Senior Cats for Seniors

You know when you see the perfect kitten, that orange boy you've always wanted? Your friend is looking at the black and white one-can't she see the orange one is the best? Everybody deserves that feeling-meeting the one that is your cat.

Well-intentioned adult children may want to surprise a parent with a kitten but a pet is not a sweater or new golf club. Choosing a pet for another person is never a good idea and giving a kitten as a surprise or a holiday gift is even worse.

While some seniors may like the idea of a kitten, the reality may be too much-too much climbing, too much running underfoot and just too much energy. Kittens in pairs can wear each other out but not everyone is able to adopt two together. So what can be done about a parent who is lonely or missing a long-time companion? Consider a senior cat for a senior parent.

There are many benefits to adopting an older cat who won't have the frantic energy of a kitten. Kittens want to explore, get behind the stove, under the bed and on a closet shelf. An older cat is more likely to sit on a lap or watch birds from the window. Cats don't need to eat ten times a day like a kitten will say he should. Litter training is already a habit instead of a learning experience.

Seniors are no longer the Grandma baking cookies image or the lonely oldster waiting for someone to call or visit. Seniors are more active than ever, traveling, going back to school, and volunteering. A cat will tolerate these absences and still meow a welcome home.

Another major consideration is the benefit to the cat. Not many people can look at a kitten and not fall in love, leaving older cats in jeopardy at a shelter. Older cats do not get adopted as quickly as kittens. It may just be the owner's imagination but most people who rescue an older cat from a shelter say, "He seems grateful," or "She tries so hard to please and is by me all the time." People swear, "I think he knew I was his last chance." Sometimes, many times, we are.

Not all seniors are able to or want to live on their own. Assisted living facilities have a lot of benefits to offer, including allowing pets. Cats make an ideal choice-no walking when it's hot or rainy, no zooming like a water skier over icy and snowy sidewalks towed behind a speeding dog. A cat will stay in the room or apartment, use the litter box, and warm cold feet at night.

Put a birdfeeder outside the window- the suction cup kind-and it will entertain the cat while you're at bingo, on a planned outing, shopping or visiting. Even if the living arrangements are small, a cat is happy if there's room for a food dish, water, litter box and his favorite human to hold and pet him-and let him scrunch up the blankets. There's a video just for cats! It features birds, squirrels, mice, butterflies and more. Cats love the movement and sounds and will sit and watch the video over and over. It's entertaining-the cat watches the video and you watch the cat.

Some cats do well on a harness and leash-take him for a walk in the hallways, into the common areas and visit with other seniors who aren't able to have a cat of their own. Walks outside in the garden area are possible too. Afraid the cat can wiggle out of the harness? Does the harness end up in a tangle? Think about a stroller. Yes, there are enclosed strollers with a mesh cover so cats can ride in comfort, see the sights, get outdoors and still be safe. Inside it keeps them under control and prevents other people from startling them by a sudden movement. Cats love the stroller idea-after all, aren't humans their faithful servants, designed to help them travel in style? It's a given that cats are good company for seniors, active or not, in an apartment, house or assisted living facility. It's not mentioned as often but seniors are good for cats too.

Seniors for seniors - it's a love story in the making.

Sandra Murphy lives in the land of booze, blues and shoes - St Louis, Missouri. When not writing, she works as a pet sitter. In her spare time, she caters to the whims of Reilly and BB, stray cats rescued by her dog, Avery.