Cat's Name, Age, and Gender:
Barnaby, 13, male British Blue.
Best Characteristics of my Senior
Barnaby is a gentle, loving cat who likes nothing better than a cosy seat next to the fire or a warm sunny spot to lounge in. He is patient and considerate with other cats in the household and I have never seen him hiss or lose his temper, despite sharing the house with eleven other cats and kittens
Challenges of Life With an Older Cat
As with all seniors, Barnaby will probably eventually start slowing down, but at the moment he is happy and content with no serious health problems apart from a little stiffness in his joints first thing in the morning.
When, Where and How I Got My Cat
Barnaby turned up with his nose pressed against the cat flap three years ago, meowing to be let in. I thought he would be microchipped as he is clearly a pedigree British Blue. A quick check with my vet confirmed that he was and after a lot of detective work (he had been re-homed several times) one of his owners was eventually traced. Sadly, they had lost him five years previous and did not want him back. I found out that his real name was Homer (he didn't seem to like it much!) and that he was born in 1997. He was registered in Cumbria, which is about 95 miles from where I live, so I have no idea how he got here.
I'd Describe My Cat As…
Sweet-natured, patient, a little shy and a proper gentleman. Barnaby has settled well in our multi-cat household and is happy to let kittens run rings around him. He can be very playful and often acts like a kitten himself, despite his age. We have taken in several unwanted cats and kittens and he always introduces himself politely. He particularly likes to curl up next to the fire with the kittens and makes the perfect 'grandad'. He potters about outside, but doesn't go far and his favourite spot is on the shed roof where he can watch the world go by. He loves his food and will sit next to his bowl patiently near feeding time, but is never greedy and doesn't mind when the more pushy members of the household get their food first.
Advice
- Don't rule out an elderly cat because they really do make brilliant companions and can give as much love and affection as a younger cat or kitten. Older cats can often be less demanding and many have gone through a tough time, either being abandoned or losing a precious owner through illness or bereavement, so they deserve a little TLC.
