a 16 year old cat.
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