Does your home have room for a new family member? Why not adopt a meower with mileage? When you bring home an older cat, you get a companion with a lifetime’s worth of experience. In celebration of Senior Pet Month, here are our five favorite reasons to adopt a senior cat.
 

1.Senior Cats Are Independent.

If you’ve ever adopted a kitten, you know how needy they can be during their first few months of life. They require lots of attention, socialization, and supervision, and their round-the-clock needs can be similar to those of a newborn baby. Meanwhile, senior cats sleep much of the day, and they’re much more likely to be content with little more than a warm lap to snuggle and a window to bask in.
 

2.Senior Cats Have Grown Into Their Purrsonality.

Many older cats end up in shelters after their primary caregiver has passed away or their family is no longer able to care for them. They often have a recorded history that can give you a good idea of whether they’ll be compatible for your family. You can find a sweet senior accustomed to living in a household with a similar schedule and structure as yours, whether you work long hours or have other pets or kids.

3.Senior Cats Have Nine Lives.

Adopting a senior cat doesn’t mean you’ll have only a short time to enjoy their company. You could potentially opt to provide end-of-life care to a chronically ill cat in hospice, but healthy seniors are also in abundance. A cat is considered a senior around seven years of age. The average cat lives from around 12 to 18 years, so a healthy senior may have up to a decade to spend with you.

4.Senior Cats Can Be Low-Cost Pets.

Animal shelters and humane societies commonly have low or even waived adoption fees for senior cats, and your cat will come home fully vetted. They’ll already be spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, and have had other routine care. That said, you should be prepared for other costs of pet ownership, which can include prescription foods, toys, litter, furnishings, supplements, routine wellness visits, and emergency vet care. You can save on senior cat food and other essentials with Autoship from PetMeds and by signing up for a Pumpkin pet insurance plan.
 

5.Some Seniors Are A Two-for-One Deal.

You might find a bonded pair of seniors that spent most of their lives together in their last home. Bonded pairs can keep one another company, making them a great match for households with busy humans. They also tend to adapt easily to new environments, taking comfort in their bestie while they warm up to your family.
 

Ready To Adopt A Senior Cat?
 

You can find an adoptable senior cat at your local shelter, cattery, or feline rescue.

To prepare for your new addition, make sure you have a quiet, closed-off space where your sweet senior cat rest, especially if you have other pets. They’ll need their own litterbox and food and water bowls, a scratcher and a few toys. Cat anxiety aids like Feliway can be a great help for both newcomers and resident cats.

Gradually introduce your newcomer to the rest of your household. It can take a few weeks, for some cats, months, to warm up, but with a little patience, it won’t be long until your seasoned snuggler is right at home.