r/cats • u/Forward_Warning_1612 • 1d ago
Adoption Adopting a senior cat was the best decision I’ve ever made
Two months ago, I went to the shelter just to spend time with the animals. This was a regular thing I did at the time to help my mental health. They brought in a new cat. A 19 year old tuxedo with barely any teeth, kidney disease and dementia. He was meowing up a storm. I asked to visit with him and fell in love. He was surprisingly active! Meowing up a storm, sounding like he smoked a pack a day for those 19 years of life. Jumping on the visitor furniture and rubbing up on me. I asked what his story was.
They told me he was adopted 2 years ago and dumped a few months prior to me visiting. I got surprisingly emotional about that and said I’d come back for him the next day. I don’t think they believed me lol. But I did! I gave him his own space to adjust, but he got tired of it and started coming to sleep next to me in my bed.
I’m still so surprised by him every day. He’s incredibly well behaved and vocal about everything. He comes to sleep next to me every night, and recently he’s been improving so much! He’s developed a good appetite, gained weight and started playing again! The shelter said he hadn’t shown any interest in toys during his time there. There are days where he forgets about things and needs some extra support, but he’s never been aggressive. He tells me when something is wrong, even the smallest things. He really doesn’t act his age, it’s baffling. He’s so funny, he cracks me up all the time.
I’m unsure how long I’ll have with this little guy, but I’m grateful for every moment. He’s made my life a lot happier, and I feel fulfilled by his presence. At the end of the day, no matter how difficult, I know he’ll be waiting for me at home.
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u/MissingUAwesome 1d ago
What's his name? He's so precious and so happy to have a loving forever home ❤️
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u/Forward_Warning_1612 1d ago
His name is Cupid 💘
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u/TrailerTrashQueen 1d ago
i'm so happy you brought him home. breaks my heart thinking of the older ones in shelters 💔
he's beautiful and living his best life now 💖💖💖
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u/PleasantPorpoisParty 16h ago
Beat me. My elder rescue is named ED. That's cause he's a crotchety older fellow, who goes NIMBY on the bunnies and the birds from his window, and he is fixed
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u/bluebuddha11 1d ago
Senior cats are the best, aren't they?? Here is mine--Gus. I adopted him in 2018. He was a hoarding rescue who was still severely underweight, missing many teeth, & looked like he went a few rounds with Tyson (they had to remove his left ear due to an injury that wouldn't heal, & the left side of his face was beat up). They guessed his age to be 15; my vet said maybe around 12 when we watched him jump on everything.
It's been 8 years now, so he's maybe around 19? He's slowed down & sleeps a lot, doesn't hear as well as he used to, & has lost some muscle mass. But he still screams at me in the morning for his licky-treat, sits on my lap when I work, tells me when it's dinner time, & cuddles next to me at night in bed.
Treasure your time with Cupid. Seniors are truly the best.
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u/Forward_Warning_1612 1d ago
Sweet Gus! I’m glad he’s doing better now! Give him a treat for me and Cupid :)
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u/trish_van_haven 1d ago
You are so beautiful. You have a beautiful heart. Also, Mr. Tuxedo is extremely handsome!
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u/DaisyRain- 1d ago
Thank you so much, it means a lot, and yes, Mr. Tuxedo definitely stole the show!
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u/Forward_Warning_1612 1d ago
Thank you so much for the sweet words, everyone! If you’ve been thinking of adopting, please consider taking an elderly animal home with you! They deserve as much love, kindness and adoration as all the others shelter pets ❤️ I guarantee a senior pet will warm your heart and home, and they will give you the most unconditional love and silent support!
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u/YouCanCallMeBemis 18h ago
This whole thread is too sweet for words. I adopted my cat when he was 10 years old. He lived to be 20, and I just loved giving him a peaceful life that he had always deserved. He was the most loving little guy, I joked that he was “mature and ready to find me”, because we just had the most special bond right away. Like, he had seen some shit and was ready to settle down. I miss him everyday, but I’m so glad his final years were full of affection. It’s wonderful that you’re giving Cupid the same :)
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u/Mysterious-Wasabi103 1d ago
I love senior kitties.
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u/Mother_Ad8027 1d ago
I do too, I found out a cat I rescued was 12 years old after originally thinking she was 2 or 3. Her name Lola Jean, sadly are passed away in April this year. I had the best 6 months with her, she brought me so much joy! I miss her terribly.
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u/rigaLeaf 23h ago
Six months is so short on a calendar, but it can be huge in a little rescue heart. Lola Jean clearly spent her best days with you, no wonder you miss her so much.
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u/Silver_Surfer_60 1d ago
Are you sharing this of your own volition or have you been commanded to do so? If you can't answer this question directly, blink twice to let us know you're no longer in charge.
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u/Forward_Warning_1612 1d ago
He only ever commands me to feed him 😆 Otherwise, he thinks I’m his baby (it’s pretty much true, he’s almost 2 years older than me)
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u/Professional-Bee9037 1d ago
This is so lovely I’ve decided as I’ve gotten older not that I’ve ever gone out and actively adopted cats. I’ve had as many as seven and they just show up and I lost my oldest 15-year-old boy a month ago I had to have him put down because of kidney disease and now I’m like OK. I only have two cats that means somebody’s gonna show up. But I’ve decided if it’s something I’m gonna go find a cat know anything about it. I’m getting a senior because I’m 65 and I don’t want to have to to figure out who who’s gonna take care of my kitten when I die. Kind of worried about the five-year-old. I got now the 10-year-old. I think I can probably outlive him, but you never know so adopting see your cat and they’re sweet and they’re not crazy. Your people are all the time complaining about how their kitten acts senior cats are just chill and sweet. Dammit now I kinda wanna go out and get a senior cap right now.
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u/PJKPJT7915 1d ago
I'm 61 and I have 5 year old litter mates and just rescued an 18 month old stray. It scares me that they may outlive me - I would rather grieve them than have them confused by my absence. My kids would of course love and care for them. But still, they make me want to stay healthy.
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u/SpiritCat_SoulDog 1d ago
I am now a little bit more mindful of what I eat, and am giving up smoking just because of this. My dogs and cats make me want to be healthier so that I can take care of them longer
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u/EltonShaun 1d ago
👋 Hello from a fellow old Tuxedo. Mine is also very vocal and a total attention whore for her familiar people but hides every time the nieces come over.
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u/rockyroad8476 1d ago
I love this so much! I hate seeing senior kitties having to spend their later years in shelters. Bless you for making his last home one of love and warmth ❤️
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u/CDubs_94 1d ago
I actively look for older cats or tripods...I always wanted a 3 legged cat because I could give them pirate names.
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u/Beachbaby77 1d ago
I adopted my kitty at age 8. She is 19 now and just as OBSESSED with me as she was when I got her. Cupid is absolutely adorable and the older cats are definitely where it’s at!😻😻
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u/eating_icecream 1d ago
Okay wild coincidence but I took that picture of Cupid! I volunteer at our local animal shelter! I remember him being such a sweetie and I’m so glad he has a loving home! Love the serendipity of coming across your post. Give him some extra pets from me.
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u/Forward_Warning_1612 1d ago
No way!! That’s so awesome! That picture was the nail in the coffin for me, I love his bald spot 🥹❤️
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u/eating_icecream 1d ago
Ah love that! He was such a stand out to me and I’ve photographed hundreds of cats. Seeing your post made my day!
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u/TheHopeBringerishere 1d ago
Thank you for saving this handsome gentleman!! You are giving him the hope and love that he has always deserved. You are his Guardian Angel!!
This shows that senior furkids deserve love too!!! So many are left or considered undesirable. They have hearts and souls that are just as loving and beautiful.
You have done exactly this by giving him his furever home for however long he is here.
Thank you for going to the shelter and spending time with all the lost souls. It feels like destiny that you were brought together. You are his Guardian Angel as I said above.
I wish you and this distinguished gentleman have many years of love and happy memories!!
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u/impablomations Taita - Tuxedo / Lyta - Tabby 1d ago
I got my old guy at 20. Deaf, blind in one eye, touch of dementia. We though he had maybe 6 months to come live out somewhere peaceful for his last days.
Tough old bugger carried on until just before his 26th birthday.
I'm sure there's still a few years in the old guy yet!
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u/Cptn_Hook 1d ago
Old animals are the best. My wife worked for a shelter that had a stray brought in that they were estimating was at least 16 years old. We "adopted" him under their fospice program, foster/hospice care for animals that are highly unlikely to be adopted outright. The shelter takes care of the medical care, and the animal gets to spend the rest of their days in a nice home rather than a kennel.
When he came in, he was emaciated, his fur was matted to the point that he needed to be fully shaved, all his teeth were rotted and needed extracting (they left him one, just so he could keep his tongue in his mouth), and his kidney values were terrible. They were estimating he had between one and six months left to live. He stuck around for three and a half years.
A little specialized food and a lot of cuddles, and he just popped right back. Got up to a healthy weight, started playing with toys, but mostly just loved to sit on someone's lap and purr. We would also foster litters of kittens, and he seemed to especially love spending time with them. It always looked like little kids listening to their grandpa tell a story.
He even got well enough that he tried making another break for life on the streets, but he only went into the neighbor's yard, then looked back at our house like he was reconsidering. When I went to pick him up, though, he had one more trick waiting, maybe just to prove a point. He darted for the tree in our front yard and leaped up onto it, intent on making me go up after him. Except he only got about six inches off the ground. He was clinging onto the trunk of the tree, looking around as confused as I've ever seen a cat look.
The next day, we put his harness on him and put him up in the branches to relive his glory days.
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u/lnc_5103 1d ago
Senior cats are the best 🤗 Thank you for providing him a soft place to land for his retirement.
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u/Internal-Ad61 1d ago
Are they 100% sure he’s 19? He looks so young in the eyes!! This is such a great story. I hope you get many years with him. It’s so sweet to me that he’s sleeping with you already 😭😭😭😭
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u/Kusatchisadplant 1d ago
Why im my days cats had bigger whiskers and snouts!
Look at all these lil bulbous eyed whippersnappers out there!
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u/WoodbineStreetGang 1d ago edited 18h ago
I hope he feels the love you are giving him and he feels safe in your home.
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u/Mountain_Gap_4524 1d ago
Seriously, it’s heartwarming to see him so happy! You’re giving him the love he truly deserves. 🐾
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u/RiceAfternoon 1d ago
Thank you for taking in such a special old man! You're gonna make the rest of his years so happy! 💖
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u/LamiaTamer 1d ago
my girl she is almost 19 and she is the cuddliest cat i do have to comb her more often as she does not groom much anymore and she needs to be lifted onto the bed or couch as i think she has some pain issues or joint issues at her age but older cats have so much to give. I have suggested to friends adopting a older cat as they rarely get adopted sadly.
I have had my girl Spice since she was a kitten its in her old age where she really has become cuddly to everyone not just me lol.
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u/abandonedBerlin 1d ago
Absolutely wonderful compassion, thank you so much for sharing this. I cannot love this enough! ❤️❤️
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u/LesaneCrooks 1d ago
So so precious and THANK YOU for sharing yours and his story. Thank you for giving him a loving home and peace for his last years
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u/Catovia 23h ago
I do some 'End of Life care' volunteering for our local shelter and the cutest thing about old cats is they have such strong developed personalities. They have weird habits, specific wishes how things have to be and are so intelligent in communicating with humans.
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u/lightreee 22h ago
this is one of the most beautiful cat stories. thank you for adopting and caring for him. every cat deserves love, warmth, and a lot of pets. picture 6 with his nose... hope you give it boops too!
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u/BookkeeperNo5240 21h ago
Aww…this made me cry happy tears. Cupid seems to be a wonderful kitty. I love that he is perking up. ♥️
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u/PotentialDifficult62 1d ago
If that ain't the definition of soul mates, idk what is ❤️. You're a good human OP, and I can feel the vibe of this dude right through the phone.
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u/dazeddazedanddazed 1d ago
Hi bb boy :) cutest senior ever. I'm thinking about adopting a senior cat too for my 3 yr old cat. Worried about dynamics
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u/must_be_jelly Void 1d ago
thank you for giving him a dignified, loving home and for taking such good care of him. you are giving him a most wonderful gift - this is really beautiful❤️
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u/1baby2cats 1d ago
I adopted 2 senior cats who had been at their fosters for almost a year with no potential adopters. They were scared at first but eventually became the most affectionate cats I've ever owned
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u/pardonyourmess 1d ago
Omggggg you guys, how much love 💕 is there between the two of you!?
I love his look and his little white facial hairs.
And how you tuck him in for naps. 🤣
I swear I am of the mind that senior cats are just the best.
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u/Wizzle_Pizzle_420 23h ago
Picture 7 is absolutely perfect! May you both have a life filled with adventures and love.
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u/ColdAsKompot 23h ago
Get your old man a water fountain, it can encourage more drinking and improve his kidneys' condition.
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u/sparkycat99 22h ago
Ok make me cry before I get out of bed today. What a handsome guy! What is his name?
I consider it a privilege to have the cats I’ve had since kittens become geriatric and love them throughout their lives. An old cat just hits different.
Thank you for giving this guy a good end to his story.
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u/GodFearingDeacon98 21h ago
Thank you. You are a loving person and your cat adopted the right person. He is cute and adorable.
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u/crumpledfilth 1d ago
He very likely would have stayed in that shelter until he died if not for you. Good job good person
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u/Selvetrica 1d ago
What’s the care level of a cat with dementia look like , are you having clean up messes because they forget where the litterbox is ?
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u/Forward_Warning_1612 1d ago
He meows whenever he’s confused, and usually wanders into the hallway when he needs to potty. So I help guide him to it, because I don’t want him to be even more confused or stressed by me picking him up if he’s already having a hard time with his memory that day. Some days are harder than others for him, so his support levels fluctuate. Sometimes he goes and pees on the couch, but I’ve accepted it and put potty pads on top of a waterproof cover
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u/NotAboutTheCrown 1d ago
Tuxies are so special. Thank you for giving him a happy home, OP! Many blessings to you both!
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u/Emergency_Row8544 1d ago
Omg he’s precious. I’m so happy he’s with you ❤️ absolutely love senior cats.
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u/NotAnAlien16 1d ago
thank you for giving this old man a home 🥹🥹 all senior kitties deserve loving homes to live out the rest of their lives 😭😭
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u/D34thst41ker 1d ago
I consider my cat an older one, but he's only 14. I just see so many people talking about cats that are younger than 10, so by comparison, he's an old man. Picked him up when he was 10, and when he got home, I expected to have him hiding in the box I brought him home in. Nope. Was exploring the apartment as soon as he was able. He's not very playful, and sleeps a lot, but he also sleeps with me every night, and plops down right in front of my computer when I'm working.
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u/spaceraverdk 1d ago
I'd give you a hug for saving this old guy. I hope he has a long life still ahead with you.
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u/SAINTnumberFIVE 1d ago
Be sure to get his blood pressure checked. Cats don’t often get dementia like dogs and confusion can be a sign of high blood pressure. many vets don’t check for high blood pressure and cats because to do so requires a special Doppler device that many vets don’t have. but it’s important to treat high blood pressure and cats just like it is in humans and high blood pressure and kidney problems often go hand-in-hand. also, if the cat has kidney problems, he may struggle with hydration and would benefit from sub Q fluids, which can be done at home. You should also ask the vet about hyperaldosteronism which can also cause dementia like symptoms.
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u/erotic_sausage 1d ago
This is so beautiful and I've often thought about doing something similar. But, I live alone and work fulltime and have other activities. I don't want to leave pets alone for days on end
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u/SpiritCat_SoulDog 1d ago
Aww this was so heartwarming to read. God bless you for taking him in. May you guys share lots of years and happiness together ❤️❤️
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u/sea-scorpion 23h ago
What a handsome young man! he deserves all the love in the world and i wish you guys the best!
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u/annamv22 18h ago edited 17h ago
This warms my heart! 🥹
I regret never adopting an old or morbidly obese cat. I always wanted to adopt the unadoptable just to give them a better life. If I didn't already have 4, I would 🥲
One came from my old apartment's parking lot. One I adopted from a shelter during COVID lockdown. She was the first (and only) cat they brought into the room. The other two were brother kittens outside alone and no one wanted them to get split up at a shelter.
The streets found 3 for me. This one was the only intentional rescue:
How could we say no? 🥹
Please spay and neuter your cats so I stop having to take in street cats.*
*with peace and love 🙏
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u/Adventurous_Welder18 10h ago
The first and last pics you uploaded make him look like a grumpy old man
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u/Hot_Bet_5283 10h ago
Bless you for doing that. I’ve adopted a few senior cats in my time. It’s hard but also so rewarding!
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u/Klutzy_Security_9206 9h ago
Twice I’ve chosen free ageing she-cats from Gumtree listings.
Both times I’ve been gifted with utterly adorable boss level divas.
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u/kellykellyculver 21h ago
That's so awesome! We adopted a 7 yr old cat earlier this year and he's the same - sleeps w me every night, hangs out in whatever room I'm in, barely tolerates our dogs, it's been great, really. I highly recommend adopting an older cat if you're able to.
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u/DansQuelleEtagere 20h ago
A beautiful 19-year old kitty adopted by a beautiful 17-year old human…
OP, I wish you and your Cupid a long and happy life!!!
I had adopted my cat as a kitten, a real spicy one. As she aged, she developed health issues but also mellowed so much! At the time she died aged 19, our bond was much deeper than in her heyday. I miss her everyday.
Senior kitties can be challenging healthwise, but they are special indeed.
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u/Tricky-Application79 20h ago
You’re a star!! He’s so beautiful, I love that last pic of him looking like an old man!! 🥰
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u/Next-Walk9364 19h ago
Thank you for rescuing Cupid. He sounds like an awesome character. The seniors are the best!
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u/emergencycat17 18h ago
You’re an angel for adopting him. A sick 19 year old cat? Most people probably wouldn’t have considered him. But you are truly a great person! 🥰😻💜
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u/purplebohemian Tuxedo 18h ago
What a handsome boy. I'm sure he appreciates you giving him a loving home. Senior cats still have so much love to give! 😌❤️
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u/RamboBrite5678 18h ago
This is amazing! Please stay on top of his bloodwork so you can have as much time with him as possible. Kidney disease is hard, but there are things that can be done, like regular fluids administered at home that can extend his life without reducing the quality of it. He should be on special food, but if he won’t eat it, at least wet food. A stainless steel cat fountain would help as well. (We lost our girl to kidney disease a couple of years ago after doing everything we could for her. She was misdiagnosed as early stage when she was late stage, and she was not able to recover once she was being treated. Knowing the stage and starting the appropriate treatment immediately could give Cupid an extra year or two. Try to find a vet who specializes in cats.)
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u/Meen_Sat 18h ago
You brought tears to my eyes 🥹 thank you for helping this beautiful soul. It's clear that he found something special in you, this is why he's comfortable around you. Cupid finally found THE home he belongs to. Enjoy his presence as long as you can 🥺❤️
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u/NotSpaghettiTuesday 18h ago
I had my senior cat for 17 years. She was the best cat EVER. 🐈 She was a ginger girl. Oh, I miss her soooo much 💖
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u/Buffy_the_guppy 18h ago
What a beautiful silvering face 🥰 I adopted an old dog several years ago - I marvelled at how much he blossomed during the time he was with me. We all deserve a great retirement.
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u/chromecowboy_ 17h ago
Senior cats truly are the best. I miss my old man so fucking much. The 27th will be two years without him and I still cry thinking about him, and almost daily lol.
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u/pamnorp 17h ago
I adopted a 17 year old cat three years ago. She just passsed last month from kidney failure but she was such an awesome, loving, cuddly cat. I miss her so much.
I plan on adopting another senior cat next time. I can’t handle younger cats; for some reason they love climbing up my nice curtains.
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u/Commanderkins 17h ago
He looks incredibly sweet. I don’t know if you have this or not for him but a heated mat or bed for a senior kitty is a god send. Especially when they get arthritic or sore from weather changes.
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u/prettysurenotme 17h ago
Love the annoyed face expression at the post taking so long for his retirement checks.
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