15 photos of senior cats that are sure to warm your heart
We all get old and gray – if we’re lucky!
While some people think of cats as less-than-affectionate creatures, all cat owners know that our furry friends dole out love on a different scale, and some of them are around to do it for decades!
These sweet photos underscore not only the commitment that getting a pet requires but just how long you can hope to have your sweet kitty around to give you some snuggles and head-butts.
1. 18 and still rockin’
Pumpkin might not look like a kitten anymore, but she still loves the attention.
As cats get older they can need some help grooming and their fur can lose it’s sheen a bit. But hey, the same is true of humans!
2. Passing on the wisdom
Senior animals are often wonderful to children. While 14 might not seem so old compared to some of these cats, felines are considered “senior” between the ages of 11 and 14.
Anything over 15 is a “super-senior.” But many indoor cats can survive years beyond that if they’re well-cared-for.
My 1.5yr old son and 14yr old cat had a moment this morning. from r/aww
3. Sun-worshipper
All cats love a good sunbath, but senior cats may seek out the rays even more frequently to ease any pain.
Or they may just take any opportunity to warm up like a cat of any age.
Just look at this sweet guy enjoying his beam time.
4. Forever young
Not all cats go grey. Some look pretty darn similar to their kitten photos, even from two decades ago!
This beauty, for example, still looks like a baby but is 20 years old.
My cat is now 20 years old. Here is a pic of her as a kitten (around a few months old) and now. She has always been tiny for her age! from r/aww
5. She’s seen it all
Twenty-six is pretty darn old for a cat! In fact, there’s relatively little information available on how to care for cats over 20 since it’s not all that common for them to live that long.
Then again, the title of World’s Oldest Cat belonged to a cat in Texas named Creme Puff who was 38(!) when she died!
6. Senior pals
Sometimes the needs of senior pets can be too demanding for senior humans, but many times they’re the perfect match.
They’re certainly the idea nap buddies!
7. Pizza party
For some reason, Pizza just struck us as a hilariously fun name for a cat (a 5-year-old named him).
His owner was very clear that pizza was not the secret to his long life though.
Today is National Cat Day so here’s my 18 year old senior, Pizza. from r/seniorkitties
8. Head butties
Some cats get more affectionate as they age. But 19 years is also a long time to develop a rapport.
Our relationships with pets are one of the few we can count on to get better as the years go by.
He’s the first friend I made after starting high school in a new state. He was there when I met my wife, and he was there when I brought my kids home from the hospital. Today he turns 19, happy birthday buddy
from r/seniorkitties
9. The kingdom expands
Prepare for your cat to claim your house for itself and not abdicate its throne for a decade or two.
In fact, they may claim even more precious space as they get older and it’s even harder to tell them to move.
My old man Harpo napping like a 18yr old kitty should. from r/seniorkitties
10. Milestones
Dogs might be “man’s best friend” but that doesn’t mean cats are any less fun as best buds.
In fact, after 20 years they may just be the most satisfying creatures to spend time with. They’re great listeners and never tell you that they’ve already heard that story.
Waking up to 2019 like…
we turn twenty and forty this year! Happy New Year to everyone! from r/seniorkitties
11. Not everyone understands
Some people think that once a cat hits the “senior” years at 11, they’re unadoptable and many get euthanized.
But the truth is that they could have more years left than some large dogs do even if they’re puppies!
It’s sad to think that someone could have a cat for 13 years and then simply toss it aside as “too old.” Ridiculous!
New here. Say hi to suzie (18 years old) the best kitty I’ve ever had. Her previous owner wanted to have her put down 5 years ago cuz “she was too old and nobody would adopt her” my wife was volunteering at the shelter they brought her to and thankfully she ended up bringing her home! from r/seniorkitties
12. Adopt a senior
Don’t think you have to adopt a kitten to get an affectionate cat. In fact, younger cats often have better things to do (like chase shadows and knock stuff on the floor).
Older cats will often be grateful to have a home and some affection. They certainly don’t deserve to languish in shelters for the rest of their lives.
We adopted an 11-year old cat from a Chicago shelter. He and my 13-yo daughter fell in love. This is them after she got back from a week at camp. from r/aww
13. Still snackin’
Look at this beauty! And it’s still a fan of Doritos!
We gave those up long before age 22, but no judgment.
14. Wizened wizard
We’re not sure if Opie is really 26 but it hardly matters – we’re obsessed with how his fur makes him look like Gandalf in this photo.
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up to this sleepy boy and let him work his magic?
15. Still a supermodel
Some older cats look their age. Others still have the face of a kitten.
But a cat like Miko maintains her grace no matter how many candles are on her birthday cake.
Miko celebrates two decades on this planet today! She has been very sick in the past but is still powering on like a trooper from r/seniorkitties
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Have you ever lived with a senior cat that was well-cared-for? How long did they live?
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Source: H/t Bored Panda
