Am I crazy to adopt a second senior kitty?

[Deleted]

A post came up in a community FB group. Family is moving out of the country, has a 16 year old cat they've had his whole life, and don't feel they can move him. It's 3 days in a car, plus the headache that is internationally moving an animal. It's either a big stress on him, or a huge expense (like flying round trip to pick him up), and they don't want to do it.

So we're thinking of taking in a 16 year old male indoor-only cat. We've got a 13 year old male cat. Big enough house that they could ignore each other if they want. My plan is to start new cat in the downstairs bathroom that we never use with his food, water, and litter in there and introduce them under the door for a day or so.

What should I ask them? I know he's picky about litter and comes with a large supply of it. Our cat can only eat good food, so hopefully they could eat the same thing. I feel like I need to be up front about our philosophy on end of life care (I would put down a 16+ year old cat with any serious condition). 

We'd been considering a second cat for a few years. Obviously was planning a younger one, not a grandpa. 

[cmeon]

You have a good heart (and/or- you're a big sucker ), it's really sweet of you to consider this cat. I'll try to withhold my judgement on his current family- but, I will never get behind the "I don't want to stress my pet out with a move!" argument- dude, rehoming isn't a walk in the park, even to a great situation.

I don't think you're crazy (my heart bleeds all over the place, I get it), but, I also don't think you're obligated to make an offer. They CAN take their cat- it really comes down to want. They might find themselves figuring it out if they can't find an alternative- or they might be assholes, anyway. But- not on YOU.

How much time do you have to consider- can you take him on a trial basis? If you do decide to step in, I really hope they understand how lucky their cat is.

[Deleted]

We're doing a trial run for a weekend in a couple weeks.

And I know many people would judge me as a (pet-related) asshole, so I try not to judge. I know they *could*, but I know in their shoes, I might do this.

[tamarindy]

OP- You seem awesome. I have two senior cats. Here's my story:

My original senior boy is Meowzers (maybe 15-16 ish) I have had him since 2004 when someone left him outside when they moved. He is my best friend. He's in my avatar. He was happy as an only cat for ten years.

Just over a year ago, my husband and I were looking at a FB post of a toothless, black, senior cat (about 14) at the local shelter. He had been there for over a month and had one day until euthanization. Our hearts were bigger than our heads so we pulled him out and brought him home, named him Gomez. We adjusted by having them in separate areas, did slow introductions, etc. - at first it was tough. Meowzers didn't like his new brother at all. We were patient and slowly they started to hang in the same area.

Just last night, I was on the couch when I saw Meowzers LICK Gomez on the head! I shit you not, it made me tear up. Meowzers is in declining health and both cats have much more time behind them than in front but I have never regretted taking in my old boy Gomez. In fact, I am pretty sure I will always adopt senior, unwanted cats/dogs as long as I am able. Caring for them has been like a calling to me. Even though we won't get as much time, what I can give them makes it so important. I hope it works out that you can take this grandpa kitty.

Sorry for rambling... I say go for it, obvi. ☺️

[Deleted]

Thanks tamarindy. It's good to know I have soft-hearted cat-loving company.

The one thing we have going for us is that our cat is a total beta-male. He used to let the neighbour cat come into our house and eat his food. He's not very agressive, so it's almost more about whether the other cat can cope with our house. I know he's not used to kids, but our kids are used to cats so hopefully that will do. Our cat is not a cuddler, so they're used to respecting his space.

[labbie]

I'm a lurker (main board is H&F) but your post caught my eye. I say go for it. Then again I'm the crazy pet person who not once, but twice, ended up with a senior homeless kitty when going to the shelter to adopt "a kitten".
The only thing I learned the hard way is that cats don't always get along with each other. I had visions of my 3 cats playing and snuggling and it was quite the opposite. After an introductory period the best we got was tolerance from all parties, lol. But that is okay.

You are doing a good thing, and I think older pets are awesome.

[Deleted]

Our trial weekend is this Saturday/Sunday. I don't necessarily expect them to be buddies, but I do hope they'll tolerate each other and maybe come to like each other in time.

[Deleted]

New kitty is hanging in our downstairs bathroom. He is... not amused. Very growly and hissy and unhappy. I'm most leaving him be in his controlled space (he has food, water, litter, his carrier, and a comfy mat). I think I'm just going to leave him in there for the day, checking every hour or two. Possibly let him out at night to explore.

[Deleted]

As an update, Peter is doing better. and his people just offered me a thousand bucks to cover his care for a year. They're really trying their best in a tough spot.