In praise of older cats...
Older cats are quite often overlooked in favour of young cats or kittens when adopting a cat is considered. Cats are classed as senior when over 7 years old which is equivalent to around 44 years in human terms.
Cats are living longer due to the advances in veterinary medicine and many cats now live into their late teens and even their early twenties, so most senior cats will have many years of life and love to give.
Although kittens are lively and fun they can also be mischievous and destructive, especially when left alone for long periods.
The following are good reasons for adopting a mature cat rather than a young cat.
The personality of an older cat is already known, this makes it easier for us to match the cat to their new owner/s.
Older cats are generally less demanding than young cats and need less supervision, if you work outside the home, an adult cat is much better able to content itself while you are out than a young cat who would be looking for something to amuse itself whilst you were out.
Most older cats just want a lap to sit on, regular food and companionship
Adult cats from a rescue will be neutered, litter trained, and generally much calmer than a youngster
If you have an older cat already, another oldie, carefully introduced, can be less stressful for him/her than a kitten
The older cat is far less likely to catch birds and mice than a youngster, or at least much less often
A senior puss is unlikely to leap up on your shelves and knock your ornaments off, or to climb up your curtains (this is not guaranteed but is much less likely!!)
Mature moggies are so grateful to have found a loving home again - they will repay your love ten-fold
Adult cats may sleep at the foot of your bed or in a cosy spot in your bedroom or under your bed, while a kitten will most likely run around all night climbing on anything low enough to jump on, including you and be really tempted by wiggly toes under the bedclothes!
If you are elderly, work for long hours, or have children under six, please consider adopting an adult cat.
Some adult cats are single household cats. If you only want one, an adult cat is recommended. A young kitten will probably get lonely if left at home alone all day.
We always have older cats looking for homes all the year round, whereas kittens are most plentiful during the spring and summer months.
Our next Homing Day at Kenwood Kennels, Llanmorlais is on Sunday November 20 from 10am to 4pm. Details to be found on our website www.swanseacats.co.uk
Helpline number is 0845 217 9648.
