Introduction

Cat Care Society believes that all cats are worthy, regardless of their age or abilities. Senior cats, in particular, hold an extra special place in our hearts—and it’s not just us! Time and again, we hear from adopters who submit successful adoption updates that feel the same way. Senior cats are sometimes overlooked in shelters, but those who choose to adopt them often say it’s extremely rewarding and they’re amazed at the quick and deep connections they make. 

While every senior cat is unique and has their own personality, there are some common things you can expect and prepare for when you adopt a senior cat, which we’ll share later in this article.

But First, What Is a Senior Cat?

Unlike humans, cats don’t start receiving AARP letters in the mail to let them know they’re considered a senior, but they do often show their age in subtle ways, through their physical health and behavior. Cats typically enter the senior category at age 10, which is when their nutritional and wellness needs begin to shift. However, some veterinarians begin senior wellness exams as early as age seven to help catch potential health concerns early.

Like humans, cats can age prematurely due to lifestyle factors such as lack of nutrition, trauma or injury, and lack of preventative veterinary care. When a cat’s history is unknown—as is often the case with strays and other cats seen in shelters—veterinarians rely on indicators such as the condition of their teeth, skin, coat, eyes, and mobility to estimate age.

What You Can Expect When You Adopt A Senior Cat

Below are some common, but often unexpected, traits and tips from senior cat households.

• Expect a Mellow and Appreciative Companion: Yes, senior cats often sleep more, but they’re also wise and experienced, and therefore less curious and mischievous than their younger counterparts. Not only will you be waking up less to the midnight zoomies and other cute but chaotic kitten energy, your new senior friend will likely be more than happy to curl up in your lap or nearby to keep you company while you work or relax.

Because older cats have lived longer and likely experienced highs and lows, they recognize when they’ve got it good! When you bring a senior cat into your home and provide them with a cozy bed, stable routine, and tasty food, they are more than happy to show their gratitude and appreciation. Whether it’s slow blinks, sweet head bumps, or deep purring, senior cats have their own gentle ways of expressing love and appreciation. 

• Expect a Senior Cat to Need Little Training, Just Some Time to Adjust: Most senior cats have lived in a home before; they understand household routines and are usually litter box trained, making the transition to their new home life easier. Some senior cats may need a little extra time to feel like themselves again after shelter life, and your patience goes a long way. With less training required, there’s more time to focus on bonding, which can help them adjust.

• Expect Specific Mealtime Needs: As cats age, they require different nutrient profiles to thrive. Healthy senior cats often do well with senior-formulated dry and wet foods, which are typically higher in protein and lower in calories and fat. They may also be enriched with supplements like antioxidants and glucosamine for joint health. Additionally, as cats get older, they may develop health conditions that require specially formulated and prescription food, such as for kidney support and diabetes.

Along with a special diet, senior cats may require ongoing medication, depending on the health condition. Fortunately, just like other habits, such as always escorting you to the bathroom or meowing loudly if their mealtime is even one minute late, cats can also get into the routine of taking their medicine. When you adopt a cat with a health condition from Cat Care Society, you’ll receive guidance on what foods and treats may be most appropriate for your new cat, as well as instructions on how to administer any required medication to set you both up for success. For cats requiring specialized ongoing care, we may have you meet with our veterinary team before completing the adoption to ensure you understand your new pet’s medical needs, feel confident transitioning them to your home, and have all the information you need to continue care with your preferred veterinarian.

• Expect to Plan Ahead with Pet Insurance: If you are planning on getting pet insurance, be sure to get it as soon as you adopt a senior cat. This will help ensure that any health conditions that arise will be covered, as most pre-existing conditions are not. Read more in our pet insurance blog article.

• Expect Your Senior Cat to Embrace Play, Puzzles, and Peaceful Moments: Senior cats still enjoy and benefit from play and enrichment; they might just have shorter endurance and be a bit more selective in how and when they participate. Puzzle feeders and other food- and treat-dispensing toys offer mental stimulation. Opportunities to climb and gentle play with wands and crinkle toys provide physical enrichment, and creating intentional warm and sunny spots as well as places to hide and recharge support emotional wellbeing.

Closing

Opening your home to a senior cat means offering love, comfort, and stability when they need and appreciate it the most. Plus, the bond and companionship you’ll share can be incredibly rewarding. 

At Cat Care Society, we know how special older cats are, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re a first-time adopter or an experienced cat parent, we invite you to consider the joy of bringing home a senior cat. 

Please note that the traits we’ve shared are common among senior cats, but not guaranteed. Your new feline friend may have their own quirks and needs based on their personality and life experiences.

When browsing our cats available for adoption, you can filter by age group (see image below) to easily find your perfect senior friend. Many of our older cats are members of our Lonely Hearts Club, a group of special cats chosen by CCS staff to spotlight those who have been overlooked in the past, despite their potential to thrive in the right home. No matter their past experiences, a senior cat’s next chapter with you could be the most meaningful.

About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.

Cat Care Society is a proud member of MDAWA, the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance. This coalition of 20+ local shelters, rescue groups, and animal service providers work together to promote humane care for companion animals in our community.

At Cat Care Society, collaboration with other shelters is imperative to our mission. Over half of the cats who come to our shelter are transferred from other shelters or rescues who don’t have the resources to support the needs of these special cats.

Ready to adopt a cat in need? Check out this helpful adoption guide from MDAWA (along with our answers!).

Before You Adopt a Pet: What to Know and Ask
Adopting from a Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance (MDAWA) Member Means Adopting with Confidence

Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make—but it’s also a big commitment. Choosing the right adoption organization is just as important as finding the right animal. When you adopt from a member of the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance (MDAWA), you’re supporting a network of organizations that are dedicated to ethical, compassionate, and community-focused animal welfare.

MDAWA members aren’t just placing pets—they’re committed to being your long-term partner. Here’s how they go above and beyond, and what to ask when you’re considering adoption.

Why Choose a MDAWA Member?

They’ll Be Your Long-Term Animal Welfare Partner
MDAWA organizations understand that adoption is just the beginning of your journey with a new pet. They offer resources and support to help adopters navigate any challenges that may come up after adoption—ensuring the best outcome for both you and your pet.

They Work with You to Make the Right Match
Rather than rushing the adoption process, MDAWA members take the time to make thoughtful, informed matches. They consider your preferences, lifestyle, experience, and the specific needs of the animal to help ensure a successful, lasting connection.

They Prioritize Animal Health and Wellness
All animals adopted through MDAWA organizations receive thorough medical care before adoption. This includes vaccinations, spay or neuter surgeries, and other needed veterinary treatment. They also provide behavioral support, so pets are set up for success in their new homes.

They Help the Most Vulnerable Local Animals
MDAWA members focus on protecting the Denver Metro area’s most vulnerable animals—those who are stray, surrendered, or at risk of homelessness—rather than bringing in only easily adoptable animals from out of state.

They Work Together to End Pet Homelessness
These organizations collaborate to provide a wide range of services that benefit the community, such as lost-and-found programs, low-cost veterinary care, spay/neuter clinics, and pet food pantries. By supporting a MDAWA member, you’re also supporting efforts to reduce the number of homeless animals in your neighborhood.

What to Ask Before You Adopt

When you’ve found a pet you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to ask the organization a few key questions to make sure you’re adopting from an ethical, responsible source. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

🩺 Pre-Adoption Care

• What is the pet’s history?
  • Adopters will receive a full medical and behavioral history of the cat from their time in our shelter and any additional records we were able to secure from before the cat arrived at our facility.

• What vaccines has the pet received? 
  • CCS cats will have received their FERCP and Rabies vaccine, a dewormer, and topical antiparasitic treatment. 

• Is the pet spayed or neutered? 
  • All CCS cats are spayed or neutered.

• Has the pet received any other medical care?
  • Our adoption counselors can review medical history with the adopter. For cats with extensive or specialized medical needs, we may ask that you meet with our veterinarian for a more detailed review before completing adoption.

• Has the animal received any behavior support or had any behavior issues?
  • Our adoption counselors can review behavioral history with the adopter.

💰 Adoption Fees

• What are the adoption fees?
  • CCS adoption fees range from $50-200 depending on the age of the cat. We often have cats whose adoptions fees have been covered by a generous donor. HINT: When looking at adoptable cats on our website, sort by attributes>”I’ve been sponsored” to see which cats have a $0 adoption fee. We also offer discounts for seniors and active military/veterans.

• Do the fees include the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter, and microchipping?
  • Yes! At CCS, all cats are updated on current vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and microchipped before they go up for adoption.

🧭 Post-Adoption Support

• Do you offer resources or guidance if issues arise, such as medical or behavioral concerns? 
  • CCS has a thorough guide of resources in addition to lots of educational blogs available on our website.

• Are there any follow-ups for adopters to check in on how the pet is adjusting?
  • Our adoption team will follow up a week after adoption to check in and see how your cat is adjusting to their new home. We encourage adopters to reach out with additional updates via the online form on our website.

• Do you offer any behavioral support or training classes?
  • We offer free monthly classes with a cat behavior specialist at our facility.

🏠 Facility Experience

• Was the facility clean and well-maintained, with healthy animals? 
  • We maintain strict facility, cleaning, and medical protocols to provide a healthy environment for all cats in our care. We are a PACFA (Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act) Licensed Facility.

• Were staff members knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to answer your questions? 
  • Our staff is always happy to help!

📝 Policies & Contracts

• What is the return policy if the pet is not a good fit for your home?
  • At CCS, we work with adopters as a partner and provide as much information as possible to ensure that the adoption is a great fit for both the cat and the adopter. We know that unforeseen circumstances can occur, and if you need to return your cat, we will always take back a CCS alumni cat.

• Will there be a written adoption contract confirming that you are the pet’s legal owner?
  • Yes, you will complete an adoption contract online at the time of adoption.

🐾 Community Outreach

• Does the organization offer services like lost and found, low-cost vet care, spay/neuter clinics, or pet food pantries?
  • CCS offers a pet food pantry twice a month at our location. We also have an extensive list of resources on our website to help pet parents in need.

• If not, do they collaborate with other local organizations that provide these services?

Adopt with Confidence

By carefully choosing where you adopt, you can ensure your new pet has been well cared for and is a good fit for your family. When you adopt from a MDAWA member, your decision not only changes a pet’s life—it also supports a network of organizations working together for ethical animal welfare across the Denver metro area.

Consider adopting your next pet from a MDAWA member.
Learn more about our mission and our members at mdawalliance.org/about

Let’s be honest—if you’re reading this, we probably don’t need to tell you how much joy cats bring into our lives. You already know the comfort of a purring cat in your lap, the entertainment of zoomies, and the simple calm of a cat sunbathing in a window. Cats are family.

But even though they’ve stolen our hearts (and our favorite spots on the couch), there’s still so much we don’t understand about their health. That’s where research comes in—and your participation can help in uncovering the mysteries behind feline wellness.

The Need for More Research on Cats

The health and wellbeing of cats often get overlooked in comparison to other pets like dogs. While research into canine health has flourished over the years, we’re only beginning to scratch the surface (pun intended)  when it comes to understanding the unique needs and medical conditions of cats. From chronic illnesses like feline diabetes and kidney disease to behavioral issues such as anxiety and aggression, there are still many unanswered questions about what causes these conditions and how to best treat them.

To improve the lives of cats everywhere, we need more research. By deepening our understanding of how cats experience illness, aging, and stress, we can develop better treatments, prevention strategies, and care—helping them live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Enter Darwin’s Ark: A Platform for Scientific Research

One exciting initiative that aims to fill this gap in feline research is Darwin’s Ark, an online platform started by two pet lovers, a geneticist and an engineer, to advance scientific understanding of pet health. The website is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about improving the lives of both dogs and cats through data-driven research.

For our purposes, we’re focusing on cat health, and at its core, Darwin’s Ark is about collecting and analyzing data from real cats living in homes, shelters, and other environments. The goal is to create a comprehensive database that researchers can use to study genetic and environmental factors that influence cat health. By gathering data on everything from a cat’s breed and genetic makeup to its medical history and behaviors, Darwin’s Ark provides vital insights that can shape future research.

How You Can Contribute to Cat Health Research

The beauty of Darwin’s Ark is that it allows cat owners and shelters alike to play an active role in research. By participating in the program, you’re contributing valuable information that could lead to breakthroughs in veterinary science. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Register Your Cat: By signing up on Darwin’s Ark, you can submit data about your cat’s health, lifestyle, and behavior. This information can help create a broader picture of feline wellbeing and may reveal patterns or correlations that were previously unknown.
2. Participate in Research Surveys: For each cat you register, there are ongoing surveys to complete related to the cat’s health, behavior, lifestyle, and more. By completing these surveys, you’ll be directly contributing to our understanding of cats. Most surveys just take 2-3 minutes!
3. Sequence Your Cat’s DNA: Through Darwin’s Ark, you can pay for a genetic sequencing kit to sequence your cat’s DNA, which can help scientists uncover genetic links to cat physiology, behavior, ancestry, and risk factors for disease.
4. Spread the Word: Even if you aren’t able to participate in the research yourself, you can still make a difference by sharing the platform with other cat lovers. The more data that’s collected, the more comprehensive the research will be! Additionally, you can also follow and share their news and research posted on Facebook and Instagram.

The Bigger Picture: How This Research Benefits All Cats

The research conducted through Darwin’s Ark has the potential to change the way we think about feline health. By looking at the genetic and environmental factors that influence cats’ lives, researchers can gain a better understanding of how diseases like cancer, heart disease, and even infectious illnesses develop in cats. This information will help veterinarians make more accurate diagnoses, prescribe better treatments, and ultimately improve the lives of cats.

But it’s not just about medical conditions. Research into feline behavior and mental health is equally important. Many cats suffer from anxiety, depression, or stress, often due to changes in their environment, lack of stimulation, or inadequate socialization. By understanding the root causes of these behavioral issues, we can develop strategies to create happier, more well-adjusted cats who can thrive in their homes.

Additionally, shelters can use the findings from these studies to provide better care for cats in their care. Whether it’s understanding how to better treat sick cats, providing more enrichment opportunities, or improving the adoption process, data-driven research will help shelters give cats the best possible chance at a healthy and fulfilling life.

Closing

In the grand scheme of things, supporting research into feline health is about more than just helping individual cats—it’s about ensuring that all cats, everywhere, can live longer, healthier lives. The more we know, the better we can protect and care for our kitty companions, whether they’re our beloved pets at home or shelter cats.

For more information or to get started, visit Darwin’s Ark today and be sure to check out their fascinating blog article on why cats are so understudied. By supporting platforms like Darwin’s Ark, we take a step toward making a tangible difference in the lives of cats, promoting better health outcomes, and advancing our understanding of these extraordinary animals. Every small contribution counts—whether it’s participating in research, sharing the word, or making a donation. Let’s work together to ensure that all cats can live their best lives.

About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.