| For reasons ranging from tragic to beyond senseless, | | | | You can tell a lot about her personality before you |
| many wonderful older adult cats become available for | | | | adopt her. She has the special dignity that comes to |
| adoption through shelters and rescue organizations | | | | a cat who knows what life is about. And she needs |
| around the country. | | | | you as much as you need her. |
| Unfortunately, they are often passed over in favor | | | | However, your older cat came to be with you as a |
| of kittens and younger adults, and the reason we | | | | kitten many years ago or as a senior adoptee and it |
| hear most often is that I will not have her very long. | | | | is hope that you have a journey ahead of many |
| As someone who has adopted older animals, I have | | | | years together. And it is also hoped that this guide |
| a few thoughts about that. | | | | will help to make your journey smooth. |
| The cold, hard truth is that we never know how long | | | | A healthful diet is fundamental to your senior cat's |
| we will have anyone. Kittens die. Young adults die. | | | | well being and longevity. Good food supports her |
| And yes, old cats die too. But if we shy away | | | | immune system, helping her to fend off infectious |
| because cats do not live forever and losing one is | | | | disease. Good food also helps to maintain the proper |
| painful, we would never have the pleasure of feline | | | | functioning of your cat's organs, her muscles and |
| companionship at all. | | | | other supportive tissues, her sensory organs and her |
| An older adult cat in reasonably good health may be | | | | mind. |
| with you for more than a decade. She will be past | | | | Poor food, in contrast, will do nothing to promote |
| the crazies of kitten hood. She is what she is and | | | | longevity and may contribute to a variety of health |
| you can see whether she is a big cat or small, | | | | and behavior problems. |
| longhaired or shorthaired. | | | | |