Thoughts on adopting a 12 yr old cat??? What is your experience with aging cats , etc??

furryfriend2013

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Not sure if it would be a good idea since my daughter is only 5, and its possible in 3 yrs she would have to mourn the loss....Though, the cat could live till 20 :) Just trying to see what issues I will have with an older cat, I have no experience with older cats at all......But she was given up to a shelter because the owner developed allergies, and she is 100% healthy, declawed, and they stated she cleans herself well...I have only seen pictures of her...
 

stephanietx

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I would go for it.  The kitty shouldn't be as rambunctious as a kitten, which would probably be good for your 5 yr old.  When the kitty dies, you have a good opportunity to teach your daughter how to grieve the loss of a pet.  It's not easy, but death is a part of life.  Just think of the love you have to give this older kitty!
 

scuns68

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I would go for it. If she is in the shelter she has a very slim chance to make it out alive during kitten season. It is very nice of you to consider adopting a senior kitty, I hope you go for it.
 

lorie d.

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First of all, I'm glad this kitty has a chance to go to a new home instead of being put down at a shelter.  All the cats I've had were healthy until they reached their later years.  So even though the cat is healthy now, one thing to expect is that she could eventually develop some health issues that might lead to more vet expenses.  Just plan ahead for this possibility, it shouldn't stop you from adopting the cat and giving her a wonderful home.

Good luck!!!!! 
 

white shadow

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...one thing to expect is that she could eventually develop some health issues....Just plan ahead for this possibility
Hi Furryfriend2013!

Something has connected you with this cat already. From my experience, I would say: seize it and run with it.

Make sure your daughter knows (and you, too) to allow her time and space to adjust to her new home, without putting expectations on her to perform/conform to any preconceptions......she WILL adjust and fit in.....she simply may need a little more time than would a kitten.

Lori offered a pearl of wisdom there about planning ahead. To further that: most shelters have some 'connection' with one/more pet insurance companies. Many of these offer guaranteed acceptance with adoptions. Look into this and sign up with a reputable plan. If she currently has a clean bill of health, that will be a bonus. If the shelter Vet or a Vet connected to the shelter does the first examination, that may well expedite the insurance acceptance. I would want coverage for at least emergencies and unexpected illness, not for regular expected health exams.

I have no idea of how 'connected' you may be to cat health issues these days...but, as an example,"yearly vaccinations" are no longer recommended, and only certain types of vaccines as well. I'd advise that you check back in here before doing any vaccination - there are ones to be avoided!

Find out exactly what food she's eating at the shelter - you'll want to continue with that variety  (at least) in the short term to avoid digestive issues in the early days....we could offer feedback later if you wanted. (ask if the shelter has food/health info from her previous owner - that is usually priceless)

Now...you have an obligation to keep us updated - and to show pics!
 

natalie_ca

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Personally if I had the room I would adopt her in a heart beat!  I love senior kitties because they tend to be more mellow, easy going and loving.

A senior kitty in a shelter is not likely to be adopted, no matter how sweet they are. Most people don't want the worry or expense that comes with owning an older pet.

Some years ago I adopted a 10 year old kitty from a news paper ad. It was written from the cat's perspective.  The owner had started to work more and longer hours and didn't feel it right that he was leaving his cat at home by herself for so long. He had the cat from when she was a wee kitten and as much as he loved her, he wanted her to have the home and attention that she deserved. Her name was Toby. A beautiful black long hair, part persian kitty.  I had 4 wonderful years with her before I had to send her to the RB due to kidney failure. I wouldn't trade a single one of those days.  After she passed I called the guy and told him and let him know that she was loved right to the very end.

Some of the health issues a senior kitty can have are:  High blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperthyroid and diabetes.  All are manageable with medications and / or diet. 

Taking in a senior kitty is not an easy decision, but if you do, you will be saving her life, and getting a whole lot of loving in return.

My vet's office has a kitty that is 10 years old up for permanent fostering.  It's essentially an adoption, but because of the age of the cat and the fact that they want to find her a good home, they have promised to pay for all food and vet expenses for her.  Perhaps your shelter would consider doing the same thing for this kitty, or maybe a portion of the expenses?
 
 
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goholistic

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I totally agree with Natalie_ca.

I only adopt senior or special needs cats for that very reason that people turn their backs on them. I give them a chance to enjoy a loving home for the remainder of their years. My three senior boys all have varying health issues, some mild, some serious, but I love them and I take care of them, and their love for me is reciprocated greatly.
 
 
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furryfriend2013

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These are excellent responses!!! Thank you so much....I just have to convince my husband, as of course, he is worried about the vet bills etc....Though we can afford it ....And he hates losing animals, so this will be a tough one...I do love the fact that the cat would be more laid back which is what Im looking for...I have no interest in a kitten at all...And she is a gorgeous calico!!! Shelter said she has zero health issues as of now, and cleans herself well.....I will have to visit her with my husband (if I can get him there) and maybe he will fall for her too!
 

colts2broncos

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My daughter went to the shelter on her 17th birthday with her birthday money. She was torn between two cats, a ragdoll kitten and a 17 year old black cat. She knew that kitten would get adopted, but that black cat would end up dying there. I mean who wants a 17 year old black cat? The answer was my daughter. So she shelled out the $90 and brought him home, he lives 11 days. 11 days. He died here in our arms in a home knowing that he was loved and not in a litter box locked in a cage. So my answer would be yes I would absolutely adopt that cat. It is a priceless gift and a life lesson for your daughter. No life, no matter how short is worth every moment. And none of them should be taken for granted they are all precious. if the cat is in good health and seems to have manners, it will only be a matter of adjusting time. I can't foresee any real problems at 12, I currently have a 13 year old who acts like the two and three year olds. Yes she is getting up in her years but she is definitely not over the hill and neither is the little one you are looking at taking home.. My oldest cat lived to be 19 and it was horrible losing her but I had 19 years with a best friend. Your daughter could easily have that cat for seven or eight years.
 
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blueyedgirl5946

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You have received some excellent responses. I agree with all that has been said. It would be a very rewarding experience to know you probably saved the cat's life. I have two senior cats now. Mattie only has a chronic runny eye. Muffin is fourteen and has dealt with some health issues most all his life. But we rescued him from the boat landing when he was less than a year old. He has lived a full wonderful life. I think your daughter could learn some good life lessons from having this cat. Go for it. Drag hubby on over to the shelter and let that cat win his heart.
 

sivyaleah

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Oh wow, you live near me! I saw that cat today too lol.  Beautiful kitty! 

We adopted an older cat from a friend a few years ago - he is 12 now, was 9 at the time, Best decision.  So well behaved, mellow boy.  We count ourselves lucky to have him in our family.

Good luck!

edit: if it does't work out, send me a PM. I'm very friendly with one of the local rescue organizations now and I can send you over to them.  We adopted our 2nd one through them, a rescue, not quite as old but an older cat too.
 
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furryfriend2013

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Oh wow, you live near me! I saw that cat today too lol.  Beautiful kitty! 

We adopted an older cat from a friend a few years ago - he is 12 now, was 9 at the time, Best decision.  So well behaved, mellow boy.  We count ourselves lucky to have him in our family.

Good luck!
Wow!!! Did you see her in person :)
 
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furryfriend2013

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My daughter went to the shelter on her 17th birthday with her birthday money. She was torn between two cats, a ragdoll kitten and a 17 year old black cat. She knew that kitten would get adopted, but that black cat would end up dying there. I mean who wants a 17 year old black cat? The answer was my daughter. So she shelled out the $90 and brought him home, he lives 11 days. 11 days. He died here in our arms in a home knowing that he was loved and not in a litter box locked in a cage. So my answer would be yes I would absolutely adopt that cat. It is a priceless gift and a life lesson for your daughter. No life, no matter how short is worth every moment. And none of them should be taken for granted they are all precious. if the cat is in good health and seems to have manners, it will only be a matter of adjusting time. I can't foresee any real problems at 12, I currently have a 13 year old who acts like the two and three year olds. Yes she is getting up in her years but she is definitely not over the hill and neither is the little one you are looking at taking home.. My oldest cat lived to be 19 and it was horrible losing her but I had 19 years with a best friend. Your daughter could easily have that cat for seven or eight years.
Amazing story!!!
 
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