Adopting a senior animal: Agatha’s story

Have you ever thought about adopting a senior animal? Senior animals make wonderful companions, but sadly many are overlooked by adopters.  

Many pet parents who have adopted senior animals report that they feel a deep sense of satisfaction to be able to provide a forever home and soft place to land for an older animal who may have had an unstable life, or recent upheaval in their life. 

Here are some of the many advantages of adopting a senior animal:  

• Most senior animals are already housetrained, and often don’t require frequent potty breaks late at night, like younger furry friends.  

• Mature animals are less likely to chew household items and be rough with furniture like a puppy or kitten, especially when provided with appropriate toys.  

• Older animals have the wonderful ability to develop a strong bond with a new parent.  

• Their activity level is already known, so it’s easier to choose a furry friend who fits in well with your lifestyle. For example, an active furry friend to go on walks with vs. a more relaxed animal to cuddle up with.  

• Senior animals can have more advanced training, as well as increased socialization in new environments.    

Agatha’s story 

Eleven-year-old tabby cat Agatha came into the care of the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre in August 2023 as a stray. During her time at the centre, she was a staff favourite and quickly became a star on the centre’s social media pages. 

“She spent most of her time in the office or our community room,” says Edward Michel, Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre Manager. “She was a food addict and would often try to steal her favourite freeze-dried chicken treats.” 

Due to her age and diabetes diagnosis, Agatha spent a long time at the animal centre and in between foster homes. But, after 200 days of patiently waiting for her loving home, she met her adopter, Cindy. 

“Her adoption day was filled with a lot of happy tears and bittersweet goodbyes, but we are all happy she has found her forever home,” says Edward. 

A match made 

Cindy was driving to work one day when the radio station she was listening to announced an upcoming adoption event at the Ontario SPCA and mentioned that Agatha had been patiently waiting for a home for 200 days. She then enquired about Agatha and discovered her diabetes diagnosis. 

“My parents had a previous cat with diabetes, so it was something that I had treated in the past,” says Cindy. 

Cindy has been living with senior cats that have special needs for the last 14 years. She previously adopted a blind and deaf cat named Annie, and another three-legged cat named Kitty. Her rescue cat, Icy, is now 19 years old. She has also fostered older cats in between. 

“I decided to bring her home to foster to see how she got along with the other cats, and to see if managing her diabetes would work with my schedule,” says Cindy. She consulted with her friends who help care for her cats while she is away, and they were on board with Agatha’s adoption. 

Three weeks later, Agatha’s adoption was finalized. Cindy says Agatha gets along with her other cats and seems to enjoy her home, which is often referred to as the “cat palace.” 

“I think it is nice to be able to adopt the older cats because it’s nice knowing that I am able to provide a pleasant lifestyle again for them,” Cindy says. 

Read more about why senior pets are so awesome.  

Learn more about adopting a diabetic cat. 

If you’re not in a position to adopt, consider making a donation to help these animals find their loving homes.