A 20-year-old tabby from Berkshire is the poster girl for Mature Moggies Day, an initiative to encourage more people to adopt senior cats and to celebrate the special bond between mature cats and their owners.
As the oldest cat in care across the Cats Protection national network of around 185 volunteer teams and 32 centres, Pippa from Newbury is fronting this year’s Mature Moggies Day on June 16.
Pippa came into the charity’s care when her owner faced health matters that forced her to make the heart wrenching decision to relinquish the much-loved cat to Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre.
Despite her ripe old age, Pippa is still in relatively good health.
Claire Lindley, senior rehoming and welfare assistant, said: “Pippa cuts a fine figure, with only a few minor health issues that could be expected for a girl of her age and nothing that should put anyone off giving her a home.
“Pippa is affectionate and cuddly and would make a lovely companion to someone with a calm home where she can enjoy her twilight years.
“She has earned the chance to make a few demands though and draws the line at sharing so Pippa should be your only pet. This girl wants all the attention. And we think she deserves it.”
When she was admitted, blood tests showed that Pippa has hyperthyroidism, which is being managed with specialist food that can be bought online or in pet shops.
Pippa isn’t the only older cat at the Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre. She has Linda, and Salim, both aged 18, to keep her company.
Salim is the centre’s longest stay cat at 18 weeks. Like many cats of his age, Salim was diagnosed with thyroid issues but this has been treated with a common operation. Salim came into care when his owner was having building work done on their home and felt that it wasn’t a suitable environment for their two cats.
Claire said: “Salim has become a firm favourite with the staff and volunteers who have really bonded with him.
“He is an absolute angel of a boy and loves to meow at the front of his pen when he wants attention.
“The team loves spending time with him to make sure that his long stay at the centre is as comfortable and happy as possible.
“Although we’ve connected with Salim, we’re keen for him to find a home where he can share his later years enjoying some home comforts.”
Cats aged 11 or over take over three times longer to rehome than kittens, according to Cats Protection, so the UK’s leading cat welfare charity has advice on its website about caring for senior cats.
“It’s a common misconception that older cats don’t play or interact much with owners, when in actuality, mature cats are just as loving and playful as younger ones,” said Cats Protection behaviourist Daniel Warren-Cummings.
“It could even be easier to introduce a mature cat to your home than a younger cat or kitten. We’re hoping to show people that an older cat can make the perfect companion, especially if you are battling loneliness.”
Better vet treatment and care means that our pet cats are living longer than ever and some pet cats can live into their late teens or even reach their early 20s.
“Cats go through six life stages as they grow, but they typically don’t start slowing down until they reach the senior stage at 11 years old,” said Daniel.
“When your cat enters their golden years, they will generally become less active, calmer, and perhaps will enjoy staying indoors a bit more.”
To learn more about Pippa or any of the cats in care at Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre, visit www.cats.org.uk/newbury.
