5 Senior Cat Essentials!

[@dudette2x]

Last year I adopted two 8 year old sisters who sat in a shelter for TWO years because 1) They were older and 2 they are black. What those darlings have added to my life is immeasurable. Ive never met more loving cats :)

[@racheloldham6939]

I love black cats, they always been the sweetest!

[@DruidessOfMidian]

Was a similar story with my Void kitty Maya, although she also hates kids n babies, so had 3 things against her :-( Fortunately for me, she's a prefect match and recently celebrated her 13th birthday 😊

[@ammarisrar2005]

If I would have to adopt a cat, it would be a black cat and I would get 2 one senior cat, cuz they are sooo sweet and calm and a kitten so it’s like a cat and it’s grandson/daughter

[@DruidessOfMidian]

@@ammarisrar2005 and the senior cat can teach the kitten how to behave 😉 It's crazy how much kittens miss out on learning, if they're taken away from their mothers and elders too soon. Same goes for all animals really.

[@ammarisrar2005]

@@DruidessOfMidian yes so the kittens have an elder that could keep them in order

[@DeannaJacksonDJsDelectables]

My cat is 17 years old and still plays like a kitten! She's never missed a senior exam at the vet and is still healthy as an ox. I adopted her when she was 13. My fiance and I didn't want a super young cat. We've made it out mission to make her retirement years as happy as we can. Our vet thinks we're succeeding.

[@Verbsdescribeus]

my cats will turn 13 this year, I adopted them at 7 months :D

[@richforever6231]

What food do you feed her????

[@SweetyHelen92]

Same with my 12yo kittens.

[@SweetyHelen92]

@@richforever6231 I bet she feeds her lots of good quality wet food with no cereals

[@HelloSmileMore]

Mine also still plays around with 15 years not as much but he is still good actively and runs around LOL

[@Bearwoman11]

My Senior cat is 21 yrs old! Hes doing great!

[@SuuggestionKalaxy]

21 years old??!! 💗💗💗💗

[@denisehardin7005]

My GIRL isl almost 19 years old . And I Feel BLESSED To Be Her Momma !!

[@atrigraham]

Wow

[@racheloldham6939]

That's amazing!

[@WandaEnlightened]

That is awesome!

[@rodrigomendesas]

Just rescued a 16 years old little lady. She was living in backyards and bushes and would get fed by some nice people. I actually thought she could maybe be happier living free in the wilds. Then I realized how safe she felt when, half an hour after I brought her home, she was all crawled up and cozy, purring on my lap. I just want her to enjoy her final years here with love and warmth.

[@auctanemk]

thank you!

[@julegate]

How kind.

[@huskiesgo5944]

Best thing about a senior cat when your a senior is you both love nap time.

[@NdnUrbanCat]

I let my Gus tell me when it's time for a nap.

[@harlowblackadder356]

"AGE IS NOT A DISEASE!" YESSS My senior loves the pine type litter. I custom cut his litter box down out of cardboard boxes so he doesn't have to struggle. I also put my mattress on the floor so he can climb on, as he has been sleeping next to my head for many years. He is one of the best additions to my adult life, ever.

[@carolyngetschow2260]

Great tips, Jackson! As soon as my cat Colby crossed into "senior" territory, I noticed my own anxiety about his impending death has spiked a LOT. Rationally, I know that my cat is very healthy and (probably) has several years left in him, but thoughts of "How will he die?", "What do I do when he dies?", and "How will I cope?" really stress me out. I would love to see you do a video--perhaps as part of this series on Seniors?--on how us Guardians can prepare mentally, emotionally, and practically, for The End.

[@44mamst]

💯 I totally understand. These thoughts tortured me for years. Thinking of my senior kitty dying was a nightmare.

[@sunsetbeach79]

I feel exactly the same way, my cat is 14 and I think about it a lot too. Would be good to have some advice on this

[@HanBlack314]

Same! My cat ist 19 and I can have my best friends watching after her over night and I still imagine all kinds of accidents when I'm away

[@Momma_AL]

Mine are still kittens and I stress out over losing them 🥺

[@JacksonGalaxy]

I absolutely get where you're coming from. I've been there more times than I can count. Like I said in the video, proactivity is one of the keys, knowing you are doing all you can to help them be their best. But, I'll let you in on a secret...we will be announcing the date for the next Cat Camp any day now, and that topic will be covered! Sign up fr alerts at www.catcamp.com shhhhhh ;-)

[@kendragorsline7844]

I just adopted a senior kitty 2 months ago! He was at the shelter for 11 years before I adopted him! So sad that some kitties have to wait so long to find their forever homes

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome! 👍

[@rocket1972]

Not all hero’s where capes

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

11 years ! Thank God they were a no kill shelter. I hope he lives with you for a long, long time!

[@pamwood3956]

11 years? Thank you for giving this little guy a life full of comfort and love. God bless you for adopting a senior. I hope you have many, many years together!

[@freewithnature]

Never heard of a shelter keeping an animal for that long 😳

[@karlihinman6721]

I just adopted a 10 year old on Tuesday and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me!!

[@zombienursern4909]

@Karli: thank you. I hope that you two have many happy, healthy years!

[@DruidessOfMidian]

Welcome to the world of being a senior's guardian, it's definitely one of the most rewarding n enriching experiences we can have!

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome! 👍

[@고양이-u2j]

🐱👍👍

[@xandermin]

Congratulations!

[@orenesimmons5514]

I’m a senior and adopted a senior cat in March 2020. She will be 20 on Nov. 19, 2020. I will only adopt a senior cat because I won’t be around to raise a young cat.😻

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

Me too!

[@PossibleBat]

Bless u so cute

[@mj9949]

I agree

[@lexifilburn4791]

I have a senior baby. She’s 20. Got her for Christmas when she was only a couple months old. 🥰 She meows when at the bottom of the stairs, and one of the kids will come and carry her up lol. Been trying to find some affordable pet stairs, because she still wants to sleep with me in bed.

[@PaddyPawsRescue]

Check craigslist. I've often seen them there.

[@PaddyPawsRescue]

And tjmaxx has them sometimes

[@HanBlack314]

Building ramps yourself is also really easy and affordable. Maybe try and ask friends who habe a little experience and tools. I would help my friends in a heartbeat for any cat craft 😂😍

[@jenni0278]

I got some doggy stairs at Walgreens Believe it or not for like 15 bucks years ago for mine's sister because she was too fat to jump up and she passed away unfortunately last year from a saddle thrombus but my 14-year-old boy uses those stairs to get in the bed with me every night and get on his heating pad

[@Fauthal]

I just put my mattress on the floor.

[@nikki4701]

I just adopted a 12 year old cat. I wanted to get a “hard to adopt” cat and seniors are often overlooked. He’s a sweetie.

[@KG9551]

I only adopt adult/senior cats and I’ve never regretted it once. My cat Thea was a lively 11 year old cat full of attitude and love when I adopted her. She gave me 7 wonderful years before she passed. I adopted my Persian Neelix when he was around 3 years old (no one is sure, they found him outside, matted and starving completely declawed front and back). He is still with me 11 years later. Adopting adult and senior cats is so worthwhile and rewarding... I highly recommend 😁

[@swirlingabyss]

A rare Neelix fan.

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome! 👍

[@KG9551]

@@swirlingabyss 😁 I wish I could share pics on YT, you’d see why I named him Neelix... whiskers and bright gold eyes, was the first name I thought of when I saw him. It’s always fun when people know where the name comes from

[@KG9551]

@@NdnUrbanCat ❤️❤️

[@Liavfaer]

This! I would love to do the same thing! I'm currently in a living situation where I can't have pets, but when I have my own place I want to adopt adult/ senior cats too. Both of my last cats we got when they were young and they both lived to their early 20s. Such sweet beans! Can't wait to adopt another kitty cat!

[@CassandraDouglas]

This is so helpful! My sweet kitty is 27 years old and these tips are super informative. 🙏🏾✨

[@jordana6720]

What did you do! I want all the tips.

[@CassandraDouglas]

@@jordana6720 Bone broth w/o salt is great for aging joints, B-12 vitamins, quality food; I use Made by Nacho (yes, my cat is spoiled), and probiotics. I found my rhythm with my cat through trial and error but eventually I found that if she eats well her body will have everything it needs to be happy and healthy. I also upgraded to a stainless steal water fountain and that was a game changer. My cat didn’t like the taste of the plastic I guess. With cats you can’t always tell what’s going on in that sweet little mind. Chelsea just turned 28 the other day and while she’s clearly an old lady who needs more help than she used to, she’s still strong, agile, for her age, and still sassy. Lol Good luck with your kitty! 🙏🏾💛

[@jordana6720]

@@CassandraDouglas Thank you so much! I am sending you love and blessings from me and my fuzzy baby.

[@44mamst]

My kitty Mamas was found in a box in a WalMart parking lot when she was just a kitten. She was a spicy kitty, smart & loved to cuddle & sleep on top of me all night. She was a long hair Maine Coon that had mattes so she went to the groomer to be shaved 5 years. She survived several bouts of pancreatitis, one round of ear mites, and was eventually diagnosed with KD. In her later years I would feed her every 2 hours 24/7 to keep her fed & hydrated. I would give her sub fluids & anti nausea meds when needed. Her vet once told me should would probably die in the next 7 months bc of her kidneys but she ended up living 2 more years! She died in my arms at 19yrs old. Helping her live a long, happy life is one of my greatest achievements in life. I Love You Mamas! ❤️

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome!

[@xandermin]

That's incredible! What an inspiring story 💛

[@novabrilliant4510]

My 18 year old, Stella Blue, was just given a clean bill of health from the vet.

[@eminemilly]

Does she have teeth? What have you been feeding her? =D

[@NeoDarkling]

My Stella is 17 and showing no signs of slowing down. 🙂❤

[@gardensofthegods]

Grateful Dead fan ? Great name for a cat .

[@zimmerz701]

Aww I used to have a Samson & Delilah (cat & dog) Sadly, they passed within 3 months apart...they needed each other more I suppose. (~);}

[@jeanhartely]

This Deadhead loves your cat's name!

[@laidelrey]

I have a senior cat, she's 14 years old and still plays like a kitten, she jumps and runs and have lots of fun. I hope she can live for way many years 💖

[@TitaniumSporks.]

My pretty girl is 17! We've been trying to figure out how to keep her entertained but so far we've found that she LOVES paper from shipping boxes, will play with it and rip it apart for hours. Drives us nuts with the noise but she deserves the best life.

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome! 👍

[@TheANaidGirl]

My cat is 13 years old. He ignored every fancy toy we ever bought him, but give him a shoelace, hair-tie, sock or a small rug and he goes nuts on them!

[@ladyariananorth]

After our 19 year old boy passed away, we wanted another cat. I wanted a pre-owned, broken in cat. We adopted an sweet 8 1/2 year old cat from a local shelter. He is such a love, and wants to be held up on my shoulder all the time. I'm so happy with him.

[@shellyrae777]

Now that I’m 40 I can appreciate my Senior Cat. She’s happy chilling on my lap with a fuzzy warm blanket. We play for a bit, then back to the blanket, lol

[@jessytorres3624]

I adopted a senior overweight and neglected lady cat and I can’t thank this channel enough. With all the advice, she’s lost weight and I have learned how to be the best cat mommy I can be. She’s happy as punch and the love of my life. Thank you!

[@gardensofthegods]

Hey I see some of us here would really appreciate it if you could take the time somehow to tell us how you got your cat to lose weight .

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

Bless your heart!❤❤❤❤

[@dilamotta]

de de de de d g

[@FoodLover139]

I just adopted a senior, overweight, and somewhat neglected cat a couple days ago :) watching this video for tips

[@ShadowKidxDevilGirl]

My little "baby" is turning 15 in May. I love him so much, I have had him since I was 10~ I hope I have him for many years to come

[@melr215]

We suddenly lost our 17 year precious girl Gracie in September, followed a week later by my beloved Dad. They've both left a huge hole in my heart.

[@CherryBerryFashion]

I have good news, they are not gone. They still live on in spirit. If You are open to the idea of the afterlife I recommend watching Adela Levine talking about grief, deceased loved ones and pets. She devoted her whole life to working with the other side and helping people talk to them. It all happened by accident to her. I was skeptic but once Ive heared her story I was convinced. It helped me get peace in many ways.

[@melr215]

@@CherryBerryFashion I know they are still with me, and yes I am very open to the afterlife. I am a counsellor, so am well versed with grief and loss. Its just not as easy to apply to yourself as it is when working with clients. Thanks for the recommendation, I will look at her work. I am always happy to see what others have to say. I have tried to speak to my dad but so far haven't felt his presence. But he was very very sick when he passed so its possible he has simply moved on, which I can't say I blame him. Thanks for your message x

[@korinworthington8928]

I currently live with 3 seniors and I adopted them all as seniors. I think seniors are all the best parts of having a cat with less of the kitten nonsense (although it still happens sometimes)

[@theeluannesantos]

Keeping your cat inside will help them live longer too. There’s a lot outside that can hurt them!

[@angiebear8727]

I have 20 year old kitty that seems to be ‘scared of the dark’. Going to try some low nighttime lighting for him. Thanks for the tip.

[@jenni0278]

Yep I have nightlights for my cat in most areas lol

[@biancaaguilar5929]

I have 2 cats one is young adult (does not like the dark) I have had a night light since he was a kitten, he has ALWAYS loved and if I forget to turn night light on he get pretty vocal til it’s on 🙂 and the other is an adult he ok light or no light so I have a sensor light for him he likes it turns on when he gets close 🙂. Blessings for you, your furbabies and loved ones 😊🙏😊

[@고양이-u2j]

🐱🐱🐱

[@고양이-u2j]

🐱🐱🐱

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

Maybe he can't see...

[@iIZaCAT16]

Vet checks for seniors are ESSENTIAL, picked up high blood pressure in my kitty when she was 17, she had no symptoms and catching it early meant she lived to two months shy of 20! She lived with no complications and only passed last week. She LOVED realistic birds on string!! Would jump, chase, watch, swipe and pounce. Was still playing daily till the end. I adopted her when she was 15, she was waiting nearly a year for her furever home. She landed on her feet and settled immediately, she was so happy and snuggly. Rest on easy, chase those birds in the sky; Tootie, March 2001 to Jan 2021

[@denisehardin7005]

I HAVE HAD My GIRL "BABY" ALMOST 19 YEARS . SHEIS STILL VERY PLAYFUL AND FETCHES & USUALLY RETURNS HER TOY RST TO MY HSND . I AM BLESSED... SHE IS MARVVELOUS !!

[@Asdfgqedfglo]

I make my cats “cat soup” everyday. It’s wet food with a good amount of water so it looks like a soup. And all of them love it! They eat/drink all of it!

[@Asdfgqedfglo]

@Diana Moore absolutely not. What could have caused your kitties runny stool is the switching of foods. So anytime you’re switching your cats food you want to do it slowly by mixing the new food in with the old food and then each day adding more of the new food and less of the old food, does that make sense? Some cats have very sensitive stomachs so you have to do it slowly so they have time to adjust to the new food.

[@Asdfgqedfglo]

@Diana Moore of course! 😺

[@racheloldham6939]

My boy had a good 16 years with me and he was, hands down, the best cat I've ever had. He was healthy and full of energy right up until his last month, he was still able to jump around and chase feathers. I wish he could have lived forever.

[@kevinensio_mom]

I feel you. I have sane thoughts. My 16 yo cat died a day before yesterday.

[@gardensofthegods]

@@kevinensio_mom yes it's very painful when your pet dies because it's like losing a young innocent child with fur and whiskers .

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

@@kevinensio_mom My Sympathies to you.💕

[@elizabethmarie96]

Just fell in love with a senior cat at the shelter today! Fingers crossed there's no issues with the application process and his health check goes well :)

[@claranora2617]

How did it go Elizabeth, did you adopt the cat ? :) x

[@hayley8715]

Any update?

[@bospaliden9991]

I just adopted a 9 year old calico cat i named desdemona 2 weeks ago and she was abandoned and found at a go cart derby so luckily she wasn't hit and they said that she was violent but even the people at the adoption center said that she was a sweet heart and she gets along with my kitten sand she treats them as there own and plays with them all the time

[@Crizzy2swaqq]

Cool no periods but very cool & nice story

[@szendrich]

You are so kind to do that. xx

[@nikkifennel]

My kitty girl's name is Muse, she's a calico too. Arrived to my life with 8 years and now she's 19. She was given to me by a pregnant coworker afraid of toxoplasma... lucky me! I've never known a sweetest cat than her! She's very protective and still loves to play and being by my side all the time. I hope you will enjoy your Desdemona for many many years! Greetings from Spain!

[@bospaliden9991]

@@nikkifennel I hope muse and you stay together for many more years and I wish the best for both of you

[@고양이-u2j]

😁😁

[@pcdosgirl]

We adopted a senior cat just before lockdown and she has turned me from a hardcore dog person to a total cat person. She was such a scaredy grump at first but we bonded with her love of treats! Man, she is the sweetest, smartest and fiercest thing ever. She plays like she's special ops, lol!

[@shroomyk]

One of my 12 year old boys went pee right outside the litter box once. He never peed where he wasn't supposed to before. For some reason, something told me to take the lid off the litter box. Never had any peeing outside since I did that, so I just keep it off. It's kind of interesting how intuition can sometimes play a role in taking care of cats.

[@aprilzek]

I adopted a senior cat at the beginning of August to keep me company during this tough time and she is totally worth it!

[@TheWorldofRobbie]

Jackson, your editor is hilarious and deserves a raise.

[@FilmaticProductions]

His editor is a cat.

[@dfjulesful]

I've found that the older my cats get the more affectionate they become. Like we understand each other more and most of the time they just want cuddles.

[@margaretwarden7997]

Brilliant ! I was so lonely in lockdown , and lost my last feral darling last Christmas, that I took on my two 5/6yrs olds from the local cat sanctuary. Im their first home and its scary for them but 3 months down the line , we are making v slow but noticeable progress!! Cheeca sleeps in bed with me and purrs.Checkers will eat from my hand thus being touched by me ... what an honour! They may not be seniors in years ,{I am !}, but they are quite creaky ... me too.Watching them and adapting things to suit them is interesting and so rewarding. Thank you for a great program. My life has been enriched by animals especially cats ! keep broadcasting Jackson. you have given me lots of ideas , and if I get stuck i think "if i cant find a way, Ill ask Jackson "

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome! 👍

[@nancythewaterchick8181]

I can't recommend enough an older cat. Mine was 13 and he has made this last year a joy. He puts me to bed, sleeps beside me, walks with me every step I take. It took a while to warm up but worth every tear he shed hugging me on night 3.

[@fatooshtkd]

Emma lived the first ten years in my cat colony behind the hospital where I worked... in her 10th year, she got a chest cold.... went to the vet, and she came home with me.... Emma just turned 20..... She is now a princess.... Emma now has IBS.. it's rough but she is safe and loved and cared for.... I will love her to the last day.... she is so pure of heart.. Every morning she wakes me for breakfast and GUIDES me to the kitchen lest I forget......She's so good to me...

[@kristinakellett4059]

Glucosamine (formulated for cats) also helps with arthritic joints. Comes in sprinkle capsules, easy to add to wet food. My senior cat plays again like a kitten

[@GhoOoda]

Where can i get that?

[@crusadertwo239]

@@GhoOoda petstores sell it alot my vet said human ones work but I would use the cat one I didn't get a definite answer

[@Alice-gd2fh]

I adopted a 13 year old black cat from a shelter a few months ago, he has early kidney disease and was struggling to find a home. I’m so glad I’ve found my little soulmate, he took to me so incredibly fast and gives so much love. He is doing very very well, his kidneys are actually very good with his renal diet supporting them. Hopefully I have him for many years still as he does not act like a senior 😂 such a playful boy who I can also nap with.

[@user-uj6sc7ls9y]

When I was working as an animal assistant at a vet clinic, one of the cats in my care was a 30 year old gentleman cat who was boarding at the clinic. He was very tender to the touch because of his arthritis, but he was a very purry, affectionate guy.

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

I've never been lucky enough to meet a 30 year. Old cat.!❤

[@Elentarien]

We've got a senior cat. He's 14. We rescued him when he was around 8 months-ish. He's doing good. He adopted a kitten last year. We warned him it wasn't a good idea, but he literally INSISTED we let her in and keep her. Wouldn't stop howling until we did. lol So she stayed. He loved on her like he was her mama. Not sure he doesn't regret it now, when she tries to take him down, but they manage.

[@lauratrotter2206]

You are such a wonderful person. I have found that people who love cats are very special. Thank you for the information.

[@snbg1]

Kindred spirits

[@ladykilgore2337]

I have such a soft spot for senior kitties. We just lost our baby girl in May. She was 18 and when we saw she was starting to struggle, we did everything we could for her. Our boy is 10 and is technically now a senior. We just took him to the vet for his annual and he got a squeaky clean bill of health. I would love to adopt a similarly aged cat to be a companion for him, because the loss of our other cat has clearly affected him. But I was laid off and we're waiting to adopt until we're stable again. It's excruciating to go through losing them, but the love and joy they bring you can't be measured.

[@StLennyBruce]

When I went looking for a kitten, I saw a photo of a 10-year-old and just knew I had to have him. Now he's about 15 and he's the best cat ever. I want this old guy to have the best years of his life with my husband and I. We've had to change a lot of things to make sure he's happy, and it's all worth it.

[@gwynrose2427]

My cat is 11 now and you would never be able to tell. She recently recovered from a nerve injury and is back to running around the house, and when I play with her she jumps quite a bit so I'm very relieved. She's the sweetest cat in the world and I would do anything for her and I hope I have many more years with her

[@lise6107]

My cat Molly is now 21 and going strong.

[@ammarisrar2005]

May god bless her and you with a stronger bond and may god bless Molly with a longer and peaceful life

[@vickieclark5931]

Yay, she is living a very long and happy life. I love it.

[@dabnisbrickey6527]

My cat is 7. I hope and pray he makes it to 21

[@alphaleonis986]

I have a 19 year old cat, and I never even thought about how much more work and attention they needed. From vet visits, to medicine, to special care, to changing things up around the house, etc. I love my old lady, but there have definitely been a lot of changes over the years.

[@TeresaBrancaccio]

Me and my boyfriend adopted two not so young cats anymore. 8 and 10. We love them to pieces and we couldn't be happier.

[@tiffanykuiken2191]

I adopted a 10 year old cat last year and he is the sweetest, most affectionate cat. He is a total lap cat and he will lie on my chest when I nap on the couch. He meets me at the door when I get home from work and immediately demands ear scratches. It’s nice to have someone waiting for you when you live alone. I would tell anybody who is looking to adopt a cat to adopt a senior cat. Best decision I ever made was to adopt my Frederick.

[@ratte5102]

I used to have a senior cat, she sadly passed away recently. I wish I knew how to take better care of her sooner. :(

[@heytharbeb]

I just lost my 15 year old a few days ago... She had a lot of health issues the past 6 months. It's been hard.

[@jenni0278]

I'm so sorry for both of your losses I'm still grieving the loss of my female last year unexpectedly and my boy is 14 but I guarantee you guys took the best care of them while they were with you

[@ratte5102]

@@jenni0278 Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

[@WhoTheWho]

❤️❤️💚💚

[@stefs3460]

The fact that your cat was senior meant you took good care of her to get to that point. I lost 1 of my senior cats a few weeks ago , I miss her so much. I know she had a full and happy life but these suggestions are great for that added comfort for her brother and sister. I like the suggestion about the lights and ramps.

[@rosemarycrosman6381]

I have a 21 yr old used to be feral that I was able to grab while she was giving birth. I found homes for her kittens and had her spayed. When I offered her the open door, she didn't want to go. She's been inside ever since and is the most loving kitty, and still zooms around playing!

[@Devo_gx]

I’ve had a little perch beside my recliner for Cleo for a couple years ago, and she absolutely LOVES air! Much easier for her to jump up on the perch and then a little hop to my lap.

[@mohamstaz3618]

I adopted a senior girl 5 years ago after someone dumped her at my apartment building. It was a major trial by fire because I had never had an old cat before, but I tried to do my absolute best that I knew how for her. Watching this video made me feel really good, because I was hitting all the points covered. Which is a relief, because sometimes I wonder if I did the right things. She passed last year at (what the vet estimated to be) about 19 years old. I fully intend to adopt a senior again, but for now I have two young 'uns, 5 and 2, so they have a while before they're seniors. lol

[@suzypenguin]

My 15 and 18 year old cats love this video! My oldest was a pet food recall survivor kitty who lived to 21! 😻 I have ramps up to the bed and to the fave couch. Fountains and bowls. I give SubQ fluids weekly plus B12 shots. My skinny 18 year old kitty adores her kitty heat pad. ❤️ My cat was restless at night and meowing, and after several tests to rule out thyroid or other issues, we found she had high blood pressure.

[@alanperchick6999]

We recently adopted two 9 year old sisters. Our lives have been enriched by leaps and bounds. They are the most affectionate sweeties we’ve ever had.

[@mikails4148]

Man I cant explain how thankful I am for you and your videos. I just recently adopted a 12 year old girl from a shelter after her owner passed away and the ones who adopted her before me treated her badly to the point where she was stressed out and uncomfortable and avoided using her box. I want to do everything I can for her to feel loved and tended to so thank you very much

[@LarsMHansen]

Thanks for this. Our 18 year old cat have been struggling a little and have just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. We're going the pill way, and she's being a good sport about it. And it looks like its helping, but we won't know until the end of the month when she'll have another blood test.

[@rebeccalaff853]

So far my senior is doing really well and I'm hoping he'll be one of those guys that lives into his 20s. I am going to switch him to the all meat diet, this week. He deserves the best! Thanks for the tips!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@melhar4813]

I've been using Darwin's raw. It seems like good quality.

[@TheStar798]

@@melhar4813 Thanks, I was wondering what I could try with my 15 year old boy! 👍🏽

[@dianawilson13]

We do lots of foster work with our shelter and we once had a senior cat come to us for an evaluation. We had her for a couple months and she really came around, going from a shut down cat that slept all day to a very loving cuddler. We expected her to get adopted right away but she stayed at the rescue shelter for 6 months! I talked my husband into adopting her so she could spend the last few years in a home rather than die at the shelter. She was the best kitty and we miss her so much. (She was an ex street cat with mangled ears either from fights of previous ear mites. She LOVED fast food and you could tell she had lived off handouts because just the sound of a wrapper would send her old booty running full speed.) I hope more people will think about taking in an older cat. She lived with us longer than several other cats we had (FIP, and HCM). You never know how long you're going to have with your cat.

[@elizabethgranda2074]

My senior cat it's appreciating this video, as much as me

[@jezzyjenn]

I didn’t know November is adopt a senior cat month! I adopted mine 4 years ago in November. He wasn’t quite senior as he was 7 but pretty close to it. He just turned 11 on the 6th of November. And he is so loved!!!

[@thelmatellez2845]

I love the fact that you did a senior video because I have a senior cat and it's hard to know what she wants and I so thank you for that information

[@heleenzuidhof8780]

I like senior cats. They are so sweet. I am all for adopting a senior cat!. My first cat was a senior. She was deaf. I loved her so much. And she made me in to a cat lover.

[@szendrich]

Thank you so much for providing this info. I have a 19-year-old Persian cat who got kidney disease and depression when her father passed away 3 years ago. Everything went haywire after that event, but I nurtured her carefully, force-fed her all this time at regular intervals and she's actually improved greatly (she wouldn't eat anything otherwise). Her last blood test showed she'd recovered her full kidney function. She's deaf, but her sight is good. Thing is, she has little interest in anything, let alone play. But at least, she still kept some of her affectionate habits in bed at night. That is all the bond I've managed to keep. For the rest of it, she sleeps all day. It worries me that her character has changed so much since her father's death and since her illness, but I'm hopeful she will live as long as your beautiful 26-year-old. I pray so because she's everything to me. Thank you so much for everything you do, Jackson.

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

I have 2 senior boys. We go to the vet twice a year. When they have trouble from arthritis I'll get them steps to climb to higher places. So far they both drink plenty water but when they don't I'll supplement. They 'will get whatever they need. Adoption is for a nice long, loving lkife!❤❤❤❤❤

[@markharrisllb]

Ours is 21 now and got a growth on his lower bowels. He’s doing well and is spoilt rotten. He’s had kidney problems for at least 15 years and has special food for it. He also has an overlarge liver but the same steroid injections do for the growth and his liver along with the vitamin B2. The cat we have now was my wife's before we got together, my cat I brought into the relationship passed in 2014 a couple of months before her 21st. She was a little tortoise shell and was on painkillers for arthritis in her hips for at least 18 months before we lost her. Here in the U.K. cats tend to be more outdoor cats than in America, but in their later years they like their litter boxes. A few bits of furniture have been moved and bought to make things more accessible. Tiggs has unfortunately got cataracts, though he still likes looking out of the window. Tiggs still likes to play a little in the morning, usually after we have both petted him and given him his cat milk.

[@micheled5167]

The kitty cot window seat just happens to be over the radiator! Jackpot! 😺❤️

[@Pieling]

I bought some pet steps for my senior kitty when I noticed she was having some trouble getting up and down from my bed. I highly recommend them for any senior cat owner!

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome! 👍

[@melindabraun6060]

my oldest cat and love of my life, I adopted when she was 10, with only one working kidney and a chronic chough. she passed at 16 of a super aggressive cancer but never looked nor behaved a day past 8 :) adopting Sofi was one of the best things I ever did. still miss her every day.

[@esiuol6937]

My cat is 11 1/2 years old now. I'm grateful for every additional year she spends with us on earth

[@sheilagaquin6789]

We were looking for a kitten, but our hearts went out to the seniors who'd been abandoned at the shelter. We ended up adopting a 10+ year old tuxedo girl just before Christmas. She'd been in the shelter almost a year. The first week or so she stayed under the bed in "base camp" but slowly started to venture out. Now she's out, and about in the house. She's loving, active, and a delightful companion. She has quite a life story--her mother was carried off by an eagle when she and her siblings were still nursing. The owners bottle fed her, and due to predators here in the boondocks, kept her indoors all her life. COVID changed the financial situation of the owners; they had to move away and give up their cat. I'm sorry for their hardships, but so grateful to now have their sweet cat. She's such a gentle, easy going, and totally fun girl.

[@dariusreidace6663]

My new cat isn't quite a senior (9 yrs old,) But this was super helpful. Definitely going to make sure that my lil Figgy Pudding has the best remaining years of her life ❤

[@carolinewillis602]

My boy Jasper turns 18 in April. Hes had the odd issue over the last couple of years. Was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism 2yrs ago n went through radiation therapy. Fingers crossed all bloods so are good. In early stages of kidney disease but vet isn't worried at the moment. His weight and appetite is up n down but hes never been a big cat anyway. He is my baby. Ive known him since 3wks old n got him n his brother at 12wks. Sadly lost his brother to cancer 3yrs ago. Love him to bits n hope i have him a good while yet.

[@AdrianeCarrasco]

I adopted a senior cat, he’s 8 years old and his owner died this year. He ended up at the shelter and is veeery afraid of any noises and movements. He had accidents on the furniture and my bed the first week but now uses the litter box.🙏 He is just starting to get used to me and it’s been 2 1/2 weeks. He’s beginning to respond to toys and stimulation in a good way and is no longer hiding. I’m so happy that he’s starting to trust me and am hoping to see more affection little by little... thank you for all your videos! They have really helped me to understand the stress of the transition to his new surroundings! 🐈‍⬛😊

[@jacquelynpowell7964]

I'm so glad you know that the inappropriate elimination was not his fault! Also some cats don't get used to their people for much longer than 21/2 wks. Easy does it when you bring your new furball home from the shelter. Let them do things at their own rate!❤❤

[@AdrianeCarrasco]

@@jacquelynpowell7964 he’s doing so well! I couldn’t have asked for a better companion! He’s my little love and I’m so happy he’s in my life!

[@sarahmiller1849]

I raised my senior cat from a kitten. He has stage 4 kidney failure & arthritis, but he has meds for it. He eats very well & walks well & uses the restroom. Most importantly, he's very happy. He smiles & purrs & is very well cared for & loved. He'll be 19 in July & is doing so well after seeing the vet & getting his bad teeth removed a couple of years ago

[@smokeykitty6023]

I've posted this to another video, but appropriate here. I'm almost 66 and am hesitant to adopt another young cat. I've decided to foster a senior cat (or 2!) in a few months ( I'm moving in 4 months and don't want to disrupt ANY cat with a move). I'm sure this is the right strategy for me at this time in my life. I'm semi retired, live alone and have tons of time and love to give. Thank you Jackson for all the good advice that led me to this decision!

[@TaraH195]

I had a senior cat. He sadly died because of health issues 3 months ago... I miss him so much. He was almost 13 years old and I adopted him at 10 years old. I gave him the best old days he could have asked for. He was a special needs cat who needed medicines every day. I made sure he could get up the new bed that was higher with an extra step next to the bed. Removed the litterbox door so it wouldn't touch his spine etc. I did everything for him. I love you forever and miss you buddy...

[@SunflowerEmmeline]

thank you for being so compassionate! senior cats deserve the best. these are great tips, i'm about to soup up my home for my sweet elderly cat.

[@barbarabecker5386]

I adopted a senior cat, (10 years old), I instantly fell in love with him at the shelter. He was so amazing, I connected with my friend Max like no other cat. He went though so many medical problems, I did everything I could to keep him healthy. His heart was failing and after two weeks of the emergency vet several times. I had the vet come to my home and we said goodby. I know this sounds horrible. He was the most loving, gentle and playful spirt I have ever experienced. I love senior cats!

[@99PercentOffFreeHugs]

Adopted as an adult I've had my cat Mirage for about 20 years. =-= She's hitting some serious age! I just now noticed her tendency to not eat as much or prefer her food wet or raw. I've always adopted older cats and I really encourage people to check them out, they make awesome family additions.

[@paulaalejandra1678]

I have 3 cats, Peluda 11 years old, Misty 8 years old and Bumblebee 3 years old! All of the are rescued cats! I love them so much💖💖💖

[@dkluempers]

Thanks for this video. My first cat Hone still loves going out. He takes walks 5 times a day. Loves sniffing round and chasing gecko's. He still wants to defend his territory also. He's 17 and was recently diagnosed with a thyroid condition and lung cancer. He is so good about taking his pills 2 times per day. We are doing what we can to keep him happy and healthy for as long as we can.

[@rascalandshadowsmith1277]

I recently purchased a walk in litter box for my older cats. They are 12 years old. So far they use it and it is down stairs in the dining room. I got rid of the dining room table and chairs and now it’s the feeding and litter room. I have painful osteoporosis, so I know how painful arthritis can be for cats. So far they are still active. They don’t rip and run through the house but they still get around pretty well.

[@germandimplez]

Thx for the vid ❤️. My Tiburon is 20. Very frail. This vid makes me so happy cause I have done all of the above. I even take her to the vet every month for cortisone shots (Vit B too). I switched from clay litter to corn about 2 weeks ago. It’s much softer. I ❤️ my 🐱🐱🐱.

[@JacksonGalaxy]

Glad I could help! And Tiburon is one lucky girl!

[@nsavar5864]

Kudos to you and Tiburon. Something that worked for one of my seniors and another with sensitive paws was to switch from litter to lining cat boxes with towels. It is soft, absorbent, and washable. I also maintained boxes with litter (and sometimes they would use those too), but mostly they preferred the towels. And if your baby ever needs more fluids because of chronic kidney disease, giving subcutaneous fluids is straightforward and will make her feel better. Best to you and Tiburon.

[@miabrantley205]

Cat play comes in so many forms. I have a rescue who apparently never learned to hunt or play with toys. To him, playing means running up to you, tail up, and then turning tail and speeding away, tail up. Then he looks at you like, "Well, aren't I clever? I fooled you!". He seems to think it's funny. I can see the laughter in his whiskers :D

[@PackerGirl]

I was the proud momma of 3 senior cats. They were always ready to give the loves! I prefer senior cats because I know how long they live in the shelters (I worked for a no-kill shelter). I have a 6 year old special needs cat now and love her to bits. Trying to talk hubby into a special needs kitten. She has similar needs. I've learned so much from you! Thank you, Jackson!

[@Lynn-vs4uu]

my little old lady kitty came to me after her owner died, she went to a shelter and was adopted by a woman with a toddler 😨 they posted her on fb and i drove 5 hours to get her she had became so stressed due to the child she had stopped eating and her liver was shutting down. after many health issues she is now my beautiful healthy floofy baby ❤ She's such a blessing and I'm so happy to have been given the chance to have her 💘 😻 💜

[@medelicityliu7934]

Impeccable timing! I just adopted a Senior cat two weeks ago! Thanks!

[@NdnUrbanCat]

You're awesome! 👍

[@BlessedBaubles]

Yes!! Adopt a senior cat!! Mine lived 23 years!! So… you never know. You may give them that precious home for another 10-15 years! But even a few days or months is still precious time. ❤

[@GratefulDeb270]

We have a senior cat (14) and adopted a senior cat (9) last year. Thx for the great video about introducing them! Great video! We have cat stairs for them and several ottomans that help the older one access furniture. They both love to play!

[@laura69271]

i have a baby home who will be 17 years old in december - God bless his soul ! he have thyroid problems but he take Vidalta 20 mg for the rest of his life and he is deaf - thank you Jackson for info !

[@HOLDENINMAN]

I have a 10 year old Bengal cat with EPD who is prone to digestive infections. I have to watch him carefully as a result of this. He hates the digestive powder I have to add to his food but I think he does eat most of it most of the time. I do worry that he will get other illnesses as a result of the EPD as diabetes is common in these cats as well as pancreatitis. I absolutely love him to bits and he is quite dedicated to me too 💕

[@ianthescientist8827]

I cried when you talked about adopting senior cats and how they sit in the shelter. Can't wait till my dad sells me the house soon so I can adopt a sweet old kitty who will get along with also a kitten or young cat I also want to adopt.

[@chickensoupfordinner]

We adopted a possibly senior cat, Leo, (age unknown and his kidneys say senior but the way he plays with our kitten says younger) and we love him. He is such a snuggly boy with a great personality. Leo is also incredibly patient with the kitten we adopted a year ago, and it was wonderful to watch him groom her and her teach him how to play chase. How old he acts seems to depend on the weather and what activities he has available around him.

[@mr.mirchenstein6549]

My cat is 16, & I've had him since he was a small kitten only a few weeks old. Casey Jones! He was a rescue. He still runs around & acts like a kitten most of the time. Acts more like a dog then a cat at times the way he follows me around. I think a happy cat truly makes for a healthy cat. I'm not looking forward to him getting older the next few years but I will do my best to make his life happy & comfortable.

[@MeowingPineapple]

My 14 year old cat still loves to play! I get out the wand for the younger one and she'll appear out of no where too! Gotta keep them all entertained!

[@Baukereg]

Senior cats are the best. So grateful. I always get a cat from the shelter, never disappointed.