Adopting an Amazing Older Cat: An FAQ with Cats Protection
Are you stuck on getting a kitten? What about an older cat? Adult cats are the mature, sweet souls you meet who are forgotten during kitten season. Central Behaviour Officer at Cats Protection, Daniel Cummings, helps answer commonly asked questions..
Joe’s fur is natural black tie attire.
Older cats still play and have fun with their humans.
Why do older cats take longer to rehome that their younger counterparts?
Despite having a lot of love to offer, many OAP felines struggle to find their forever homes and take on average three times longer to rehome than energetic young kittens. Older cats are typically harder to rehome than kittens because often people assume that they won’t play or interact as much as a kitten, or they worry that an older cat might have had negative past experiences and come with lots of complex behavioural issues. The reality is that a lot of mature moggies in our care have come from happy loving homes, but sadly their owner was just unable to care for them any longer. Mature cats are just as loving and playful as younger cats. In fact, it could even be easier to introduce a mature cat to a home than a younger cat or kitten. On 16th June every year we host Mature Moggies Day to show people that an older cat can make the perfect companion.
Do older cats come with rich personalities?
In the same way as a human’s personality develops as they get older, a cat’s personality shines more with age too. It’s even easier to find the perfect match with an older cat because they are pretty robust in who they are. You could walk into an adoption centre today and find a kindred spirit sitting there waiting for you.
Like any kitten, your older feline will give you cute stares, cuddles, love and attention.
How can you help a recently adopted cat adjust to a new home and earn their trust?
Adopting a new cat or kitten is an exciting experience, although there can often be a lot to think about too. When you first take them home, you’ll need to help them gently settle into their new life. A change of environment is often stressful for a cat and it can take a few weeks for them (and you) to feel relaxed. The first few hours after welcoming your cat home can affect how they’ll adapt to their new life. Remember not to rush them – prepare to be patient and don’t pressure your cat into doing things they may not yet be ready for. There are lots of careful steps to take when bringing a new cat home, so we advise all new owners read our guide for bringing a new cat home, which you can find here: Bringing a cat home | Help & advice on cat care | Cats Protection
“Remember that each cat is different and with a new home to get used to, you might find that your new feline friend is a little nervous. When you approach your cat, ensure you do the following:
Make sure you get down to their level
Put out your hand.
Call their name softly.
Always wait for them to come to you.
Do you recommend adopting two mature cats or one solo?
Cats are naturally solitary and often prefer being the only pet in the home. Every cat is different, so if you have more than one cat or are considering getting another cat, there’s a lot to think about first. You can find lots of helpful information about multi-cat households on our website: Getting another cat - Help & Advice I Cats Protection
Should I adopt a cat or buy from a breeder?
We always advise to adopt don’t shop! There are so many cats out there that are in need of a happy home, and they have such a lot of love to give. Additionally, adopting through a rescue charity is often much cheaper than going to a breeder. What fees there are usually cover the cost of essentials such as vaccinations, parasite control and microchipping. It’s also worth remembering that moggies (the majority of cats in shelters) tend to be healthier, broadly speaking, compared to their purebred cousins and for this reason, they are also cheaper to insure.
However, if you are going to go via a breeder, it is really important to make sure that your go to a reputable breeder. Breeders should be following good socialization programmes with their kittens and maintain exceptional standards of health and welfare. Cats Protection have recently discovered an alarming number of people mis-selling kittens online. These kittens are kept in terrible conditions and have enormous health problems. Go to our website to watch our mini-documentary, The Big Kitten Con, to find out more about kitten mis-selling and how you can avoid falling foul of a dangerous online breeder.” You can find the video here: New video warns consumers to beware of kitten con artists (cats.org.uk)
Should I let my cat be an indoor or outdoor cat?
A: “Just like people, cats are all individuals. Some cats love going outside, some barely put a paw through the cat flap and others can’t go out at all, so wherever your cat spends their time, make sure they’re safe and happy. When you adopt a new cat, make sure you talk to your vet about all of their welfare needs and how best to care for them. Regardless of whether your cat lives indoors only or has access to outdoors too, Cats Protection recommends that your cat is microchipped, neutered, vaccinated and provided with flea and worming treatment. You can speak to your vet for more information and guidance about your specific cat’s needs. Check out our helpful guide on indoor and outdoor cats here: eg12_indoor_and_outdoor_cats.pdf
NICOLE HERE: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE UK DOES NOT HAVE PREDATORS, BUT PLACES LIKE CANADA, THE USA, MEXICO, AUSTRALIA AND OTHER LOCALES DO, SOME CITIES MORE THAN OTHERS. TAKE NECESSARILY PRECAUTIONS WITH YOUR PET ACCORDINGLY. NOW BACK TO THE CAT TIPS SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING. :)
Should I neuter my pets?
Neutering is an operation to prevent female cats from getting pregnant and male cats from making females pregnant. The operation will be performed by your vet, with your cat being under general anaesthetic. They'll recover quickly from the operation, and your vet will advise on the best care. Cats Protection recommends that kittens are neutered at four months old or younger, although cats can be neutered at any age.
There are thousands of unwanted cats in the UK already, with many of them finding a place in Cats Protection branches and centres up and down the country. To ensure all cats have a safe and happy home, one of Cats Protection’s key aims is to champion neutering as a way to keep the cat population under control. Cats are effective breeders and female cats can get pregnant from a very young age so making sure your kitten is neutered or spayed is particularly important. Of course, as well as preventing unwanted kittens, neutering your cat has plenty of health benefits too.
Neutering your female cat, is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. If your cat does become pregnant, this comes with extra responsibility and worry of having to care for her through her pregnancy, birth and then looking after her kittens. As well as avoiding pregnancy, neutering your cat can be good for their overall health. For example:
For female cats, the chance of getting some infectious diseases will be reduced and the likelihood of developing tumours, womb infections and other illnesses is also reduced.
Neutered male cats are less likely to end up injured from fighting or stray from home. Male cats that are not neutered often appear frustrated if they don’t find a female mate and can spray smelly urine in the house as a way of scent-marking – an appeal to potential female mates.
For more information about financial assistance available in the UK for neutering your cat please visit: Financial assistance | Neutering assistance | Cats Protection
from Cats Protection
13 June 2022
Mature Moggies Combat Loneliness
As loneliness becomes an increasing public health concern¹, Cats Protection, The UK’s leading feline charity, is encouraging people to find companionship with loving mature moggies.
Despite having a lot of love to offer, scores of unwanted OAP felines are struggling to find their forever homes and take on average three times longer to rehome than energetic young kittens.
Daniel Cummings, Behaviour Officer at Cats Protection said: “It’s a common misconception that older cats don’t play or interact much with owners, when in actuality, mature cats are just as loving and playful as younger cats. In fact, it could even be easier to introduce a mature cat to a home than a younger cat or kitten.”
Mature Moggies Day is on 16 June and Cats Protection aims to show people that an older cat can make the perfect companion, especially if they are battling loneliness.
Nine out of 10 cat owners think that owning a cat has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing, and nearly two-thirds of owners who regularly work from home say their cat helps them by calming them down².
“Loneliness is affecting millions of people across the country, particularly as they adjust to life after lockdown.” Daniel continued. “Cats can help prevent feelings of loneliness in all sorts of ways, whether providing entertainment through play or being there for a soothing cuddle. Often, people tell us it is a great source of comfort to simply have another living being in the home to care for and talk to.”
“Some people may be worried about adopting an older cat because they are concerned that they have had too many negative experiences in the past and will have lots of complex behavioural issues. The reality is that a lot of mature moggies in our care have come from happy loving homes, but sadly their owner was just unable to care for them any longer.
“The amount of love these older ladies and gents have to give is vast. If you are someone who is struggling with feeling lonely, adopting an older cat could not only provide you with the company you crave, but you will also be doing something wonderful by giving a loving home to a cat.
“In the same way as a human’s personality develops as they get older, a cat’s personality shines more with age too. It’s even easier to find the perfect match with an older cat because they are pretty robust in who they are. You could walk into an adoption centre today and find a kindred spirit sitting there waiting for you.”
If you are adopting a cat, make sure you take time to chat talk to the Adoption Centre staff and ensure you provide everything a cat needs to settle into a new home. Cats Protection has produced a guide on how to care for elderly cats, including behaviour to look out for, recommended diets, and how to ensure they’re comfortable at home.
All cats adopted from Cats Protection have been health checked and come with four weeks’ free pet insurance which will cover any new conditions that arise after adoption.
For advice on caring for older cats, visit: www.cats.org.uk/mature-moggies
Senior cat is a tonic against loneliness after owner has lock-down separation
15-year-old, one-eyed, mature moggie Joe was the perfect tonic to combat loneliness for Amy Newark after she went through a lockdown separation. Amy, 37, a compliance officer from East Grinstead, has found Joe’s companionship invaluable for her wellbeing during recent issues.
She said: “I’ve had a challenging few years, but Joe has been my light in the dark. He is my amazing old boy who has helped me through some personal challenges, which at times made me feel immensely lonely. My marriage broke down during Covid and, it took a while to pick myself up and get back to being happy and also getting used to living on my own. Having Joe around really gave me a focus, and I genuinely believed that he saved me.
“Joe has been my shadow and has been there for me when I was feeling down or overwhelmed with the situation. Joe has a very calm and chilled personality but can be cheeky at times, and that is exactly what I needed. Cats help our mental health by just being there. I know how true that is because Joe saved me. He is always there when I need a cuddle, someone to talk to and gives a focus to each day.”
Amy adopted Joe in 2014 after he was advertised as one of the most overlooked felines at Cats Protection’s East Surrey Branch. She said: “Adopting an older cat is very rewarding and it’s nice to know that you are helping them have a comfortable life in their senior years. My experience is that mature moggies are calm and extremely loving. Joe made such an impact on me that I decided to volunteer for Cats Protection’s Crawley Branch. I haven’t looked back since that first day of meeting Joe.”
Mature moggie is the perfect companion for Sussex care worker
49-year-old widow Donna Appleby, from Eastbourne, was left feeling lonely after her beloved dog died last June.
“I suddenly felt alone without any cats or dogs,’ she said. “I work long hours as a support worker, so I wasn’t in a position to own another dog. It simply wouldn't be fair as I can’t walk them enough, so it was clear that my next companion was destined to be a cat.
A friend directed Donna to Cats Protection’s adoption website, and she was immediately smitten with 15-year-old Poppy, a senior puss waiting for her new home.
She said: “I saw Poppy and instantly felt for her. I was concerned that because of her age she would be passed over by people tempted by the younger cats. I’ve heard that older cats are harder to home so my feeling was that she would be ignored or overlooked. I was immediately struck by how affectionate she was. It’s no understatement to say I fell in love with her. Poppies are my favourite flowers, so that seemed a good sign.”
“As a widow living alone, it's lovely to be greeted by Poppy when I return home. She sleeps on my late husband’s furry jacket or in her cat bed and is always as pleased to see me as I am to see her. She’s made my house a home again.
“I totally recommend an older cat for company. Poppy adopted me as much as I did her and I thank her for choosing me. She is an absolute joy. We’re inseparable now.”
The bond between Donna and Poppy is already well established after only a few months. She said: “She looks out the front window watching for me to come home and has started to go in the garden with me. I even set my alarm 20 minutes early each morning because, when it goes off, Poppy springs up and wants a good cuddle. That’s something I love, and I make sure to take time for our moments together.”
“She’s a perky little miss. I knew from the moment I brought her home that we would be ideal companions for each other. I wasn’t wrong.”
