Discover the fun of adopting an older cat
By Midge Raymond
With kitten season now upon the Rogue Valley, adoptable older cats typically get neglected in favor of fluffy, lovable kittens. Yet adopting an older cat — a cat greater than a yr old — has myriad advantages and could be a a lot better choice for busy households in addition to older people who might have to keep away from having little furballs underfoot, advises Amanda Linnehan, president and government director of the Talent nonprofit Feral Cats Advocacy (FCA).
Among different advantages, says Linnehan, are that older cats are litter-box skilled and have a tendency to have fewer to no accidents, not like kittens who “sometimes forget their manners.” And, talking of manners, older cats “have usually gotten the kitten behaviors out of their system, like playing with plants and pretty breakables,” she says. “They are usually trained to not scratch at the furniture or other things that are less than desirable.”
And for people who’ve a mellow family, older cats have a lot much less vitality than kittens and “prefer cat naps to playing endlessly.”
Among the various cats in its foster program, FCA presently has two grownup bonded pairs available for adoption (see their profiles beneath). FCA requires that bonded pairs go home collectively, which makes for a a lot simpler transition into their new properties. “Bonded pairs mean that they have comfort even when they are uncomfortable,” Linnehan says, “which can be important to a more shy kitty, especially if one is shy and one is more confident.”
In addition to the “extra cuteness” of getting two cats, a bonded pair is ideal for anybody who works away from home — this implies much less separation nervousness for the cats — or who might not have numerous further time to interact with a single cat, as single cats rely totally on people for his or her enrichment. With two cats, Linnehan says, “they have built-in playmates, which means you still get all the cuddles and love but not necessarily all the entertaining.”
FCA gives a lowered adoption charge for bonded pairs (single cats are $100, two cats are $150), in addition to any two FCA cats who’re adopted collectively. “We always highly encourage people to get more than one cat unless they are a cat that specifically does not like other cats. They always seem to do better.”
The adoption charge contains spay/neuter surgical procedure, a microchip, deworming, flea and mite therapy, the primary (or extra) FVRCP vaccine and typically a rabies vaccine as effectively. Most of all, Linnehan says, older cats and bonded pairs are those who want properties probably the most. “Bonded pairs are often overlooked, especially older ones,” she says. “Once adopted, they are the ones that we hear the most amazing stories about.”
Click right here to see all of FCA’s adoptable cats, and examine two particular bonded pairs beneath.
A Q&A with bonded pair Finn and Lily, two years old
Catty Corner: When and the way did you arrive at Feral Cats Advocacy?
Finn: I used to be born right into a feral colony, navigating the tough streets with my sister. One stormy day, we discovered ourselves deserted at Red Dog in Eagle Point, drenched and trembling with worry. Luckily, Feral Cats Advocacy swooped in, providing us heat, shelter and an opportunity at a brand new life stuffed with care and compassion. All this occurred one yr and one month in the past.
CC: What are you on the lookout for in your new home?
Finn: In my quest for a brand new home, we search consolation, safety and a comfy spot to twist up in. A loving human companion who understands our impartial spirit and supplies tasty treats wouldn’t harm both. Most importantly, we lengthy for a place the place we’re cherished and the place our purrs are met with light strokes and heat affection.
CC: What ought to your new people learn about you?
Finn: My new people ought to know that I’ve a playful facet hidden beneath my calm exterior. While I could seem reserved at first, I shortly heat as much as sort gestures and delicate consideration. Oh, and don’t overlook to maintain the treats coming — I’ve a classy palate and recognize the finer issues in life!
Likes: Head bumps, lengthy pets, a loving lap to take a seat on, being brushed, having a protected place to cover if feeling nervous. Dislikes: Loud and sudden noises.
Click right here to undertake.
A Q&A with bonded pair Frank and Beans, two years old
Catty Corner: When and the way did you arrive at Feral Cats Advocacy?
Frank: Nearly two years in the past, we have been plucked from a feral colony together with many different kittens, all of us in dire straits attributable to sickness. Feral Cats Advocacy, with their sort hearts and expert arms, rescued us from the brink of despair, providing us an opportunity at a wholesome and blissful life. Through their dedication and care, we blossomed from fragile, sickly kittens into robust and spirited felines, without end grateful for his or her intervention.
CC: What are you on the lookout for in your new home?
Frank: In our seek for a brand new home, I yearn for a comfy sanctuary the place we will delight in sunbeams, discover each nook and cranny and take pleasure in playful antics. A loving human companion who understands our want for each independence and affection would make the purrfect match. Above all, we search a haven the place we’re cherished and have heat laps to doze in as a lot as potential.
CC: What ought to your new people learn about you?
Frank: We kitties need you to know that whereas we could seem mysterious and aloof at occasions, now we have hearts full of affection and loyalty. We thrive on routine, light affection and interactive play. Providing us with a protected and stimulating surroundings, together with persistence and understanding, will certainly win our belief and affection in return.
Likes: FOOD! Warm, cozy laps to take a seat in; home windows to look out of; and someplace cozy to snuggle with my brother. Dislikes: Loud and sudden noises.
Click right here to undertake.
To meet different adoptable older cats (and kittens), be part of Friends of the Animals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13, on the Rogue Valley Mall (decrease stage, in entrance of Macy’s). In addition to cats from the Friends of the Animals foster community, there will likely be cats from FCA, Melly Cat Rescue, and different organizations.
Ashland resident Midge Raymond is co-founder of Ashland Creek Press and writer of the novel “My Last Continent.” Email options and questions for Catty Corner to her at [email protected].
