Working with Age UK to help older cats and people

Joining forces in support of a similar cause

15.10.11

Our Essex South West Branch has joined forces with Age UK Waltham Forest to encourage older people to think about adopting an older cat as a companion.

The RSPCA branch has many older cats looking for quiet, loving homes and decided to contact Age UK to see if any older people would like to welcome a cat into their lives.

'An older cat can be a wonderful companion'

RSPCA spokesman Derrick Yapp said:

A cat will welcome you home, make a fuss of you, perhaps curl up on your lap when you sit down to watch TV.

You will have another being to care for, to feed and, dare I say it, to talk to!

It is a sad fact that some of the older animals that come into RSPCA care are difficult to rehome but, for a senior citizen living on their own, an older cat can be a wonderful companion.

Cats like... 

Pretty little April (pictured right) who was abandoned in a property in Waltham Abbey.

With her laidback, gentle nature, five-year-old April is looking for a quiet home where she is the only cat, but could possibly live with a calm dog.



 

Six-year-old Holly (pictured left) was brought into RSPCA care due to welfare concerns.

She is a shy girl and would be happy in a home where she can just plod around the garden rather than go out too much.

A quieter home as an only pet would suit her perfectly with a new owner who will spend plenty of time with her. 
 

'Adopting a cat can...improve your wellbeing'

Sheena Dunbar, chief executive of Age UK Waltham Forest, said:

Of course you need to consider the cost of adopting a cat.

Cat food is not cheap and vet bills are expensive, so we recommend pet insurance.

But adopting a cat can make a great difference to your life and improve your wellbeing.

Are you looking for companionship in your golden years?

The RSPCA Essex South West Branch has many cats like April and Holly waiting to find their perfect match.

The branch does not have an animal centre of its own and instead relies on local private boarding establishments and fosterers to care for the animals it takes in.

If you're interested in giving a home to April or Holly, or any of the other older cats in the branch's care, please contact the Chestnut Cat Sanctuary who care for the cats the branch takes in:

Chestnut Cat Sanctuary and Rescue Centre

in Epping, Essex

on behalf of the RSPCA Essex South West Branch

Telephone: 01992 560 510 between 9am and 2pm.

Think first...
Please remember that pet ownership takes time, money, commitment and patience - owning a pet is likely to change your life completely. Our pets pages can help you to understand the care that cats need.
 

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Related information

• Find out about our other initiatives to help find new homes for elderly animals:
  
  Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme (EARS) including Putney Pensioners
  
  Home for Life
   
• Use our pet search to find older animals looking for new homes in your area, or browse the special appeals in our rehoming pages.
   

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