Two Old Cats Refused to Be Separated. One Couple Took Both Home

At the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah, two senior cats named Pyro and Raoul were inseparable. They napped side by side, and they even went on outdoor walks together on little harnesses.

Both were about 12 years old. One was black, the other orange and white. For older cats like them, finding a home is already hard. Finding a home that would take two at once is harder still.

A couple who knew loss

Lucy and Ray Tocci, a couple from New York and longtime Best Friends supporters, had recently lost their own older cats. Their house felt empty, and they wanted companionship again.

They met dozens of cats at the sanctuary. Any of them could have gone home with the couple. Which one would it be?

The cat who chose

In the end, the cats made the choice. Raoul attached himself to Ray right away, and that settled it. And since Raoul and Pyro were a pair, the Toccis decided to take both of them.

Getting two senior cats from Utah to New York was its own adventure. Ray arranged for the cats to fly home with them in the cabin, even upgrading their seats so the carriers would fit.

Home together

Today, Pyro and Raoul snuggle on the couch and in their new family’s laps in New York, still side by side. Their story shows that some friendships are worth keeping together, and that older cats can bring a quiet house back to life.

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.