Cats for Adoption: Consider A Kitty With “Experience”
November is the month to celebrate—and adopt—senior pets. It’s a shame when cats have such long lives but at age seven or so many people think they’re too old to adopt and look for younger cats or even kittens. Bucky tells you that senior cats are experienced—in manners and behavior, and in love, because they all had homes with humans before they found themselves in a shelter or worse, out on the streets. They know what they’re missing, and they’re ready to move in with no kitten crazies or training needed, just an open lap and an open heart.
The longevity winner in our senior cats collection is Pepper, who is 16 years old but still ready for love and attention. Many cts can live to 20 and beyond, and Pepper shows no signs of slowing down. She was declawed by her previous owner, but even with that she’s social and friendly. Her foster remarked earlier today Pepper was half sitting on her shoulder giving her ear nibbles, so no worries about being affectionate. She prefers some space from other cats but gets along as long as no one gets too close, and she doesn’t mind the old dog either. This older lady deserves a loving home for her final years.
Now there’s a pretty girl, and look at those whiskers! Candy is as sweet as can be. She is between seven and nine years old, and was surrendered to a shelter. No idea why, she’s calm and friendly, and ready to find a home that will keep her forever this time.
Here’s Bucky, talking up a storm. Bucky is a handsome older male who gets along well with children (older – unsure about younger) and other pets. He’s a talker. He will engage in “conversation” with you. He prefers to come to you instead of being picked up, but he’s affectionate.
Basil is about seven years old, as laid-back as he looks and friendly and affectionate. He is FIV-positive, which is not contagious and is not easily transmitted among cats, and with his easy-going attitude he can easily live with other cats without worry. Really, this big guy just wants to sit and watch TV with you. I have more information about FIV below.
About these cats
All of these cats are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, had any treatments necessary for their health, is healthy enough to go to a forever home, and currently lives in a foster situation so the foster home can describe more of the cat’s personality and tell you more about their background. You can see them here on the Pittsburgh CAT Facebook page.
AND: The Black Friday Special starts now! Until 11:59 PM on November 27, all cat adoptions are HALF OFF! Which means you can adopt two cats for the price of one!
About Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV
FIV or “feline immunodeficiency virus” is similar to HIV in people, but infected cats can live a long and healthy life with the virus without any need for treatment. They can also live with other cats without infecting them—because FIV is most easily transmitted via saliva through deep bite wounds, spaying and neutering and keeping the cat indoors so that it doesn’t fight with other cats has been found to be the most effective way to stop transmission. It’s not contagious to dogs or people in any way. And so often these FIV+ cats are just big sweethearts. You can read more about FIV on the Cornell University Feline Health Center site.
FIV Facts
These are compiled and provided to adopters by Pittsburgh CAT.
- FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
- The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat’s immune system over a period of years.
- FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with few or no symptoms.
- FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread causally, like in litter boxes, water or food bowls, or when snuggling and playing.
- A neutered cat in a home is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.
- The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds.
- Many vets are not educated about FIV since the virus was only discovered 15 years ago.
- FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible by keeping them indoors and free from stress. Feed a high-quality diet and treat any secondary medical problems as soon as they arise.
Is it Difficult to Care for an FIV-positive cat?
FIV-positive cats require no special medication or additional care beyond the diligence you’d use in caring for any cat. Dr. Virginia Clemans, former chief veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, explains that, “the virus affects the immune system, so keep FIV cats indoors. Make sure they get regular vaccinations. And give them a high-quality diet. Keep an eye on them, and take them to the veterinarian at the first sign of illness.” Same as any cat.
Amazon Wish Lists
Many rescuers pay out of pocket for veterinary care and food but the costs of raising even the average litter of four healthy kittens is more than many people have, and many rescues have greater needs. Pittsburgh CAT has a number of wish lists that include foods for feeding neo-natal kittens like KMR, and other lists that include the best kitten foods, adult cat foods, food and materials for feral cats, and preferred toys and litter.
Pittsburgh CAT Wish List: http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/2IUQ0FQOL2I51
2015 Foster Cat/Kitten Wish List: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1A1HUNQ7J3DL/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?
Winter Kitten Wish List! http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3CZ6IYCKS2A7N/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?
Fall Wishlist for Fosters/Ferals! http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2TD3TQBOEMT1E/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?
Food For Foster Kittens: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/OJQIYGC91289/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?
Our Groups Foster Kittens! http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1D226142CCGZX/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?
Can’t adopt? Foster! Can’t foster? Donate or volunteer.
There are so many ways you can help cats who need homes and care. You may not have room to adopt another cat, but can foster a cat or kitten for a few weeks. If not that, you can volunteer at a shelter or with a rescue, or donate. You do this because you love your cat, and by doing so you help all cats. No matter which of these actions you take, you help to save a life, and make life better for all cats.
- Adopt one of the cats I’ve posted here, or from any shelter or rescue near you, or from Petfinder, to open up a space for another cat to be rescued and fostered.
- Offer to foster cats or kittens for a shelter or rescue near you.
- Volunteer at a shelter or rescue.
- Find a group of volunteers who work with homeless cats and help them with their efforts.
- Donate to a shelter or rescue near you.
If you can foster kittens or adults cats to help prepare them for a forever home, please run to your nearest shelter and find a cat who needs you! Anyone can help with this effort at any level, even if all you do is donate to a shelter or rescue so they can help to pay for the food or medications needed for their foster, or the spay/neuter/veterinary care during a clinic.
Need to know more? Read Fostering for Your Shelter and Fostering Saves Lives
Browse some rescued cats and kittens—browse here or visit PittsburghCAT!
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Weekly schedule of features:
Sunday: Essays, Pet Loss, Poetry, The Artist’s Life
Monday: Adoptable Cats, TNR & Shelters
Tuesday: Rescue Stories
Wednesday: Commissioned Portrait or Featured Artwork
Thursday: New Merchandise
Friday: Book Review, Health and Welfare, Advocacy
Saturday: Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat, Living Green With Pets, Creating With Cats
And sometimes, I just throw my hands in the air and have fun!
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seniorz due rock….eye waz considered a senior when eye waz adopted
{ tho eye never did get me social secatity moneez due me } best fishes guys ♥♥♥
sauce of fishbone ~~~