Sweet Pea did not arrive at the shelter in good shape. The 14-year-old gray and white cat was in pain from bladder stones, and the discomfort was so bad that she had started avoiding her litter box.
For an older cat, a health problem like this can make finding a home even harder. Would anyone choose a senior cat who needed surgery and a special diet?
Getting better
At the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in Los Angeles, Sweet Pea had surgery to remove the stones. Afterward, she needed a special diet to keep them from coming back. With the pain gone, her gentle personality had a chance to shine.
The right person
Sweet Pea’s adopter turned out to be a woman in her 80s who lives with arthritis herself. She understood what it is like to need a little extra care, and to take life at a slower pace.
For her, Sweet Pea’s age was not a drawback. It was part of what made them such a good match. Neither of them needed to rush, and both could enjoy quiet days together at home.
Better with age
Sweet Pea’s story is a reminder that older pets, even those with health needs, can thrive with the right care. And the right person is often someone who knows that life can get better with age.
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.
Source: This story was originally reported by Best Friends Animal Society. We have retold it in our own words.
Images on this page are AI illustrations based on a true story. They do not show the real people or animals.
Leave a Reply