In the News: Tails of Marin
By Carrie Harrington
Look beyond 'aww' factor for older cats
It’s been a busy kitten season so far for shelters in Northern California. Here in Marin, more than 230 young felines have been adopted from the Humane Society during the last three months! It’s no wonder. With their adorable looks and cute antics, kittens are undoubtedly seductive. Take a stroll through our Adoption Center and you’ll invariably hear a chorus of “aww” among a crowd of spectators fixated on the windows of the kitten room.
This is also the time of year when adult felines in shelters are overlooked by potential adopters. Senior-age cats (8-plus years) in particular seem almost invisible juxtaposed with dozens of effervescent youngsters. That’s unfortunate, because though they may lack the “awwwww” factor, older felines can be just as cute and cuddly as their younger counterparts. Plus, they possess wonderful qualities that are unique to their age.
With mature cats, what you see is what you get. Unlike kittens, older cats have an established personality so there are rarely behavior or personality surprises. And in general, older cats do not require constant supervision, which makes them ideal companions for people with busy schedules. Their unexacting personalities are also appealing to senior citizens looking for pet companionship. Research shows that seniors who have companion animals have better overall physical and mental health.
Unlike many adolescent animals that require an adjustment period, older cats tend to settle relatively quickly into their new homes. like 9 year old Muffin. Forced to live miserably in a birdcage for most of her life, Muffin still has not lost her loving spirit. She made herself comfortable within a couple of hours in her recent foster home, exploring every nook and cranny, racing around the house with kitten-like enthusiasm and sleeping with her foster parents at the foot of the bed. Typical for many older cats in shelters, Muffin has been available for adoption for more than two months.
Some people may think that an older pet will have little to offer in terms of companionship, but nothing can be further from the truth. Not only do mature cats love to play and snuggle with their human companions, but they also seem grateful for the second chance they’ve been given. In fact, 8 year old Zeppelin has become a favorite among MHS staff and volunteers who adore his “looking for love” attitude. After twelve weeks, Zeppelin is eagerly awaiting a new home.
While cats like Muffin and Zeppelin are classified as seniors because they are 8 years or older, technically they can be considered middle-aged. Recent advances in medical technology mean that pets are now living well past what used to be considered a normal lifespan, especially if they are kept indoors. In fact, felines today are living well into their 20s. Looks like twenty is the new ten in feline circles!
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 45 million pets in this country are at least eight years old. This translates to a quarter of the nation’s pet population. So if you’re looking for a new feline friend, why not consider giving a mature cat a second chance? You may end up finding the most wonderful companion ever.
Carrie Harrington is the public relations associate at the Marin Humane Society.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
