Her Family Asked the Shelter for Its Oldest Cat — for a 101-Year-Old

At the Humane Society of Catawba County in North Carolina, staff had a worry they did not say out loud very often: what if Gus never left?

Gus was 19 years old, a remarkable age for a cat. He had arrived at the shelter in exceptional health for his age, but the shelter’s director feared he might spend the rest of his golden years in a kennel. Most adopters, understandably, look for younger cats.

An unexpected phone call

Then the phone rang. On the other end was a family with an unusual request. They were looking for a senior cat to keep their mother company. Their mother, Penny, was 101 years old.

A calm, older cat would suit Penny’s quiet home far better than an energetic kitten. And Gus, it seemed, was exactly that cat.

A match made in heaven

The shelter called it a match made in heaven. Gus went home with Penny, and the shelter later shared photos celebrating the adoption.

Today, Gus has a new favorite pastime: watching the squirrels outside the door, with Penny close by.

Why senior-to-senior matches matter

Older cats are often overlooked, even though many of them are gentle, affectionate and happy to spend the day napping nearby. For an older person, a senior cat can offer companionship without the constant energy of a young pet. For the cat, it means a warm lap instead of a kennel.

Gus and Penny together are 120 years of proof that age is no barrier to friendship.

Thinking about adopting a senior pet?

Older dogs and cats are often calm, gentle and already house-trained. If you are curious whether a senior pet could fit your life, our Adopting an Older Pet guides are a good place to start.