1. You are elderly yourself.
This is probably the number one reason I suggest that someone adopt an older cat. Many times you will see an
elderly person go ahead and adopt a kitten, only to become unable to care for the cat or pass on before their
kitty does. This leaves the cat with a number of likely traumas. First, their beloved owner who rescued them
and loved them is gone. Second, few families want to take on the burden of an extra animal and will shelter
them so these kitties are put into shelters. Third, elderly cats are the least likely to be adopted and the
most like to be euthanized in shelters with over population problems.
If you are elderly, consider how wonderful it would be to provide an older cat with a
loving home in its final years. Ask yourself: If this were me, wouldn't I want someone to take me home
and give me a place to be loved when I passed on?
2. Older Cats are Euthanized First
And older cats doesn't always mean the senior catizens either. Older cats are considered to be anything over
ONE YEAR! This means that the kittens born this time last summer are now older cats. In shelters that cannot
afford a "no kill" policy, these cats are first up on the chopping block simply because they are less likely to
be adopted out.
3. Older Cats tend to be Spayed/Neutered and Vaccinated
And what savings on vet bills right off the bat! Yes, you may have other expenses, especially if you
decide to be really brave and adopt a special needs cat, but those expenses and hassles are often well out of
the way. Much of the medical testing such as FeLV and FIV will have already been done as well. And, if your cat
belonged to a senior citizen that has been put in a home or passed on, chances are that the records have been
very well kept and may even have been turned over to the humane society or shelter. If not, they may still know
which veterinarian your cat visited previously.
4. Need a Declawed Kitty?
You stand a better chance of getting a cat that has already been declawed if you choose to go for one that's a
little bit older. Sure, they're used and they might be a little fussy with you at first, but they'll warm up to
you and will be so thankful that you've provided them with a home where they don't have to be afraid that the
other cats WITH claws will harm them.
5. Partners?
Think of all the old people in a retirement home having fun together. Don't you think your cat might enjoy that
too? Why go out and get a kitten when one older cat dies. Consider, instead, getting them another cat of the
same age. It will be less stressful for your current senior catizen, and you will be providing both with a
happy partner to spend their final years with. It helps to ease the sorrow of your current cat while providing
your shelter kitty with a home.
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