By Press Release
Charity workers in Ryde are appealing for kind-hearted cat lovers to give a second chance to a pair of older cats who have found themselves homeless in their senior years.
Eighteen-year-old Lucky and her long-time companion Yola, aged 16, were taken into care at Cats Protection Isle of Wight Cat Centre when their loving owners moved and sadly could not take the family pets to their new home.
Now, after many weeks of being overlooked by prospective new owners who favoured younger cats over them, the charity is hoping that someone will come forward to adopt Yola and Lucky.
Mel Read, Cat Centre Manager, said: “These girls are such sweethearts and my heart sinks every day I see that these two elderly residents are still with us.
“It’s obvious to anyone who meets them that Yola and Lucky have known a lot of love in their lifetime but they just met with some bad luck. We’re hoping someone on the Island can change their luck and give these golden girls a home to enjoy life again.”
As Yola and Lucky have grown together and taken strength from that during their recent experience in care, the charity is keen that they are not separated and should be rehomed as a pair.
Sleak black cat Lucky and tortoiseshell Yola are used to children and have even lived with a dog so, with the right introductions, they shouldn’t have any problem settling in a similar home again. All they ask is for a home away from busy roads and with a garden to explore and laze in the sunshine.
Mel said: “They may be older but age really is just a number for these fun-loving girls. They enjoy play time just as much as the younger cats in our care and we’re confident that they will like nothing more than snuggling down on your lap for fuss and a nap. What more could you ask for in any cat?”
Yola and Lucky are available to be homed immediately and come neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Anyone interested in adopting them can visit www.cats.org.uk/isleofwight for more information.
Throughout June, Cats Protection is spotlighting mature moggies to celebrate the joy that older cats can bring.
The charity has found that it is harder to home older cats; those 11 years and older take an average of one month to find a new home whereas kittens are adopted in just eight days.
Sarah Elliott, Central Veterinary Officer at Cats Protection, said: “Older cats often have established personalities and, as they have longer stays in care than young cats, our staff and volunteers can know more about their individual likes and dislikes to make sure they are the best fit for you.”
Cats Protection has a strong track record of rehoming older cats. Two years ago, the nation’s largest cat welfare charity helped rehome Flossie, who was recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest living cat just weeks before her 27th birthday.
Flossie who is now 28 and doing well was rehomed with Vicki Green, in Orpington, South London, who said: “I knew from the start that Flossie was a special cat but I didn’t imagine I’d be sharing my home with a world record holder. She’s so affectionate, playful and sweet, especially when you remember how old she is. I’m immensely proud that Cats Protection matched me with such an amazing cat.”
