Your Guide to Adopting a Senior Cat

Listen — kittens are cute. We get it. Who can resist their small sweet faces and tiny squeaky meows? But before you let yourself become smitten with a kitten (yes, we went there), hear us out: Adopting a senior cat might be one of the best things that ever happened to you. Mature cats often have established personalities, lower energy requirements, and a deep appreciation for the care they receive, making them ideal pets. 

Still, you’ll want to be prepared for the accommodations your senior friend may need. For instance, a senior cat will probably have different dietary needs than a younger cat, and may require more medical care, which means more vet bills. You’ll need to be emotionally and financially prepared for these realities.

If you’re looking for all the right reasons to adopt a senior cat, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up plenty of them, below, plus answers to common questions about adopting senior cats. Read on to learn about all the joy of sharing your life with a cat who’s no spring chicken…er, kitten.

The benefits of adopting senior cats 

Why adopt a senior cat? Where shall we start? In our opinion, cats, like wine and cheese, only get better with age. Here are five reasons to adopt a senior cat that you may not have considered.

1. You know who they are

An older cat, like an older person, is set in their ways — and that’s not a bad thing. Adopting a cat with an established personality means you know who you’re getting. (You’ll have a better idea than you would if you were adopting a kitten.) The shelter staff will likely be able to tell you if the senior cat you’re adopting likes to cuddle, is tolerant of children and other animals, or has other personality traits to be aware of.

2. They’re not as rambunctious

Kittens are cute, but they’re also demanding. They like to play, and they don’t want to play alone. If you’re looking for a companion who is happy to Netflix and chill — as in, curl up quietly on the couch with you — then a senior cat is the way to go.

3. They already know the ropes

With a senior cat, you’re less likely to need to go overboard cat-proofing your home. Cats of a certain age just don’t tend to get up to mischief as much as kittens do — although, of course, this varies, since each cat has their quirks. Chances are, an older cat already knows how to use the litter box and how to stay off the kitchen counters. This makes for an easier adjustment period, for both you and your new feline family member.

4. They have a lot of love to give

Sure, all cats are lovable, and each cat expresses affection in their own way. But the bond between a senior cat and their adoptive parent is something very special. “I think what people should realize is that a senior animal has as much, if not more, love to give than a puppy or kitten,” DeeAnn Schaefer, a humane educator with Central New York’s SPCA, told NCC News. “I really, truly believe in my heart that they know that they have been saved. I truly believe that.”

5. Senior cats need loving parents

Because of the cuteness factor, it’s easier for animal shelters to place kittens in forever homes. Senior cats, for all their wonderful qualities, are historically more at risk of being euthanized, or of sitting in a cage at a no-kill shelter for a long time, waiting for someone to rescue them. When you open your heart and home to an older cat, you’re saving an animal who may have otherwise never found their person.

Should I adopt a senior cat? 

Bringing a new pet into your home is a big decision. That said, adopting a senior cat isn’t necessarily more complicated than adopting any other pet. If you’re on the fence about whether or not an older cat is right for you, read on for an overview of how caring for a senior cat may impact your lifestyle. 

Senior cat care considerations

What do senior cats need? The same thing any cat needs: healthy food, fresh water, a clean litter box, regular vet visits, and plenty of love. How they prefer that love to be expressed, however, will vary from cat to cat. Not every cat is a cuddler. And that’s what we love about cats: their unique personalities.

When welcoming your senior cat to their new home, consider the points, below.

Creating a comfortable environment 

While adopting a kitten means stocking up on toys, a senior cat is more likely to need cozy spots to rest than constant entertainment. Lower energy means fewer feather wands to chase, and more soft beds and blankets. How you prepare your home for your new family member will depend on the particular needs and temperament of your older cat. But in general, they’re fairly low-maintenance. If you’re comfortable, your senior cat will be comfortable, too.

Adjusting your home to their mobility levels

Senior cats may need litter boxes with low sides, so it’s easy for them to step in and out. Stairs may present difficulty for a cat with creaky joints, so make sure they have access to food, water, litter boxes, and a soft place to snooze all on one level. If you want them to sleep with you, a bed that’s lower to the ground will be key — unless you want to scoop them up and lift them down from your mattress every time. Making your home accessible doesn’t have to be complicated: Simply take your cat’s needs into account, and don’t stress.

Senior cat diet needs

When you bring your senior cat home, one of the first things to do is pay a visit to your veterinarian. They can answer questions about what to feed your cat, such as, “Do older cats need senior food?” and “Do senior cats need more protein?” Some cats become overweight in their elder years, while others lose weight and can become too thin. Your vet will be able to recommend the best diet for your senior cat.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Senior cats are less likely to pounce on a toy mouse (or a real mouse, for that matter), but they still need to expend energy. And the same goes for their brains as well as their bodies. Food puzzles are fun and don’t require much exertion. A good brushing session is a lovely way to engage with your older cat, and it’s essential for their health as well, because it stimulates blood circulation and keeps their skin and coat healthy. Make sure they have scratch posts available — and don’t forget about good old cardboard boxes and paper bags. Cats of all ages love to hide and play with them, and you probably already have them in your house.

Senior cat health considerations 

While it’s true that senior cats come with lots of great benefits, they also come with some special needs and other things to keep in mind. Don’t let this deter you from adopting a senior cat — kittens have their own set of considerations as well. You’ll just want to be prepared for a few things, so you and your cat can enjoy your time together to the fullest.

Common health issues in older cats 

As we age, we tend to become more susceptible to certain health issues. Senior cats are no different. Issues such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer can all affect cats as they age. Dental disease and obesity are other things to watch for. Your vet will screen your cat for these, as well as hearing and vision loss. 

Getting regular veterinary check-ups

When you adopt a kitten, you’re in the vet’s office on a regular schedule for their vaccinations, and to make sure their growth and development are on track. With a senior cat, you’re more likely to be there for an actual health issue. But even if your older cat seems to be healthy, it’s important to take them for check-ups.

Staying current on vaccinations

Do senior cats need vaccinations? The answer is yes — but not as many, or as often. An older indoor cat may not require anything except a rabies vaccine every few years. If your cat goes outside, your vet may recommend an FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) booster as well.

Budgeting for medical care

Being a pet parent means being prepared for medical costs, and when you have a senior cat in your life, you’ll need to budget a bit more for vet visits. Things like blood work, urinalysis, diagnostic procedures like X-rays, medications, prescription food, and dental care can add up — and pet insurance for a senior cat may come with high premiums that don’t make it a cost-effective option. Insurance also may not cover your cat’s pre-existing conditions.

End-of-life considerations 

First off, senior cats aren’t as old as you’d think. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), a cat becomes a senior at age 10, although many veterinarians may consider them seniors at seven years. 

While a senior cat isn’t necessarily facing their mortality yet, when you adopt one, you do so knowing that they won’t live as long as a kitten — and that’s just a hard fact of life. Still, most seniors actually have many years ahead of them.

Of course, when the time finally comes, you’ll need to make decisions about how and where to say goodbye to your senior cat, and what to do with their remains. At-home euthanasia will be more costly than if you do it at a veterinary office, but it may be worth the cost so that both you and your cat are in a familiar, comfortable environment. Cremation services also carry a cost: You can choose to have your cat cremated individually, or in a communal cremation.

Commonly asked questions

Should I adopt a young or adult pet?

There are pros and cons to adopting young pets and older pets alike. If you’re on the fence, even after reading about all the wonderful benefits of adopting a senior cat, this article can also help you decide what’s right for you.

What is the average cost to adopt a cat?

When you adopt a cat, you’ll pay a one-time adoption fee. You’ll also want to budget for supplies: litter boxes, toys, brushes, bowls, scratch posts, carrying crates, collars, etc. After that, you’ll have ongoing expenses such as food and litter. Consider this overview of the costs involved in cat adoption.

References

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: The Special Needs of the Senior Cat

Factors Informing Outcomes for Older Cats and Dogs in Animal Shelters (National Library of Medicine