Adopting A Senior Cat

Today’s story is a true event about Gracie. Gracie is a verified 16-year-old female that we rescued from the local pound. This story is important because this senior cat would not have survived the pound without someone to rescue her. Adopting a senior cat gives them the ability to retire with dignity and comfort. We never know how much time we will have with them, but that is not a good reason to overlook them when a person is thinking about adoption.

Senior cats are as loving as any other cat. Gracie is a very calm cat. Some may not be as easy going, but with patience and time, they will come around. It might even take years.

Gracie

This the story of a senior cat with a happy ending. Gracie was born on November 12, 2003. That makes her 16 years old this November 2019. This information is validated by her ear tattoo and I was able to talk to the veterinary clinic that spayed her. Gracie’s owner passed away and when she was checked on Gracie escaped and no one found her.

Gracie wondered as a stray for a long time. I have never seen a cat so skinny before. Her hips were visible and every rib and vertebrae stuck out. On November 15, 2019, she was picked up by the local pound and was listed on their website for adoption. The period from when she escaped until her being put in the pound is unknown.

During her stay at the local pound, she had a vet visit and got eye drops. It was determined that she needed dental work done and most importantly she needed a home. I received the FaceBook page showing the cats and dogs in the pound. Gracie was the only senior and was not receiving any interest in adoption.

I phoned the Animal Control Officer and made some inquiries then made an appointment to go for a viewing. I arrived at the Town Hall and the Officer brought this tiny carrier and inside was this matted, bad breath, skinny little cat. Her dandruff was so bad it made my pants white. She sat with me and I held her. I could not leave this wonderful little girl here. It was a free adoption with 15 minutes of paperwork and home we went. Gracie was adopted on November 28, 2019. I don’t think she would have got out of the pound alive. She has a home for Christmas.

Gracie talked to me all the way home. We arrived home and she ate a whole can of wet food. A bath was next and we groomed her as much as she allowed. I made a nice bed for her in the bathroom and now she sleeps in a screened cat playpen. She has her water bowl and litter box with regular meals.

I use a nice soft kennel similar to this item from Amazon.

A week into her adoption she looks better every day. Gracie has good energy and is quite calm. Her playpen allows all the other cats to visit and there has been some hissing. I let her sit on the chesterfield with me and I can see she enjoys her time out of confinement. Her breath has improved dramatically and when we get to the vet we will see what to do about her teeth. I recommend brushing your cat’s teeth if you can get it done.

Gracie At The Vet

Gracie went to the vet for a wellness check and to see if she was healthy enough for dental surgery. Her blood work showed that she was healthy enough for the procedure. She stayed at the vet and the next day her dental procedure was completed. She was left with three teeth and with this, her quality of life has improved. Her mouth will heal and there will be no more pain and discomfort.

Because of her age, she was slow to recover from the anesthetic. This required her to stay overnight for an IV and monitoring. By morning, she was ready to come home. Gracie is now in her shelter sleeping, eating and happy.

The Moral Of The Story

Senior cats, cats with disabilities, black cats are the last to be picked at the shelter. My senior cat Gracie needed a home and a second chance at life.

Adopting a senior cat may have some added challenges. My Gracie needed dental work and it was done. This kitty appears to be a strong girl and I have no doubt we will have a life together. We never know how much time we have with an adopted senior cat but to them, it is a blessing to live out their lives in love and comfort.

Gracie is a gentle cat. Her integration to my other eight cats will possibly be fairly straight forward. There will no doubt be some fights and we will get over that. Not all adoptions will be smooth, but with time and patience, most problems can be overcome. Naturally, most cats are timid in a new environment. We just need to give them stability and love.

In Closing

Senior cats without a home is a tragedy. If possible give the senior, disabled, blind cats a second chance at life. Senior cats are as loving as any other cat. Whenever any pet is adopted it requires a commitment. Cat care is forever and this requires a quality of life and a financial commitment. Gracie’s dental was expensive and where I live is cheap compared to other parts of the country.

Because of health issues and age, senior cats get left behind, When I went to see Gracie I could not leave her at the city pound. Now she has a home for Christmas and I get a fabulous cat for Christmas.

Cat As Presents

Remembering the fact that Cat Care is forever I want to remind everyone that bringing a cat (or any pet) must be a family agreement. Everyone must be on board with the decision and commitment to bring a life into the house. Too many cats get abandoned after an emotional conclusion without a serious emotional and financial commitment.

That’s my story for today. Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to hug a kitty and do something green for the environment. I look forward to your comments and suggestions. Please do so below.

Do not forget to go to my Cat Care Products page for a gift for that special kitty.

Trevor

 

Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants Inc

Located in southern Manitoba, Rolling Plains Veterinary Consultants has three locations to serve all of your veterinary needs from pets to livestock.

Are you a licensed veterinarian that would like to serve a thriving rural community? Give the Rolling Plains Veterinary clinic a call. Click the logo.

We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.