When an older tabby cat was captured by the Voorhees Animal Orphanage in New Jersey, staff knew he’d probably need extra help finding a home.
Older cats are often overlooked by people looking to add to their family because everyone prefers small, energetic kittens. But this senior tabby just needed his own humans and a comfy home to “retire” in.
The search for the special kitty’s purrfect family began immediately. The cat was named Barnaby (which means “older” or “most senior), and the Orphanage quickly took to social media to find a family that could appreciate such a mature gent. Thankfully, Barnaby was in luck and was about to find the most perfect home he could ever imagine!
A veterinarian and his wife saw Barnaby available for adoption and recognized his gentle soul. They knew he’d be the perfect addition to both the vet office and their life.
The vet, Dr. Sheehan, owns Sheehan Vet Centre in Camden, New Jersey— and he, along with his wife and staff, act as Barnaby’s loving family and support team. As part of Dr. Sheehan’s family, Barnaby is able to get any care he could possibly need, and the family is fully prepared to care for any health issues that may arise with the feline’s old age.
Now, gentle Barnaby is officially part of the crew. In fact, this lucky kitty is even listed on the vet’s official website as a staff member— being appropriately deemed “Office Mascot/Internet Star”.
Since being adopted, Barnaby has become a staple at the office. From the moment he was brought to his new home, the entire clinic has done everything to make him feel welcome.
Barnaby got his happy ending, but unfortunately, many senior cats do not. As mentioned, older cats are often overlooked when visited by potential cat owners, and many senior cats placed for adoption will live out a good portion of their lives in a shelter— just wishing someone would take a chance on them.
It’s important to remember that aged cats make fantastic companions.
They’ve already grown into who they will be, so there are no surprises in personality or temperament as time goes on. Older felines may not be as playful as tiny, energetic kittens— but who doesn’t love lazy days at home with a cat snuggled and purring beside you?
Let’s not forget that elderly cats are already trained! Kittens are cute, but we can’t pretend there isn’t a less cute training period! It’s rare to see an adult cat that can’t use a litter box or still chews on your expensive wires and thinks socks are enemies that must be destroyed!
An adult, calm-tempered, grown-up cat will basically come ready to be your faithful, loyal companion— and there’s no extra work required beyond providing them with a loving home.
Like Barnaby, senior cats, with their wise, elder wisdom, seem to realize that you’re saving them.
They acknowledge a new human is welcoming them into their home, and they thank you more cuddles and purrs than you can imagine!
Next time you think about welcoming a new feline family member into your home, don’t overlook the older, less playful cats. Less playtime doesn’t mean less fun— it just means more cuddles and love!
Hear Barnaby’s heartwarming story below!
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