Petfinder’s 10 Reasons Senior Pets Rule:

(1) When senior pets are adopted, they seem to understand that they’ve been rescued, and are all the more thankful for it.

I adopted my beloved Neo when he was already in his teens.  While I know many shelters do a great job tending to the needs of their residents, it seems wrong that such a sweet senior cat, like Neo was, had to remain in a shelter for as long as he did.  He along with many other animals have been through a lot and more than earned their right to a loving forever home.  I believe it’s a crime when an animal dies in a shelter while waiting to be adopted, never knowing the joy of permanence and freedom from cages.

(2) A senior pet’s personality has already developed, so you’ll know if he or she is a good fit for your family.

I knew from the second Neo approached me at BARC Shelter, that he would be perfect for me; loving, friendly, and attentive.  He also befriended many residents in BARC’s cat loft so it came as no surprise that he would also win the acceptance of our first furbaby, Calvin (also a senior kitty).

(3) You can teach an old dog (or cat or other pet) new tricks: Senior pets have the attention span and impulse control that makes them easier to train than their youthful counterparts.

(4) A senior pet may very well already know basic commands anyway!

Both Neo and Calvin quickly came when their names were called. Many times Neo would look for me if he even heard the sound of my footsteps in the hallway or kitchen. This was true even in his final days.

(5) In particular, senior pets are often already housetrained, or can be more easily housetrained than a young pet with a tiny bladder.

We never had a problem with any of our senior kitties; they knew to go to the litter box (amazingly even when they were ill).

(6) A senior pet won’t grow any larger, so you’ll know exactly how much pet you’re getting.

(7) Senior pets are often content to just relax in your company, unlike younger pets, who may get into mischief because they’re bored.

Neo and Calvin weren’t much of the counter-surfers that many younger cats are.  Neo was always content to quietly sunbathe in the living room or curl up in his kitty tent while gazing at the moonlight. Neo would always keep me company while I was cooking; he would habitually sit in the same corner next to the refrigerator. 

(8) Speaking of relaxing, senior pets make great napping buddies.

I once fell asleep on the sofa with Stella (our chihuahua) and when I awoke, I found Neo asleep beside me too.  How did he get here without waking me or Stella up, I wondered?  Dear sweet kitty!  Calvin and Neo were also frequently seen in the early afternoon sharing their favorite lazy lounger (fleece ball) together.  This is quite special since they were not littermates.  When Calvin was sick, Neo would lie next to him to keep him company.

(9) Senior pets know that chew toys (not shoes) are for chewing and scratching posts (not furniture) are for scratching.

Calvin and Neo were never destructive-type kitties.  They were a very quiet pair, with very few moments of chase or even playful cat fights.   I also normally had my sneakers out and never had any chewed laces.   I knew Calvin for ~8 years and Neo lived with us for ~5 years.  Perfect kitties and never any worries!

(10) Senior pets are some of the hardest to find homes for — so when you adopt a senior pet, you’re truly saving a life.

There is a certain consistent calm and peace with senior pets.  They also seem more in tune with what their person is feeling.  Neo always seemed to know when I was sad and comforted me with his presence, sweet glance, and soft purrs.  My husband and I had both young and older animals come through our door and I will without hesitation say that our senior furbabies have always been a source of great joy in our life. I hope you will consider adopting a senior pet so you will know a similar happiness.

*Reference: Petfinder.com