Why doesn't anyone adopt older cats?

Question

Or maybe you have, in which case I think you're awesome.
But it always breaks my heart to go into a shelter and see cats that are 8, 10, 12 years old (or older), and you just know that no one's going to take them. People always go for the young, cute kittens. Going into a shelter and seeing those older animals, knowing the fate most of them have, is awful and unbearable.
I am planning to adopt one more cat in the next year (I have 2 already), and I will definitely get an older cat. I don't care if he/she doesn't have many years left to live. I will give that cat in the last few years of its life love, companionship, and safety.

Answer 1

Why don't younger women adopt older men?Mature creatures are not cute and inquisitive as a rule,and therefore have lost their charm to the majority of individuals,unfortunately.

Answer 2

It breaks my heart too. I can't even go into pet stores because I hate seeing the animals without homes. My Mum had a cat when I was born and it lived to be 22. Siamese, gorgeous. After she died is the only time I've bought a kitten and I was a teen so it was the cutesy factor but I remember being sad at the older animals. The cat I have now must have been about two when I found him. He used to hang around outside my restaurant and was skin and bone with a tail broken in four places. Poor baby. I've had him for eight years now and he is just the best. So loving. I get the impression that he is on his way out though and it makes me really sad. I would get a mature cat for sure if he passes on. Aside from reasons already listed like the cuteness and having the cat be a part of your life since they were so little (it saddens me that I never saw my boy as a kitten, he must have been so cute!), I think that there is more of a risk of behavioural problems particularly if they have been abused or neglected. Peeing everywhere, not getting on with other cats, not trusting of humans, skittish at loud noises. I have a feeling my cat was put in a sack at some point and abandoned cos he hates being under the covers or anything covering him. In saying that, lots of cats may have these problems so you can never tell. In summary, I would definitely get an older cat and I say good on you for spreading the word.

Answer 3

It's a tough thing and I applaud your willingness to adopt one of the seniors. I work with a humane society and there are always some older cats and dogs. Our policy is that older animals will have a place in our shelter unless they develop a health condition that is beyond our ability to treat or they develop a serious behavior problem. We have an open cat room with places to sleep, play and hang out, so they don't spend their lives here in a cage, but ina pretty nice setting. It's not a bad place to be, but not the same as a permanent home. We do try to match older animals with older adults - seniors sometimes don't want a 15+ year commitment to an animal and prefer a calmer older animal anyway.

My 19-year old cat died last year and I chose to adopt a 5-year old cat. I have two large but friendly dogs and didn't want to subject a small fragile kitten to them nor did I want to put a senior cat in that situation. Also, after several years of taking care of an ailing senior cat, I was not emotionally ready to take on another one very soon. So I chose a 5-year old that was strong, healthy adult that had an enough attitude to deal with the situation. I think it was the best choice for my situation and it helped a middle-aged animal that would wait longer than a kitten.

Answer 4

You are so kind it's really good to hear that you'll take an older cat. If I was to adopt another cat, I would want an older one. I remember when ours was a kitten, there was no peace in the house and all night too running around and climbing every where, up setting stuff, no more kittens in my home, always I'd take an older one, wish more people would so also.

Answer 5

i know what you mean. but,when we went to adopt a new one and we adopted a 9mth old instead of a older cat.only reason we had is earlier in the week we had to put our 13 1/2 year old to sleep.she was pretty sick,and we wanted to have someone who would be around longer. it was too hard then to think about getting a older cat, getting attached and then in 4-5 years that one might go. our first furry baby was a "prescription" or as many would term a companion cat to help with depression. so in answer to the question, it most likely because they are afraid of becoming attached to the cat and fear losing it a few years down the road.( when we lost ours it left the biggest hole in my heart and in our house.) in most cases older cats are more relaxed and ready to give cuddles and sit on laps. also some people love the antics of kittens.

Answer 6

I think that really amazing that your willing to adopt an older pet, and I wish their were more people like you. Unfortunatley most people only want young cute animals and they don't care about what they cats are really like. I think what people need to keep in mind though is that kittens always turn into cats, and that its actaully better to get a cat that you know has a good personality not just a cute face.

Answer 7

I used to be a volunteer at a cat shelter and it is unfortunate that people go for the younger ones and a lot of times they even bring the younger ones back because they thought they were annoying and scratched up thier furniture...it's what kittens do! That's why it's good to get older cats...a good portion of them (depending on their upbrining) are house broken and by no means are they NOT playful. Some of them are just as energetic as the youngins. I have 2 older cats and a 1 year old kitty who definately keeps them on their toes. Good job on wanting to get a older cat. They are such loves! AND FYI FOR U AND OTHERS THAY MAY NOT KNOW>>> please DO NOT declaw you cats...think of somone cutting off your fingertips...its like that. they cut the bone of the cats knuckles so the claw wont grow back...it's very painful for them and often times casues arthritis when they age and they can become depressed.

Answer 8

I work at a no kill, no cage cat rescue/adoption shelter. We have many older cats who have been with us for years. Sometimes these cats do get adopted, and sometimes they don't. That's why we have a Senior Kitty program. We provide food and litter when people adopt these older cats.
I adopted an 8 year old tabby from this organization, and he is absolutly wonderful!
Thank you so much for being open minded about a more mature feline.

Answer 9

When I volunteered at the San Francisco SPCA we had many "older" cats adopted into loving homes. It was truly a no-kill shelter and any cat in good health that was surrendered was made available for adoption.

I rescued a 15 yr. old cat in the neighborhood who was dying of hyperthyroidism and receiving no vet care. She lived with me till she was 22 and 1/2 years old.

Since one of my cats died of mammary cancer three years ago I have been looking for a senior cat to take into my home. At the local shelter there were never any much over five-ten years of age.

I found a 17 yr. old cat abandoned at a local boarding facility and took him home. Unfortunately my Alexander (a gorgeous Turkish Angora type) has jaw cancer so he may not survive very long. He is being treated and has vet care which I am able to provide for him.

Older cats do have more health problems than younger ones so people who take them must be prepared emotionally and financially to provide the necessary care.

Maybe since I am "old" myself I have some affinity for the senior feline citizens.

Answer 10

My last two cats (And my last two dogs, incidently) were adults when I brought them home. I don't think I'm likely ever to bring a puppy or kitten home again. You're right, it's the older animals that need us the most. Someone's almost certain to take the young and cute ones home. Good for you, giving a loving home to a mature cat. Kudos! :)

Answer 11

God Bless You For Caring, Dear.

I recently sold my entire CD collection to rescue a 13-year-old cat from a shelter. She'd been dumped there by a woman who'd owned her all of her life. I found out why when I got her home: she has a lump on her belly that is causing problems in her intestines, and she has no control over her intense diarrhea. The wonderful owner dumped her there to get rid of her. She won't use a catbox, my steamcleaner is in constant use, and my boyfriend won't come near my apartment, but she is the sweetest little kitty who loves to talk and craves attention, and I will gladly clean up her smelly brown puddles and tune out the godawful squishy sound when she makes them, and just keep her as comfortable and happy as possible in her last days.

Who else will?