Benefits of mature moggies on loneliness highlighted.
Cats Protection is putting the spotlight on older cats this week, as it marks 'Mature Moggies' day on 16 June.
Mature Moggies Day, created by Cats Protection, celebrates older cats, and encourages the public to consider adopting them.
This year, the charity is highlighting how older cats can be wonderful companions, particularly for people struggling with loneliness.
Daniel Cummings, behaviour officer at Cats Protection, said: “It’s a common misconception that older cats don’t play or interact much with owners, when in actuality, mature cats are just as loving and playful as younger cats.
“In fact, it could even be easier to introduce a mature cat to a home than a younger cat or kitten.
“Cats can help prevent feelings of loneliness in all sorts of ways, whether providing entertainment through play or being there for a soothing cuddle.
“Often, people tell us it is a great source of comfort to simply have another living being in the home to care for and talk to.
“The amount of love these older ladies and gents have to give is vast. If you are someone who is struggling with feeling lonely, adopting an older cat could not only provide you with the company you crave, but you will also be doing something wonderful by giving a loving home to a cat.
“In the same way as a human’s personality develops as they get older, a cat’s personality shines more with age too.
“It’s even easier to find the perfect match with an older cat because they are pretty robust in who they are. You could walk into an adoption centre today and find a kindred spirit sitting there waiting for you.”
Cats Protection has shared the story of two people whose older cats have provided them comfort. Amy Newark, a 37-year-old from East Grinstead, adopted 15-year-old one-eyed Joe after a lockdown seperation.
Amy said: “I’ve had a challenging few years, but Joe has been my light in the dark. He is my amazing old boy who has helped me through some personal challenges, which at times made me feel immensely lonely.
“Joe has been my shadow and has been there for me when I was feeling down or overwhelmed with the situation. Joe has a very calm and chilled personality but can be cheeky at times, and that is exactly what I needed.
“Adopting an older cat is very rewarding and it’s nice to know that you are helping them have a comfortable life in their senior years. My experience is that mature moggies are calm and extremely loving.
“Joe made such an impact on me that I decided to volunteer for Cats Protection’s Crawley Branch. I haven’t looked back since that first day of meeting Joe.”
Donna Appleby, a 49-year-old widow from Eastbourne, adopted 15-year-old Poppy. She said: “I saw Poppy and instantly felt for her. I was concerned that because of her age she would be passed over by people tempted by the younger cats.
“I’ve heard that older cats are harder to home so my feeling was that she would be ignored or overlooked. I was immediately struck by how affectionate she was.
“As a widow living alone, it's lovely to be greeted by Poppy when I return home. She sleeps on my late husband’s furry jacket or in her cat bed and is always as pleased to see me as I am to see her. She’s made my house a home again.
“I totally recommend an older cat for company. Poppy adopted me as much as I did her and I thank her for choosing me. She is an absolute joy. We’re inseparable now.”
Images (C) Cats Protection
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