Senior Cat Seeks To Hurdle Misconceptions About Adopting Older Felines
Every cat is unique. Some are quite social animals that constantly purr
and play with other felines in the household. However, others are more comfortable being by themselves in the home.
Miss Kitty was surrendered to the Hanover County Animal Control (HCAC) on April 27 by a citizen who explained to officials that the mature female domestic shorthair "was not getting along with the other cat in the house." Yet, HCAC Animal Facility Manager Andrew Hodnett explained Miss Kitty hasn't presented the shelter with any problems since she's been a resident.
Story written by Alex Lemieux.
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"We haven't had her around other cats, but she's been fine with us, personally," he said. "Her temperament seems to be fine."
Reportedly, her previous owner kept Miss Kitty's vaccinations current, and she seems to have a good bill of health, apart from weighing in at 16 pounds of fluff. Andrew suggested that Miss Kitty probably wants to live in a single-animal home.
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"That's the best way for her," he said. "Her best option for rehoming would probably be in a household with no other cats."
Though, a few hurdles must be jumped to get Miss Kitty a forever home where she can have a space all for her own. She may not be seen by potential cat parents as "high on the pecking order" for adoption. This feline is getting on in her age at 12 years old, and mature cats are typically less likely to be adopted than younger ones.
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The ASPCA reports that 3.2 million senior felines—those over 10 years old—enter U.S. animal shelters every year. Some common misconceptions that may lead to this are that mature cats are seen as less healthy than younger animals, not as friendly, and harder to train.
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"A lot of people, first and foremost, are looking for kittens more than anything," Andrew explained. "After that, specific cat breeds like Siamese and other unique breeds."
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Unfortunately, felines like Miss Kitty can be challenging to rehome because they must be the only cat in the household. She isn't a feline who prides herself on purring all the time or cozying up to strangers.
"She's not super outgoing," Andrew expressed. "She's friendly, but she's not outgoing."
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Nevertheless, more mature felines have several advantages over their younger counterparts, including having predictable personalities, less need for consistent monitoring, and having a better time acclimating to home life.
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Andrew explained that Miss Kitty is listed for adoption. Still, the HCAC may lean on a local rescue group with more resources and time to work with her personally to understand what Miss Kitty likes, the best ways for her to express her personality, and shave off a pound or two.
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Even though Miss Kitty may be a resident of the HCAC for the time being, her human caretakers are working hard to ensure that she and all other cats like her have an opportunity to enjoy a home of their own.
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