I'm not sure where to post this - it's not simply a question for shelters and it's not only about the cat's well-being.
The shelter where I work refuses to allow young cats (less than 5 years old) to be adopted by people over the age of 60.
The argument being that a cat could live to 20 years of age and the average life span of a human is ca. 82 (for a woman).
Apart from the fact that I don't like mixing average ages for humans with best scenarios for cats, I have another problem.
Senior cats develop health problems which may not necessarily shorten their lives but they need intensive care (such as insulin shots, medication and infusions). A senior citizen may develop his or her own health problem, but, even if things go well, may not physically or mentally be able to cope with treating a senior cat adequately.
The senior cats, which we have to find new homes for, are already over 10 years old (estimated). Usually they are treated for dental issues before being put up for adoption, but, unless they are obviously sick, are seldom given the full bloodwork check. One woman who adopted a cat from us ran out of the vet's surgery leaving the cat behind, when it was discovered that the cat had diabetes. Her action was not to be praised, particularly as the shelter was perfectly willing and able to support both her and the cat, but I could understand her panic.
Senior citizens looking for a cat are usually lonely and need comfort. They are willing to care for a pet so long as they are not overwhelmed by the task. Most of them come from the generation which only experienced shots and infusions at a clinic - the idea of even injecting themselves at home let alone sticking needles in a non-co-operative cat doesn't bear thinking about.
So, we could say - only healthy, younger animals for senior citizens. Kittens?
I admit I have allowed an older retired couple to adopt a pair of kittens who were in my care. Their daughter even refused to sign the contract (she had her own problems with a disabled child and, although she didn't refuse outright to have anything to do with the cats, should something happen to her parents, she didn't want to commit herself). I still let the adoption go ahead. This was 5 years ago, I am often invited to visit and I also hear reports from the vet - the cats are doing really well, the couple are so very happy to have them!
Other kittens and young cats, adopted by young families (the ideal case?) have been returned for a variety of reasons, sometimes many years later: separation, spiteful cat, cat not getting along with a new kitten, cat upsetting the neighbours, new baby, allergy (though not as often as we might expect, and it is often just used as an excuse to get rid of an older cat).
What does TCS think about this: should senior citizens be allowed to adopt young cats? Are we increasing the number of strays by encouraging older people to adopt older cats who later become a nuisance when they need healthcare?
I haven't decided yet. I am already 76, just far too old to give an intelligent answer!!!
The shelter where I work refuses to allow young cats (less than 5 years old) to be adopted by people over the age of 60.
The argument being that a cat could live to 20 years of age and the average life span of a human is ca. 82 (for a woman).
Apart from the fact that I don't like mixing average ages for humans with best scenarios for cats, I have another problem.
Senior cats develop health problems which may not necessarily shorten their lives but they need intensive care (such as insulin shots, medication and infusions). A senior citizen may develop his or her own health problem, but, even if things go well, may not physically or mentally be able to cope with treating a senior cat adequately.
The senior cats, which we have to find new homes for, are already over 10 years old (estimated). Usually they are treated for dental issues before being put up for adoption, but, unless they are obviously sick, are seldom given the full bloodwork check. One woman who adopted a cat from us ran out of the vet's surgery leaving the cat behind, when it was discovered that the cat had diabetes. Her action was not to be praised, particularly as the shelter was perfectly willing and able to support both her and the cat, but I could understand her panic.
Senior citizens looking for a cat are usually lonely and need comfort. They are willing to care for a pet so long as they are not overwhelmed by the task. Most of them come from the generation which only experienced shots and infusions at a clinic - the idea of even injecting themselves at home let alone sticking needles in a non-co-operative cat doesn't bear thinking about.
So, we could say - only healthy, younger animals for senior citizens. Kittens?
I admit I have allowed an older retired couple to adopt a pair of kittens who were in my care. Their daughter even refused to sign the contract (she had her own problems with a disabled child and, although she didn't refuse outright to have anything to do with the cats, should something happen to her parents, she didn't want to commit herself). I still let the adoption go ahead. This was 5 years ago, I am often invited to visit and I also hear reports from the vet - the cats are doing really well, the couple are so very happy to have them!
Other kittens and young cats, adopted by young families (the ideal case?) have been returned for a variety of reasons, sometimes many years later: separation, spiteful cat, cat not getting along with a new kitten, cat upsetting the neighbours, new baby, allergy (though not as often as we might expect, and it is often just used as an excuse to get rid of an older cat).
What does TCS think about this: should senior citizens be allowed to adopt young cats? Are we increasing the number of strays by encouraging older people to adopt older cats who later become a nuisance when they need healthcare?
I haven't decided yet. I am already 76, just far too old to give an intelligent answer!!!