Adopting a Senior Cat
Updated April 19, 2006

Alastor - MEOW name Fielding

March 3, 2006

Dear MEOW;

Well, I'm settling well into my new home.  My new mom has named me "Alastor" after the character "Professor Moody" in the Harry Potter books. She says it's because I remind her of him, as I've got mismatched eyes, my ears are all torn up, and I walk with a limp.

I spend most of my time sleeping on mom's bed, which I think I deserve after having such a rough time of it!  I'm an old man I deserve my rest! I have trouble chewing my hard food sometimes so mom soaks it in cat milk until it's mushy, then warms it up for me to eat.  (Not that I'm spoiled rotten or anything).

My brother Murdoch

I still don't know what to make of my new brother "Murdoch." I don't let him get too close to mom at night so he has to sleep at the foot of the bed. He seems okay but doesn't like to share his toys.  That's okay though because mom got me a piece of honeysuckle wood that I love and I take it with me just about everywhere.  I love to play with the chains on mom's cuckoo clock and nearly pulled the whole clock down on top of my head!  Now mom has ruined all my fun by putting a box on the wall to catch the chains so I can't reach them!  She can be mean sometimes!

I have put on weight since being here, and my coat is so shiny and healthy I practically glow in the dark!  My brother and I get brushed every day and we love it!

My back legs still sometimes give out on me and I fall over but the vet says that I'm not in pain so mom just lets me get on with it.

I'm going to spend my retirement years living the life of Riley, treats every day, a loving mom, a nice big brother and brushing every day!  Thank you MEOW foundation for finding me a little slice of heaven!

Alastor (Fielding)

January 7, 2006

Dear MEOW,

This is a letter that I could hardly wait to write about our adoption of Madeline, or Maddie (MEOW name Alida). I picked the name of Maddie as she had such a mad look on her face, probably due to being shaved (because of all the mats she had when MEOW rescued her). We had just lost our cat of 20 years to cancer and I'd always thought that if we were to adopt another cat it would be an older cat that no one else would want. Everyone wants a kitten but no one wants a senior. I found three and Maddie was the oldest at 14. My husband initially said no only because she had long hair, but as soon as he saw her he decided she was the one. I think it was because they look so much alike. She arrived the next day and after checking things out she stayed under the bed. My husband was concerned that she would live life under the bed, but not to worry because at bedtime there she was, in the middle of the bed, sideways, so my husband and I were lying on prison cots while THE CAT was enjoying her sleep.

I was told that Maddie didn't like to be touched on her back as she would bite. I'm slowly getting her used to a baby brush and the feel of my hand on her back as my husband refuses to have her cut like a lion again. I think she looks cute but with her long fur she's going to have to get used to me combing her. She has turned into a very affectionate cat and is always looking for neck rubs or someone to talk softly to her. I've found that if I lie down in the afternoon Maddie will lie on the pillow about four inches from my face and touch me with her paw. This means "scratch my neck". She likes to have her head on a pillow and the rest of her body on the bed, just like a human. I'm so glad to have Maddie in our lives - she gives us so much love that I cannot imagine why anyone would have ever let her go.

One thing that I would like to say to anyone that is contemplating adopting a cat - the description that is given is just what is observed while the cat has been at MEOW. There are a lot of people and other cats that they have to deal with and the fact that they have been traumatized. The cat that you may pick out could be totally different once you get your cat home. I know Maddie gets better and better each week we have her, and I'm sure that if there's something she doesn't like she will change us to her way of thinking.

Thank you so much MEOW for all your hard work and care that goes into looking after these wonderful felines. They are so blessed to have each and every one of you.

Ian and Sandie

August 2, 2004

Dear MEOW,

About 3 months ago I adopted Dante, (his new name is Meatball) and he is the greatest cat in the world. When I first got him he was a little shy, but soon he came around and now he doesn't leave my side. Meatball follows me around were ever I go and we spend hours together snuggling on the couch. He has a amazing personality, and is my wonderful baby.

I just wanted to let other interested cat lovers know how great it is to adopt an older cat. As Meatball is 15 years old I am able to give him a loving home in his last couple of years. He is, however, very energetic for his age and loves to run around the house.

Anyways I just wanted to thank everyone at the MEOW Foundation for fixing me up with my new best friend. He was the perfect addition to my family and I love him with all my heart.

Thanks again MEOW.

Kristin

July 11, 2003

Dear MEOW,

I just wanted to give you an update on Sheba. I've had her for about six months now and I am very happy with my decision to adopt an older cat. She's become a wonderful companion. She is such a calm, sweet natured creature. She doesn't seem to mind being alone during the day while I'm at work. In fact I think she enjoys the peace and quiet.

Sheba is definitely Queen of the Castle and has me (and friends) very well trained. She greets all of my guests and asks to be patted - tummy rubs please. Sheba is also a surprisingly good traveler and is accepting of new people and situations. Her first trip to the family cabin, she settled right in.

Sheba is a joy to have around. I love it when she snuggles with me in the mornings and starts purring. It makes me wonder why I didn't get a cat sooner. Thank you for taking such good care of her at the shelter and for introducing me to her. My special thanks to Ed for helping me through the adoption process. Sheba thanks you too.

Love Allison and Sheba

March 17, 2002

Emily (left), who was rescued at 16 years old, has become a contented senior cat. She is doing well in her new home with her new pal Coco (MEOW name Flossie). She has been professionally groomed and is looking and feeling much better. She enjoys the luxury of sleeping on her new parents' bed and spends many hours there - warm, cozy and safe, as a senior should be.

Kate loves sleeping in sunbeams.

January 2002

I recently adopted a senior cat from MEOW ... Kate, who's approximately 10 years old. I've been around cats my entire life and always had them their entire lives, from birth to death. Kate is the first cat I've adopted that has already gone through most of her life.

Because I haven't grown up with her, I don't know her as well. But I respect Kate and give her space when she needs it. She thanks me by being the sweet natured cat that most cats are. It's true you can't be as rambunctious with older cats due to their aching bones. But, believe me, Kate still has her daily bursts of energy when she burns around the house, plays with her little mousie toy, and loves her honeysuckle sticks!

She'll come and cuddle when she wants to and I leave it at that. We've settled in with each other nicely. She sleeps the day away in the nice sunny spots until I get home from work. Then we visit and hang out.

Kate enjoys the view.

Adopting a senior cat is one of the best decisions I've made. I live on my own, work all week long, and I wanted a cat who would be comfortable with that arrangement. Kate most certainly is comfortable with it, as you can see from her pictures. And what senior kitty wouldn't love a peaceful and safe home to call their own?

Senior cats are just as loving and wonderful as younger ones. They've just been through a little more in their lives and deserve a little more respect ... just like in the human world.

Lisa

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