November Is Adopt a Senior Cat Month!

Last month, we lost our family cat Sassy. She had been with us for 16.5 years and though she was a senior cat, her loss was sudden and unexpected - you see, Sassy really lived up to her name. The girl had an attitude, she was talkative, and she loved head scritches - on her terms, naturally.

When most people adopt a cat, they're looking for a feline that's young, spry, and full of energy. Kittens and cats at 1-2 years of age have that in spades and require a lot of time, patience, and maintenance.

I don't know about you, but I work a full time job. I'm also a chronically ill "spoonie" that doesn't have a lot of time for playing the part of a rain forest tree as my furry companion pretends to be the fiercest panther in all the land. I appreciate a lap cat, someone who will keep me company while I'm parked at my computer - working on blog posts, fiction writing, editing, or just escaping the harsh realities of life via Youtube.

Senior cats are often perfect for this. 

But you don't have to take my word for it, this is what the ASPCA has to say on adopting senior cats:

"While small kittens and puppies may be adorable, older pets are just as loving and loyal as their younger counterparts. Not to mention, adopting a senior animal companion comes with some cool advantages:

• Grown-up pets don’t require the constant monitoring and training that puppies and kittens do.
• Many are already house-trained.
• Since senior pets are fully grown, you’ll be immediately aware of important information like personality type and grooming requirements, making it easier to choose the perfect pet for your family.

It is a sad fact that senior pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters, putting them at an increased risk for euthanasia. When you adopt a senior pet, you’re not only welcoming a lifetime of love into your home, you’re also saving a precious life."

Having spent time with both kittens and older cats, I can definitively say that I prefer older cats. They have defined personalities and idiosyncrasies that are so fun to get to know and it's incredibly satisfying once you finally have a routine with this creature. When you vibe, you vibe - and it's a wonderful thing.

Sassy was special - and while she wasn't the most affectionate cat ever and she threw up more often than she purred, she had a special place in our family and will be missed. And I will never regret having spent half my formative years with that fur-ball...

If you are looking to adopt a cat this year or next, consider adopting an older cat from your local shelter. There are some great options in Minnesota for cat adoption, including:

The Cafe Meow
Animal Humane Society of Minnesota
Feline Rescue
Caring for Cats

Other adoption centers in the greater U.S. include:

Animal Humane Society
Petfinder
Adopt A Pet
Cats R Us

Have you ever adopted a senior cat? I really hope you'll consider it in the future if you ever decide to adopt a feline companion, they have nothing but love to offer...Cheers!