Should I Adopt a Senior Cat?

On this episode of the Furbaby Question of the Day Stephanie talks about how awesome senior cats are and why you should adopt one now!

Should I Adopt a Senior Cat? I hear this question a lot asking if someone should adopt a senior baby rather than a young cat or a kitten. Today I am going to share with you the reasons why you should consider adopting a senior cat!

Now first, what constitutes a senior cat in age? I went back to the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and they said that the term “senior” can be described as an aging pet, but the number of years considered to be “senior” varies. Other identifiers like species, breed, and the state of their organs can also help determine if a cat has reached old age. Now, the International Veterinary Senior Care Society says a cat is considered a senior when they reach 7 to 10 years old! So that surprised me, but it also made me think. A lot goes into our cat’s health and just like humans, what we eat and consume affects every cell in our bodies. The takeaway here is that you can adopt a “senior” cat and have MANY years or even a decade left to spend with them! So, what does that give us? Well, a huge gift. Senior cats are impressive. Here are some great reasons why you should go out and adopt one right now, or two!

One, senior cats are already housetrained so they understand how to use a litter box and are acclimated to feeding routines and the proper bowls and accessories for this. The only time you may run into an issue outside of the box is if your cat legitimately has a medical issue like a urinary infection, or something behavioral. Both, medical and behavioral can be readily checked out and worked through. So don’t let that deter you. These babies know what they’re doing, they’ll be just fine in your home.

Two, an older cat has already gone through kittenhood, so this means they are usually calmer or more laid back. Sure, they will still get the zoomies and it is so fun to watch them spaz out for a minute or two, but generally speaking they are calmer. They also know the routines of car trips or vet visits and usually manage these things well. They are great to travel with actually!

Three, you also know what their temperament is like by this point. Kittens Grow into their personalities and it takes some time to see just who they really are or who they end up being. So, all those points about taking the best care of your kittens and bringing them up with love comes into play here. With a senior cat you know what they really love to do, and what they need to feel secure and happy. Plus, they communicate well.

Four, Senior cats may be more affectionate. Now I know a lot of families love to have what we call the lappers: a cat that loves to snuggle and curl up on your lap. I agree, few things are better in a day than an hour spent with these purring, amazing souls curled up on you. It is love and comfort. With an older cat they are often happy spending this time with you in touch and affection.

Five, your older cat can self-entertain a bit longer than your kitten can. I know that when I head out to work or run errands, I know my older girls will spend the day watching bird tv out the window or watching a video and napping. My kittens will