Older cats
There is never a shortage of older cats at our rehoming centres looking for a new place to call their own, many have years left to enjoy life. Cats are living longer due to better living standards and advancements in veterinary care; the average lifespan of a cat is thought to be 16 years, however, they can live into their twenties.
Unfortunately we find that older cats are more difficult to rehome, so by offering one of our senior residents a loving new home; you will be making a personal contribution to animal welfare.
Take a look at all of our older cats currently looking for homes.
What to expect
You should expect an older cat to require less supervision than a young cat, their energy levels are much lower and they already have experience of home life. Individual cats in the older stages of life will all have their own personality, but in general, they tend to be more homely and relaxed. If you rehome an older cat from the centre, we should be able to give you information on its character, so you are aware of what type of cat you are taking on. They can still be playful and enjoy going outside, but this is often less frequent in comparison to a younger cat.
Older cats can be a real pleasure to care for. They can make wonderful companions who really enjoy their home comforts. If they fit with your lifestyle then why not consider rehoming an older cat? You won't need to worry about them using your curtains as a climbing frame or training them to use the litter tray!
Insurance
It is really important that you consider whether you will insure your older cat once you have rehomed from us. Most cats will experience some type of medical issue in their lifetime, many of which are related to old age. Think about how you will pay for veterinary care, can you afford to support your cat fully without insurance?
Most insurers will not allow a new policy to be taken out on a cat aged over eight years. We work with Petplan Charity cover, which will insure any aged cat we rehome, from six weeks old to twenty-two years old! You receive four weeks’ free cover and then have the opportunity to extend this, if you do not take this opportunity at the end of the four week period then you may lose the chance to get insurance altogether.
Veterinary care
We will ask you to take your cat for regular OAP checks at your local vet; they will be able to monitor your cat’s physical health. Older cats can be prone to dental problems and need their teeth checked regularly. Your vet can advise you about dental care on an ongoing basis. There are many products that are available to assist in keeping your cat’s teeth clean; examples of this are toothpaste, dental biscuits and seaweed plaque treatments. If you keep your cat’s teeth in good condition then you can avoid the need for regular dental treatment under anaesthetic, where the vets will clean and possibly remove teeth.
You should treat your cat regularly with flea and worm products from the vet; they are still at the same risk of parasite burden even if they spend more time inside than out. You should also keep a close eye on your cat’s claws, they may struggle to keep the nail short and you may need to clip them regularly.
Older cats tend to thrive on routine and consistency in the home. They may have a lower tolerance of routine change and may become less adaptable as they age; if they do become short tempered on a regular basis you should consult a vet as it can be sign of stress or illness.
Some of the most common signs of illness are listed below, please consult your vet if you experience any of the signs listed below:
-Increased drinking
-Increase or decrease in appetite
-Lack of hearing or sight
-Loose or very dry faeces
-Erratic or very lethargic behaviour
-Lack of grooming
Top tip
Most cats will suffer from age related illnesses such as kidney failure or hyperthyroidism; these are often misdiagnosed by owners, who just put the symptoms down to old age. The clinical signs of these conditions are usually an increase, or decrease in normal behaviours, such as eating, tolerance levels, urinating, drinking or grooming. If you diagnose these types of conditions early enough, they can be managed responsibly and often give your cat extra years of life.
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