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Senior Cats can be a joy, but many people have worries about adopting older cats, not withstanding, how long they will be around. Becoming attached and having to let go too soon is a hard choice to make, but if weighed against a kitty having a forever home and love the remainder of their days as opposed to spending it in a cage at a shelter, the decision seems far simpler to make. Amanda Smith and her family know this scenario well, first through Camellia, and just recently, senior siblings, Pepa and Meli, who all found a new home thanks to Amanda opening her heart and home.
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Life With Cats had the opportunity to speak with Amanda to learn more about her advocating for senior cats and why this population is well suited to so many different houses that need a cat to make it a home.
Life With Cats: How did you come to love having senior cats? Was it a certain cat you met somewhere that inspired you initially? Something you became aware of through others? What is your story?
Amanda Smith: I always thought I would adopt senior cats “later”. When we were more financially secure. When the kids were grown. When we had more time. When we were “ready.” Then one day I saw Camellia’s hospice plea shared through a friend. She was 16 years old, blind, and in the beginning stages of kidney failure. The shelter was sure she didn’t have much time left. All I could think was “What if that was Pumpkin (my first adopted and much loved cat)? What if he somehow ended up in that same situation?” I couldn’t shake it. She was just as valuable as my Pumpkin. She did not deserve an end like that. The next day, I packed up my girls ages 7 months, 9, and 10 and drove over 8 hours round trip to adopt her and bring her home. Caring for and falling in love with Camellia has made it clear to me that it doesn’t have to be the “right time” and you don’t have to be “ready.” All you need is a big heart. You’re going to need it for all the love senior cats offer.
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LWC: Tell me about your first senior cat?
AS: Camellia is not only be blind, but in the beginning stages of kidney disease, as well. She is also deaf, severely arthritic, and due to lymphoma has a mass growing above her heart that is compressing her trachea. She isn’t only a senior, she is very much a special needs cat. She is also one of the most loving cats I’ve ever known.
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LWC: What are the challenges with having a senior cat? Does someone who is considering bringing a senior cat into their home need a certain kind of temperament and the ability to handle certain issues? Who might be a good match for a senior cat?
AS: Camellia was a special case. After her, I adopted two 21 year old cats, Pepa and Meli. Pepa is quite the feisty girl! She climbs, jumps, even begs while I cook. It is very possible to find a senior who won’t have any needs beyond what any younger cat needs. However, adopting a senior you must know your chances are higher and your timeline nearer for special considerations.
A few quick tips:
- Raised bowls relieve pressure on arthritic necks and backs
- Beds that retain body heat help soothe old bodies
- More litter boxes than usual may be necessary
- Litter boxes with lower sides may be needed
- Seniors often need smaller and more frequent meal
I would highly recommend adopting a senior cat to anyone who has the patience to understand they may need a little extra care and love. I am a huge advocate of senior cats for senior people who are able to care for them.
LWC: What kinds of things should someone be willing to commit to with a senior cat?
AS: Someone wanting to adopt a senior cat needs to know going in to it that senior cats are like senior people. They have good days and they have bad days. They need you to pay extra attention to what they’re trying to tell you. Your vet bills may be higher and you may have to invest in a good enzyme based carpet cleaner. You must know you are caring for a cat approaching their twilight days. It’s your duty to give them the very best life you can until quality of life diminishes to the point of needing to let them go, at which point you must let them go peacefully and with dignity.
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LWC: I know you have a daughters who are younger? What are their experiences with having a senior cat? What does the cat teach them? How is the life lesson when a senior cat’s life is at its end?
AS: Having senior cats has taught my girls so much. They watch for any atypical behavior and report it immediately. They are much more gentle and cautious with the seniors. In Camellia’s case, if they hear her meowing they know she needs help getting back to her “home base” (her bed). When they feed the cats they carry Camellia to her bowl.
More than that, they have learned all life has value. These old, special needs, tossed aside cats are so loved by them.
My girls know that these cats are towards the end of their lives. They know our goal is to be able to say they were well loved every day they were with us. We know we will not love them for a full lifetime, but we will fit a full lifetimes worth of love in to whatever time we do have.
LWC: For people who are older, perhaps even those who are not, what recommendations might you have for those who pets may outlive them?
AS: Please plan for your animals as you would your dependent children. Include them in your will. If you do not have friends or family to take them, look up an organization that will. There are several senior sanctuaries that will allow you to leave your animals to them with a stipend for their care. Your animals are helpless without you unless you plan for them.
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LWC: What are the benefits to having a senior cat?
AS: Senior cats are the biggest loves! They soak up the attention. They have a specific type of response I cannot explain aside from calling it pure bliss. However much you may bless a senior cat with a home, I guarantee they bless you more.
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LWC: Can you tell me anything surprising about having a senior cat that perhaps you weren’t expecting?
AS: They can be sassy! I thought I would have to teach my younger cats to be gentle with them, but they hold their own just fine!
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LWC: What for you, personally, has been your greatest joy in having senior cats?
AS: When I am petting one of my seniors, watching them rub in to my hand with their eyes closed and their non-stop purr, I know I am giving them the end they deserve. Whatever horror would have otherwise been their last moments has disappeared from their memories. All they know in that moment is pure love.
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Amanda’s words are both touching and true. If you are looking for a cat, perhaps consider giving a senior cat a loving home. You will forever cherish those special days and nights with a senior who wants nothing more than to love and be loved.
For more information or to consider adopting a senior cat, please check with your local rescues and shelters. To learn more about having a senior cat, please check out the following:
Dame Helen Highlights Plight of Senior Cats
Senior Cats: Bonded Pair Find Forever Home
Woman Adopts Senior Cat, Comes Back to Get His Old Friend
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