“I can see in his eyes that he misses his home comforts. Merlin enjoys the company of people, especially a warm lap where he can enjoy lots of fuss, but he has to sleep alone in his pen every night wondering if he’ll ever have a loving home again.
“Merlin has lost his mojo and we need someone special to help get it back. That’s not too much to ask.”
Merlin is one of a growing number of older cats finding it hard to find new homes, Cats Protection reports. Across the charity’s centres this year, it has taken an average 39 days to rehome cats aged one up to seven years but those aged more than seven years old take significantly longer - 51 days.
With age, the time in care only increases and senior cats like Merlin (11-15 years) take an average 56 days to be rehomed by the centres. Elderly cats (15 years and over) get the toughest break, with an average of 67 days in care.
Often, adopters pick kittens without realising that an older cat would better suit their home and lifestyle. To help find the best feline fit, Cats Protection works to match potential adopters to their ideal new cat.
Liz said “It is never easy to home an older cat but it seems worse than ever. It’s such a shame as these older cats have so much love still to give but people seem reluctant to give them a chance at life.
“Older cats can make ideal pets and often integrate more easily into a new family. When they have lived most of their lives in a loving home it can be traumatic to suddenly find themselves spending nights alone in a pen. When they are homed, they can be so affectionate and appreciative of regaining their home comforts.”
Merlin has been neutered, his vaccinations are up to date and he is microchipped in line with the law.
To enquire about Merlin or any of the Mid Sussex cats visit www.cats.org.uk/midsussex, email adoption@midsussex.cats.org.uk or call 01444 647 012.
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For more information, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on media.office@cats.org.uk or by calling 01825 741 911.
https://www.cats.org.uk/mediacentre
