I work at a local animal shelter. Today I adopted a cat. He's 10 years old. When he was brought in, he was covered in fleas and bited. Not to mention he was almost hairless due to the fleas. He is now healing well, and his hair is growing back. He was supposed to be euthanized today, because nobody was looking at him. So I decided to bring him home. Everyone keeps telling me I'm crazy, because he's so old. My question is, would you have adopted the cat in this situation? Even though he is 10 years old?
I'm happy with my choice, and even if he lives a month or a week, I'm glad that he knows somebody loves him. And he can live the rest of his life in a happy home.
2007-11-04 13:46:26 · 40 answers · asked by caitiejx36 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Bites* Not bited. Typo...
2007-11-04 13:46:55 · update #1
Thank you for all of your answers. And yes, he is a wonderful "old man". He's actually sitting here next to me now, purrrrrring away. And yes, he's adjusting well to my home and my other "family members"
Also from the shelter I have...
A pit bull / presa canario. (rescued after being hit by a car and being left to die)
An American Dingo (rescued after being taken away in a cruelty case)
A cat (brought in at 4 weeks old, sick and stray. Was also to be euthanized.)
Another Cat (rescued from a cruelty case)
3 Birds. (Taken from someone who was sent to jail)
2 guinea pigs and 1 rat. (Also rescued from a cruelty case)
And now, my wonderful "old man". Since I see animals neglected and abused, I'm sure to show mine extra love and affection every day. Because after the start they had at life, they deserve it.
2007-11-04 14:07:25 · update #2
I think I would have done the same thing. A lot of cats are euthanized because they are old, and everyone these days just wants a kitten. He was probably abused most of his life, and not taken care of. So it's great he will experience the rest of his life in a loving home.
If i worked at an animal shelter I would probably end up adopting all the cats that were about to be euthanized :X
2007-11-04 13:51:52 · answer #1 · answered by beth3988 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seriously, who WOULDN'T have brought this guy home?? I love animals but don't feel able to volunteer at the local shelter because a) I would get so sad and upset about what people do to animals and b) I would want to bring home every cat and dog in the place! (I do make regular donations, and I'm trying to convince myself to vounteer and give the animals some love and attention.)
Anyway, ten years for a cat isn't *that* old. Plus, adopting an older cat is so much easier than a kitten and older animals are much more grateful to have a loving home. Not that kittens aren't, but it is pretty easy to adopt out kittens compared to ten year old cats. I think it's great that you took this guy in, I would have done the same thing. Maybe when he's all better you could post a picture so we could see how cute he is!! Good luck and have fun with your new kitty!!
2007-11-04 14:00:41 · answer #2 · answered by bendypants 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have done a wonderful thing. Treat this guy with some love and tender care, and you may end up with one of the most wonderful pets you'll ever have.
All of my cats have come from the shelter or been adopted from people that couldn't or wouldn't keep them. All have been great. The first set lived to be 16 years old. The current ones are only about 7, but they're happy and healthy and great pets. I expect that the next set will be shelter refugees as well.
2007-11-04 13:53:05 · answer #3 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, GOOD FOR YOU!!! I think that if you know that you made the right choice then you shouldnt worry if anyone else thinks that you made the right choice.
Second, I would have taken that cat home DEFINATLEY! You are so right, he needs to know that someone loves him.
Third, If you love him and take really good care of him he will live much longer than he would have if you had left him in the shelter.
(P.S. I know a cat who lived to 18, so dont worry. He should live at least to 12 if you take good care now. I dont know if he will live to 18 just because of the condition he was in before. I told you this because if a cat is taken well care of then he/she will live a good long happy life.)
And as for the people who think you are crazy, tell them
" No, you are crazy for not seeing how much this cat needs love. Do you not see how alone he is. Cats have long lives 'if they are taken care of' so yes he is old. BUT you never know how long he could live with the RIGHT treatment."
Hope this helps!!!
Tori
And good luck with your new cat. I hope he lives a good long life!
2007-11-04 13:54:44 · answer #4 · answered by htbrunettebeauty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing, I would have adopted him as well. He could live for a lot longer than you are expecting though. I have one cat that is 17+ years and she is still going strong. You never know.
Even if he only lives a little while, he will be so happy with you and to know that he is loved. He will live out the rest of his life so happy!
Good for you!
2007-11-04 14:01:57 · answer #5 · answered by cheetah_beth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's very kind of you. I probably would have. Then again, I probably would have wanted to adopt every animal in the shelter.
A ten year old cat is a senior citizen, but some cats live much longer than that. Yours could well be one of them. If he has no other health problems, he could well live a very long time. And, as you said, even if he doesn't have much time left, he will at least spend it in peace and comfort with someone who loves him.
I applaud your decision.
2007-11-04 13:53:14 · answer #6 · answered by Dave S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I want to commend you on this!!! Most animal shelters (the one I worked in) do not even attempt to adopt out older pets. This is sad because a lot of the times they are already acustomed to house living and other animals and are just great pets. It was so sad to see these older animals just dumped....after giving love to a family for so long....then treated so badly...disgarding him because he's old and worn.
I am so overjoyed you did this. It is so rewarding to hear a fellow shelter worker do such a great deed such as this. You will get some great years from him.
All the horible things I saw at the shelter...I just kept telling myself..I'm doing this so that the few animals I take care of at least know love and affection for a little bit...
KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS!!!!
2007-11-04 13:52:32 · answer #7 · answered by ~*Emily*~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally would've done the same thing! Way to go for saving a life and as people are telling me now that I know my rescue dog only has 3 months to live (he has cancer), they tell me that at least I showed him love for the last 5 years I had him as he was severely abused before I got him. =) Just take each day separately and show your cat a lot of love. =)
2007-11-04 13:55:34 · answer #8 · answered by atlantagal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you. The cat has a loving home for the rest of his life and you feel great about it. It is a win win. I would have done the same thing. If you are happy with your choice that is the only opinion that matters.
2007-11-04 13:52:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have done the same thing. You know he is at the end of his life so you have time to prepare yourself for it as much as possible. He will have a happy life and his death will be of old age instead of him being punished for the over population of cats. You did a great thing! Enjoy the time you have with him..... I am sure he is very grateful to be in a real home.
2007-11-04 13:51:35 · answer #10 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋