20 Apr Why are older cats often overlooked?
Animal welfare workers at a Norfolk cat centre are baffled as to why mature moggies with a lot of love to share are so often overlooked despite being a best match to someone looking to home a cat.
While it is undeniable that kittens have the cute factor, they come pre-loaded with bags of energy and can need more attention than many older cats who can have a calmness that comes with experience of sharing a home with a family or alongside other pets.
Sam Taylor, Manager at Cats Protection’s Downham Market Adoption Centre, said: “It amazes us that senior cats sit on the shelf for so long when all they want is another chance to share their love with someone. That really shouldn’t be too much to ask, should it?
“People coo over kittens but mature moggies really steal your heart. Knowing their stories and why they came into our care can be quite emotional. Look into their eyes and you’ll be hooked. We hope more people in Norfolk can make room in their hearts and homes for an older cat.”
Meet some of the #MatureMoggies at Downham Market Adoption Centre:
Cinders has spent more than four months in care while seeing cats around her going to their forever homes is. This 12-year-old puss enjoys fuss and her previous owners reported that Cinders likes to cosy up in the evenings after a long day of watching the world go by from a windowsill. Cinders would be suited to an older person or an adult-only home where she can snooze the days away or sit in a safe and sunny garden. Meet Cinders: https://www.cats.org.uk/downhammarket#adopt-3402
Patch, aged 12 years, is looking for a home where she can be the only pet. With a lovely calm nature, Patch is very much a lap cat and, given the chance, would like to snuggle on a bed at night. When the nice weather is here, Patch would like a garden to enjoy the sunshine. Meet Patch: https://www.cats.org.uk/findacatform?b=365&ncid=4268
Billie, another 12-year-old cat, is partially sighted and is looking for someone who can give her the care that she needs. This gorgeous girl has such a loving temperament and would be best suited to a quiet home with a secure garden where she can happily mooch around. Anyone interested in giving Billie a home can talk with the Cats Protection team about caring for a cat with reduced eyesight. Meet Billie: https://www.cats.org.uk/findacatform?b=365&ncid=4547
Lucy is a curly-haired beauty who has been a much-loved companion since a kitten and now finds herself in need of a new family to continue treating her like a pampered princess. Lucy, aged 13 years, is a lap cat and likes to be around people but don’t let her age deceive you. This mature lady likes chasing toys around the house and playing fetch. If you are looking for a companion who won’t wander far, meet Lucy: https://www.cats.org.uk/findacatform?b=365&ncid=3437
Shirley: This affectionate 12-year-old girl has lived with younger children before so would make an idea family pet. Shirley would like access to a garden and would happily spend summer days snoozing in the sunshine, before returning in the evening for a snuggle on the sofa. Meet Shirley: https://www.cats.org.uk/findacatform?b=365&ncid=4513
Cats Protection created Mature Moggies Day (16 June) to remind people of the benefits of adopting a senior kitizen, to share inspirational stories and provide information and advice.
Cats adopted from Cats Protection have been health-checked and vaccinated and come with four weeks free pet insurance, which will cover any new conditions that arise after adoption.
Visit Cats Protection’s Downham Market Adoption Centre to view cats in need of homes and find out how to support the charity’s work.
