HOW OLD IS TOO OLD TO ADOPT A CAT?

Photo by Julia Zyablova on Unsplash

There are various reasons not to adopt a pet, but age shouldn’t be one of them.

I talk often about the advantages of adopting a senior cat. How they won’t climb your curtains or bite your toes. How they may be more prone to sitting curled quietly in your lap or next to you on the couch. In other words, how a senior cat has learned how to be a perfect companion. This time, I’m not referring to the cat’s age, but to our own. Should people who are getting on in age take on the responsibility of a kitten or cat?

If that’s what they want, of course they should!

I recently adopted a 7-month-old kitten. I am seventy-one. I hadn’t intended to choose a younger cat, preferring the old ones for the reasons listed above plus the fact they are often overlooked in shelters, but stuff happened. Little Clarence joined our family after we lost my sweet Jaimz and the surviving cat was lonely. I never gave my age a second thought when I signed the papers, but others did.

I received an unexpected reaction from more than one friend. Instead of the anticipated congratulations, they questioned why I wasn’t worried that Clarence would outlive me. I was taken aback. I did some quick math. Since cats are living up to and beyond their twenties, that would make me ninety-one. Suddenly I saw where my friends were coming from. What are the chances I will make it to that age, and if I do, will I still be able to clean the litter box? Will I still be able to remember poor kitty’s name?

Arg! That question really got to me. I had to work it out in a way that made sense. Reluctantly I found myself rethinking the commitment I’d taken on when I adopted this lovely, three-legged kitten. Were my friends right? Was I just plain too old to have a cat?

The idea of living without feline company felt heartbreaking, but the people who offered me this shocking conundrum had a point. Adoption is a responsibility, for now and for the rest of that cat’s life. What was I going to do to make sure Clarence would be cared for if I could no longer care for him myself?

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

Here is what I came up with:Make arrangements and put them in writing.

Making arrangements for my cats in the event of my death was something I’d already done, naming a pet guardian along with designating a bequest for care in my living trust. It is a family member with whom I sat down and discussed the matter, making sure they were willing and able to follow through with the promise.

*Remember, wills and trusts need to be updated every so often. If for some reason the potential guardian becomes unwilling or unable to fulfil the duty, I will need to revise my trust.

Consider your cats when making housing choices.

As it stands, my husband and I are happy in our big Victorian house, but there may come a time when the place becomes overwhelming. We may need to move into somewhere easier to maintain, or even into assisted living. It’s a good idea to look around at facilities before crunch time and to become familiar with what the move might entail.

When looking into future housing, make sure to keep cats in mind, because they are not welcome everywhere. If assisted living is needed, find out who will help care for your cats if the necessity arises.

Stay healthy, live longer.

The world is a tough place right now, whether you’re suffering yourself or just watching others suffer in the news. Grab your cats and give them a hug, because it’s a proven fact that cat companions keep you active and alert, as well as lowering your blood pressure with their loving purr. Eat healthily, take walks, and do everything possible to reduce stress, just like your doctor tells you. If you have trouble getting motivated to do it for yourself, then do it for your cat who needs you.

Keep your cat healthy.

A healthy cat is easier to care for, as well as being less expensive to maintain. Cut out surprise trips to the Emergency vet by taking care of your cat on a regular basis. See my blogpost 10 Ways to Help Avoid a Cat Health Emergency for a few tips.

Cultivate and advocate or two.

It’s hard to ask for help, but it’s something we have to do sometimes. Friends and family want you to be happy and will often come to assist when they can. Do you need someone to drive you and your cat to the vet for an appointment? Can someone pick up cat supplies for you while they’re out running other errands? Cat shelters also may have volunteers who can help. The burden of your cat’s care doesn’t have to rest solely on you.

*If you haven’t already tried having cat supplies shipped directly to you, look into it. I use Chewy, which delivers to my door free on orders over $49.00. There are varied reviews, but I’ve personally had a good relationship with them.

Tyler

Your cat and you: the purr-fect relationship at any age.

Remember that cat companions provide important forms of social and emotional support for older people. Their companionship reduces distress, depression, and loneliness plus increases self-esteem and improves overall quality of life. So don’t write off getting that new furry family member just because you’ve had a few dozen birthdays. With thought and planning, both you and your cat can thrive.