Too old?

Recently Pet Haven cat division has taken in two senior citizen cats. They will live with a foster family until it is time for them to be euthanized because of a loss of quality of life or pain or illness that can not be helped.

Both cats came to us very thin and with significant muscle wasting.

Louie was brought to impound with frostbitten ears (he's lost the tips, one more so than the other) and his feet were very swollen from frostbite. His gait had been affected and he was unable to support himself to his full height on his rear legs. He is profoundly deaf.

Has he been outside all fall, trying to make it on his own?

Was he put outside and suffered through the bitter cold in December with no food or adequate shelter?

Was he a cat who was allowed to go outside and simply didn't come back one day or was he put outside as a way of disposing of him?

Louie isn't telling but he loves people. He's helping his foster mom at the computer and enjoying belly rubs and attention. He's fitting in with the other upper middle aged cats in the foster home although he has yet to meet the other old female who isn't too pleased to see another cat in her territory!

Amelia is reported to be over 19 yrs. of age. She was surrendered at Red Lake Rosie's and has lived in a basement for the last few years of her life. Although she has short hair, she was matted to the skin and had a shave and a bath -

a-h-h-h-h, to be able to feel someone pet you again! She also had an ear infection that is being treated.

Here's what her foster mom has to say about her:


Amelia has made herself at home in her new room and seems quite content. After two years in a basement by herself, she absolutely loves to be touched-petted, held on our laps, perrched on our hip or chest. She has quite a fan club who visit often, and she sleeps every night with her human roommate, unless she is playing her fun new game of batting at her tail during the night. She is willing to entertain occasional feline visitors too as long as they keep their distance. She has a very convincing hiss, so they tend to obey. We are so glad that Amelia is with us, comfortable after a good grooming, and enjoying her life.

What can you do when you can no longer keep your companion animal?

Put it outside and hope it dies quickly?

Some people may be able to convince themselves that that is what will happen and that the animal will go quickly and easily - unfortunately life is not given up in a speedy manner. Weeks and/or months of suffering are most often the reality.

Surrender to a rescue group or humane society. If it is euthanized, it will be done with kind people in attendance.

These two seniors are among the very lucky cats with a 2nd or third chance at warmth and human love, food and companionship.