Discover the joys of adopting an older cat
By Midge Raymond
With kitten season now upon the Rogue Valley, adoptable older cats often get overlooked in favor of fluffy, adorable kittens. Yet adopting an older cat — a cat more than a year old — has myriad benefits and can be a much better option for busy families as well as older humans who may need to avoid having little furballs underfoot, advises Amanda Linnehan, president and executive director of the Talent nonprofit Feral Cats Advocacy (FCA).
Among other benefits, says Linnehan, are that older cats are litter-box trained and tend to have fewer to no accidents, unlike kittens who “sometimes forget their manners.” And, speaking of manners, older cats “have usually gotten the kitten behaviors out of their system, like playing with plants and pretty breakables,” she says. “They are usually trained to not scratch at the furniture or other things that are less than desirable.”
And for humans who have a mellow household, older cats have much less energy than kittens and “prefer cat naps to playing endlessly.”
Among the many cats in its foster program, FCA currently has two adult bonded pairs available for adoption (see their profiles below). FCA requires that bonded pairs go home together, which makes for a much easier transition into their new homes. “Bonded pairs mean that they have comfort even when they are uncomfortable,” Linnehan says, “which can be important to a more shy kitty, especially if one is shy and one is more confident.”
In addition to the “extra cuteness” of having two cats, a bonded pair is perfect for anyone who works away from home — this means less separation anxiety for the cats — or who may not have a lot of extra time to engage with a single cat, as single cats depend entirely on humans for their enrichment. With two cats, Linnehan says, “they have built-in playmates, which means you still get all the cuddles and love but not necessarily all the entertaining.”
FCA offers a reduced adoption fee for bonded pairs (single cats are $100, two cats are $150), as well as any two FCA cats who are adopted together. “We always highly encourage people to get more than one cat unless they are a cat that specifically does not like other cats. They always seem to do better.”
The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, a microchip, deworming, flea and mite treatment, the first (or more) FVRCP vaccine and sometimes a rabies vaccine as well. Most of all, Linnehan says, older cats and bonded pairs are the ones who need homes the most. “Bonded pairs are often overlooked, especially older ones,” she says. “Once adopted, they are the ones that we hear the most amazing stories about.”
Click here to see all of FCA’s adoptable cats, and read about two special bonded pairs below.
A Q&A with bonded pair Finn and Lily, two years old
Catty Corner: When and how did you arrive at Feral Cats Advocacy?
Finn: I was born into a feral colony, navigating the harsh streets with my sister. One stormy day, we found ourselves abandoned at Red Dog in Eagle Point, drenched and trembling with fear. Luckily, Feral Cats Advocacy swooped in, offering us warmth, shelter and a chance at a new life filled with care and compassion. All this happened one year and one month ago.
CC: What are you looking for in your new home?
Finn: In my quest for a new home, we seek comfort, security and a cozy spot to curl up in. A loving human companion who understands our independent spirit and provides tasty treats wouldn’t hurt either. Most importantly, we long for a place where we are cherished and where our purrs are met with gentle strokes and warm affection.
CC: What should your new humans know about you?
Finn: My new humans should know that I have a playful side hidden beneath my calm exterior. While I may seem reserved at first, I quickly warm up to kind gestures and gentle attention. Oh, and don’t forget to keep the treats coming — I have a sophisticated palate and appreciate the finer things in life!
Likes: Head bumps, long pets, a loving lap to sit on, being brushed, having a safe place to hide if feeling nervous. Dislikes: Loud and sudden noises.
Click here to adopt.
A Q&A with bonded pair Frank and Beans, two years old
Catty Corner: When and how did you arrive at Feral Cats Advocacy?
Frank: Nearly two years ago, we were plucked from a feral colony along with many other kittens, all of us in dire straits due to illness. Feral Cats Advocacy, with their kind hearts and skilled hands, rescued us from the brink of despair, offering us a chance at a healthy and happy life. Through their dedication and care, we blossomed from fragile, sickly kittens into strong and spirited felines, forever grateful for their intervention.
CC: What are you looking for in your new home?
Frank: In our search for a new home, I yearn for a cozy sanctuary where we can bask in sunbeams, explore every nook and cranny and indulge in playful antics. A loving human companion who understands our need for both independence and affection would make the purrfect match. Above all, we seek a haven where we are cherished and have warm laps to doze in as much as possible.
CC: What should your new humans know about you?
Frank: We kitties want you to know that while we may seem mysterious and aloof at times, we have hearts full of love and loyalty. We thrive on routine, gentle affection and interactive play. Providing us with a safe and stimulating environment, along with patience and understanding, will surely win our trust and affection in return.
Likes: FOOD! Warm, cozy laps to sit in; windows to look out of; and somewhere cozy to snuggle with my brother. Dislikes: Loud and sudden noises.
Click here to adopt.
To meet other adoptable older cats (and kittens), join Friends of the Animals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Rogue Valley Mall (lower level, in front of Macy’s). In addition to cats from the Friends of the Animals foster network, there will be cats from FCA, Melly Cat Rescue, and other organizations.
Ashland resident Midge Raymond is co-founder of Ashland Creek Press and author of the novel “My Last Continent.” Email suggestions and questions for Catty Corner to her at [email protected].
