Senior cats, who are aged 7 years or older, are often overlooked by potential adopters, but they have so much love left to give to the right people.
While adopting a senior cat is different from bringing home a kitten, seniors may actually provide a more suitable companion for many families. Here’s what to know about adopting a senior cat.
Key Takeaways
- Senior cats can be ideal companions for the right family; they’re typically litter trained, calmer, and have established personalities.
- Older cats often come with health concerns, such as arthritis and kidney disease, so make sure they see a vet shortly after you bring them home.
- Fostering is a great first step for those unsure about adopting a senior cat.
Benefits of Adopting an Older Cat
Unlike kittens, senior cats will have an established personality; a senior who is affectionate and calm at the shelter will bring that same energy home. Usually, this makes introducing them to their new two- and four-legged family members a bit easier because the shelter or foster will have a great idea of a cat’s likes and dislikes.
As companions, senior cats can also have much simpler needs than rambunctious kittens. For example:
That isn’t to say that they can’t learn new tricks. Motivated senior cats can still be clicker-trained and introduced to new experiences, such as walking on a leash or solving puzzle toys—they may just want more of a nap later on!
Considerations for Senior Cat Adoptions
Age alone is not a disease, but senior cats are more prone to developing (or already having) health issues.
One study found that over 60% of cats aged 6 or above showed signs of osteoarthritis on an X-ray. Issues like inflammatory bowel disease and kidney disease are also more common in senior cats.
It’s important to maintain a consistent relationship with your veterinarian to screen for signs of illness and ensure your senior cat is thriving. Make sure you have the emotional and financial resources for unexpected and chronic medical issues that may arise with a senior cat.
Time spent with a senior cat will also be shorter. It’s hard to predict if a senior cat will have two or 10 years left when adopting them, so ensure you’re ready to make the most of your time together.
Determining the age of adult cats can be very difficult, even for veterinarians. So if your kitty doesn’t have a known birth date, keep in mind that they may be older (or younger) than their documented age.
Tips for Adopting Senior Cats
1. Don’t Impulse Adopt
Senior cats often have well-established personalities and may already have existing health issues. So, spend time with them at the shelter and be sure to ask questions to make sure this kitty will be a good fit for your home.
Senior cats are less adaptable than kittens to major changes in social structure. For example, a senior cat who doesn’t get along well with dogs is unlikely to ever be comfortable in a home with one.
2. Make Your Home Accessible
Some senior cats may require additional assistance in navigating their environment and accessing their basic needs. Before you bring home a senior pet, make sure your house is set up for their needs. You may need to:
3. Schedule a Vet Appointment Right Away
If you’ve just adopted a senior cat, take them to the veterinarian right away. While their vaccinations will likely be up to date, it’s important to get a baseline physical exam. Additionally, consider screening lab work to make sure there are no health concerns that couldn’t be detected or managed (such as dental disease) at the shelter.
Senior cats should be examined every six months. Proactive preventative care will extend the time you have with your new companion.
4. Introduce Them Slowly To Other Cats
If you’re integrating a senior cat into an established household, it may take more time for them to adjust than with a younger cat.
Remember: These kitties have more defined personalities and habits. Give them their own space for the first couple of months, and make introductions on their own schedule.
That said, older cats may be easier for your family to adjust to. They are much less likely to disrupt the status quo or demand lots of play than high-energy kittens.
5. Consider Fostering
If you’re unsure if a senior cat will be a good permanent fit for your family, think about fostering a cat. Being a foster parent is a great way to test the waters while offering a senior kitty a calm, consistent environment.
