by Heather Nokes
Have you ever been to a shelter or looked at adoptable pets online, and most of them seem older? Distinguished grey faces. Lovely cloudy eyes. Unfortunately designated retirement homes for these pets are rare, so these animals need a loving home to live out the rest of their golden years.
What do we mean by “senior?”
Dogs are considered senior between the ages of 7 and 11, depending on size; while cats are considered senior at the age of 10. It is often at this time that they begin showing age-related changes: loss of vision, loss of hearing, weight gain, loss of energy, and/or arthritis and other joint problems. These changes are common reasons for senior pets to be surrendered to rescues and shelters. While these ailments might seem daunting, most of them are easily treated with regular veterinary care and medications. Love and patience also help!
What you see is what you get!
When first adopting a pet, it is most likely that you will want to get to know them. With senior pets, they have an established personality and, as AdoptaSeniorPet.org says, what you see is what you get with a senior pet! In comparison to a puppy or kitten, you do not need to wait months for their personality to blossom. It is also more likely that senior pets have experience with people, just as a seasoned pet owner does with animals. They know what they like just as you do. Again, what you see is what you get!
Senior pets also tend to be more loyal. They are grateful to be around people, to have toys, and to be fed. It is not hard to please them. They tend to be more relaxed than a young pet; napping and eating all day is enough for them to be happy. Unlike puppies and kittens, senior pets do not demand constant attention. They don’t need to play as often, and they do not need as much training!
Save a life!
Possibly the best reason to adopt a senior pet is the fact that you are saving a life. Many senior pets in rescues and shelters don’t find a home due to the fact that they are not as outgoing and active as younger animals. They just don’t “stand out.” This also means that they tend to be euthanized if health issues arise or if space in the shelter is needed. By adopting a senior pet, you are quite literally saving a life while making your life more fulfilling in return. Be a hero and adopt a senior pet!
Despite a record number of adoptions this year, there are still many senior pets–like Lily pictured here–who find themselves without homes at rescues and in shelters across the U.S. Find our available animals here. Keep in mind that animals are added periodically so always check back!
That’s right, there’s a whole month dedicated to the love of our furry feline companions. It is widely believed that cats domesticated themselves by recognizing the abundance and ease of catching prey near human agricultural developments. They essentially chose us, and we are better for it.
Studies have shown that cat owners may experience better mental health than individuals without pets. Cats are great stress reducers. Just 15 to 30 minutes of quality time with a cat can calm your nerves and boost your mood. When you spend time with a cat, your production of serotonin (a chemical that boosts feelings of well-being) goes up, and your cortisol levels (a buildup from stress) go down. Adults and children alike report feeling happier and having more positive feelings if a cat is part of their family. How could you not feel better with a purring ball of fur curled up beside you? And, if you adopt from an animal rescue or shelter, you will feel extra warm and fuzzy that you just saved a precious little life.
If the prospect of warm fuzzies isn’t enough, the Humane Society of Loudoun County has laid out five more reasons cats make great pets.
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They’re Fairly Self Sufficient
Remember, they chose us. Cats have remained fairly unchanged genetically, meaning they are still capable of living in the wild (but we do discourage allowing domestic cats to roam outside). Cats are still incredibly low maintenance, and very independent, and self-sufficient. Cats also groom themselves, so they don’t need frequent baths. We do, however, recommend they have their teeth and ears cleaned regularly.
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Small Space, No Problem
Cats are also perfect for apartments or city living. They don’t need a huge backyard or tons of space to play and explore. They are content with nosing their way through the nooks and crannies of your home. As long as you give them plenty to do and have toys available to keep them entertained, cats are happy. A living space and a basic feather toy might be all you need to make playtime a breeze.
Cats can often adapt easily to smaller living environments if you give them a lot of vertical space to move around in, such as cat trees and cat “shelves” that are mounted on the wall.
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Housebreaking Made Easy
Cats are really good at learning potty training on their own. They like to have their own space and privacy so provide one litter box per cat, plus an additional box, and kitty litter, and they will be happy.
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Shhhh
Worried that bringing a pet into your home might disrupt things? No worries! Cats are relatively quiet animals; they are almost always in stealth mode. Yes, they’ll meow every now and then, but you don’t have to worry about them barking or even making much noise when they walk.
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They Bring the Love
The main reason people become pet owners is because of an innate love or affinity for animals. Cats bring tons of love and joy into a household. They are wonderful pets and companions.
If you want to take part in National Cat Lovers Month, please consider adopting through the Humane Society of Loudoun County. There are plenty of cats available for adoption so make sure you take the time to read through all the available information on our website in order to make a fully informed decision. Your future cat companion may be just a click away!
Bonus Way to Celebrate National Cat Lovers Month:
FOSTER
While fostering is still a commitment, it is a more temporary way to help out an animal in need. Your individual attention will give a cat a boost of confidence until it finds its forever home. And if you are interested in fostering, consider fostering a senior cat, a special needs kitty, or an orphan kitten. Follow this link to learn more about fostering through the Humane Society of Loudoun County.
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), in collaboration with several other area organizations, recently participated in an effort that helped rescue 36 cats from a home eviction in Stephens City. The initiative was spearheaded by For the Cat’s Sake who put out an urgent call for help. Given the strong and swift response, they were able to pull together the rescue in just two days.
The mostly friendly cats are now in caring hands who will find them great homes. The participating organizations include 4Paws Rescue Team, PetConnect Rescue, SPCA of Winchester, Frederick, & Clarke Counties, Humane Society of Warren County and Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART). HSLC took in four of the cats, three of whom are already available for adoption.
The effort was a wonderful example of teamwork under a tight deadline. Our thanks go out to everyone who helped save these little lives and made the operation go so smoothly.
Here are the cats currently in our care:
Owl
Daffy
Boomer
Silver Fox
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED. WE WILL UPDATE OUR WEBSITE WHEN WE KNOW ARE NOTIFIED OF THE NEW DATE.
FREE EVENT!
Saturday, April 25 Sign-up for Volunteers and Fosters:
Join Claude Moore Park and other local organizations for a celebration of our favorite wild and domestic animals. Discover different animals that are in need of good homes while learning about the wild animals that have one outside!
Since wild animals can’t be pets, staff will help you craft your own “wild” animal to take home.
This event is a place for adoption and wildlife conservation. Currently we are expecting A Forever Home, the Human Society of Loudoun County, BREW (beagle rescue), Pet Connect & Rescue, and the Nirvana Ridge Ferret Rescue will be here. There will be animals here to view and adopt. NO VENDORS will be present.
WE WILL BE RESCHEDULING THIS EVENT TO ANOTHER MONTH.
Come meet adoptable cats and kittens! Visit our website for a sneak peek of cats and kittens that are available!
To volunteer and/or bring your foster animals, please click on the following link or copy the link into a new browser window:
Sign-up link coming soon.
The volunteer sign up for events is for current volunteers who have attended our Volunteer Orientation and signed a Volunteer Agreement. Contact HELPANIMALS@HUMANELOUDOUN.ORG for more information.
Come meet adoptable cats and kittens! Visit our website for a sneak peek of cats and kittens that are available!
To volunteer and/or bring your foster animals, please click on the following link or copy the link into a new browser window:
Saturday, February 22 Sign-up:
The volunteer sign up for events is for current volunteers who have attended our Volunteer Orientation and signed a Volunteer Agreement. Contact HELPANIMALS@HUMANELOUDOUN.ORG for more information.
Come meet adoptable cats and kittens! Visit our website for a sneak peek of cats and kittens that are available!
To volunteer and/or bring your foster animals, please click on the following link or copy the link into a new browser window:
The volunteer sign up for events is for current volunteers who have attended our Volunteer Orientation and signed a Volunteer Agreement. Contact HELPANIMALS@HUMANELOUDOUN.ORG for more information.
Come meet adoptable cats and kittens! Visit our website for a sneak peek of cats and kittens that are available!
To volunteer and/or bring your foster animals, please click on the following link or copy the link into a new browser window:
The volunteer sign up for events is for current volunteers who have attended our Volunteer Orientation and signed a Volunteer Agreement. Contact HELPANIMALS@HUMANELOUDOUN.ORG for more information.