The New Hampshire SPCA says, “Nothing really compares to the devotion of a senior rescue animal,” and that’s certainly true about Tiny. The 20-year-old cat found her life uprooted, winding up at the shelter after enjoying a long life as a lap cat. But the “social butterfly” fast became a favorite for the staff and volunteers, who flocked to her kennel for snuggles every morning.
Even though Tiny’s comfortable world was disrupted late in life, she handled it all with grace and had nothing but love for everyone she met. It sounds like many wonderful seniors we know (people, too) who have so much wisdom and unconditional love to share.
Everyone Falls for Tiny the 20-Year-Old Cat
In mid-December 2022, the New Hampshire SPCA shared a wonderful and touching story about Tiny. They related what she must have been thinking as she remembered her former life staring out from a temporary kennel.
“They say some things only get better with time… and for our 20-year-old (yep, you read that right: 20-year-old) friend Tiny, that saying could not be any truer. Tiny comes to us with an extensive understanding of what a home feels like. As she sits in her kennel and watches folks walk by and stop to check out the younger cats, she remembers all those evenings she spent cuddled up on the couch beside her person. She remembers jumping up on the windowsill and watching the squirrels chase one another around the yard whenever she wanted. She remembers the pure joy she felt when her person would return home after being out for a couple of hours.
She remembers. And she’s likely wondering why now — at 20 years of age when she needs consistency, security and comfort the most — she suddenly doesn’t have it anymore.”
Images via Facebook/New Hampshire SPCA
Despite finding everything different now, Tiny remained full of pawsitivity. Many of us are lucky to know seniors like this and how their optimistic view can mean so much to everyone. This way of looking at the world likely leads to better health, too, as it reduces stress come what may.
“…knowing Tiny, she wouldn’t want us to focus on the sad part of her situation. She’s a glass-half-full kinda gal, through and through,” they wrote.
Tiny had won over the Cat Pavilion at the SPCA and was a magnet for everyone’s attention. The next part might make you a little teary-eyed in the best possible way. It’s a great reminder that seniors are amazing companions and deserve far more focus and attention. And yes, that goes for people in our youth-obsessed culture, too, doesn’t it?
“Here’s what we know about Tiny: although her coat may show her age, she’s 100% best friend material. If you were to walk into our Cat Pavilion during animal care in the morning, there’s a very good chance you’d see staff and volunteers flocking to her kennel in hopes of sneaking in some snuggles before the day kicks off. And while Tiny brings great big smiles to all of their faces, no one is happier in those moments than she is. She’s a social butterfly who craves affection and is just itching to give it right back. She’s the kind of cat that makes every new person feel like she has known them her entire life.”
Sadly, senior cats are overlooked many times in shelters, particularly a 20-year-old cat!
“We know Tiny’s age will deter a lot of potential adopters… but it’s a poorly kept secret around here that nothing really compares to the devotion of a senior rescue animal. While there is no guarantee Tiny will be around for years and years to come, we know she will provide her family with a lifetime’s worth of love with whatever time she has left,” they wrote.
Tiny the cat at the New Hampshire SPCA
Spoil Them While We Have Them
Soon after sharing Tiny’s story, the SPCA shared the good news on Instagram.
“And just like that…Tiny has found her new home! Adopted this afternoon!”
Tiny’s experienced adopter shared that she was warm and cozy on a bed already. She was welcomed in a home where the family had recently said goodbye to their beloved 18-year-old cat Noni. So Tiny helped them mend their hearts and their experience with older cat’s health needs would be valuable.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tiny into our home and give her the love and care she deserves. I’ve rescued senior animals before (cats and dogs both), so I understand that while time might be limited, it is a special gift to spoil them while we have them,” they wrote.
You can follow Tiny on “Growing Up Galaxy,” a page dedicated to Princess Galaxy, a 3-year-old basenji, her older sister Indie, and pets like Diana the hen, Ember the canary, Firefly the day gecko, Dinky the miracle turkey, and Hortensia the 3-year-old Hermann’s tortoise.
“She is around 20 years old and truly tiny at almost 6 pounds. She is very friendly and sweet with a purr bigger than she is. We quickly discovered that Tiny is deaf. She always gets up to see us when she notices that we are upstairs, but her “meows” of greeting are nearly silent (she *can* meow, but usually doesn’t make a sound). Based on some limited internet research, it seems like some deaf cats get very loud, and some go mute.”
Images via Facebook/Growing Up Galaxy
“Tiny is settling in well. She seems to enjoy her new cozy bed and Christmas cottage. She’s had a lot of brushing as she doesn’t appear to have maintained her coat in a while–she’s already looking much less tangled! Today she learned about photo shoots. While no kitty could ever replace Noni, we are glad to give this little lady a forever home for the holidays,” they wrote.
Many others shared how much they loved their senior cats and pets. Please share your pictures and stories about your favorite senior pets in the comments on our social media pages. It’s time senior cats and pets get the spotlight they deserve.
