When a cat finds the right person to take a chance on them, they have so much love to give. And this is especially true for our older feline friends. Obviously kittens are cute, but when it comes to the shelter life, senior cats are often overlooked for the younger kitties. And it's not their fault. But, if more people knew the amazing benefits of adopting a senior cat, then maybe less would be forced to live the lonely shelter life. If you've ever opened your heart and home to a senior cat in need, then you know exactly what I mean.
Looking to adopt a cat? Here's why you should choose a senior cat to welcome to your home…
A senior cat often has a long life still ahead of them
The average lifespan of a cat is 12-15 years for those cats which are exclusively indoors. And with lots of TLC and proper care, many cats live much longer than that. In most cases, a cat is considered a senior once they reach nine years of age. If you were to adopt an older cat and give them the loving home they so desperately crave, the two of you are likely to share many trips around the sun together. It might take a bit of warming up at first, but once your older kitty has grown accustomed to you and your home, you'd be amazed at just how playful and spunky they can be! 
An older kitty is less likely to have destructive behavior
Kittens sure are cute, but kitten-proofing your entire home is never a fun ordeal. Kittens and younger cats can be quite mischievous, and they can get into things quicker than you can carefully tuck them away sometimes. An older cat is much less likely to catify your home by shredding your blinds and chewing on cords. Sure, they might sleep a little more than your playful kitten, but if you work from home (which most of us do/are currently), an older cat can make for an awesome coworker to hang with you while you work away at your desk each day. My senior kitty, Mr. Purple, makes for an awesome coworker. He's chilled out and just happy to be near me when I'm spending hours on the computer, and his presence always makes me to feel calm. My other two younger cats are crazy and not fans of sharing me with the computer—and aren't afraid to show their discontent either! 
A senior cat is typically fully vetted, chipped, and spayed/neutered
Kittens are a lot of work all around, and their financial ties can be costly, too. When you go to adopt a senior cat from a rescue or shelter, it's highly likely that they're already fully vetted, altered, and microchipped. If you're a senior citizen, then a senior kitty might be the purrfect match for you! If you walk into a cat adoption facility and see the amount of senior cats which are there just waiting, it's enough to tug tightly at your heartstrings. Please, don't overlook these cats simply because of their chronological age, there's so much life and love left in these kitties who are fully mature. And if you are looking to adopt and you have children, an older cat is less fragile and you know exactly what you're getting. It's better all around for a number of reasons! Remember, kittens are cute, but older cats deserve love, too. 
You are literally saving a life
Each year, thousands of cats are euthanized due to lack of space, funding, and overcrowding. When you adopt any cat from a shelter, you are literally saving a life. But when you adopt a senior cat, you are literally becoming their hero and saving them from being euthanized or having to pass away in a shelter. It's a sad reality, but something that can help you to know you are becoming a cat's angel when you spare a senior cat's life by bringing them into your home. And I promise you, the look of love and the gratefulness they'll dole onto you will let you know that you've done the right thing.
Have you ever adopted a senior cat before? Share your story with me. I'd love to hear it.
