Wordless Wednesday: Senior Tuxedo Cat

Meet Clyde. He was my Mom’s cat, snuggling by her side and making her feel safe. He was adopted in December of 2001 at an approximate age of 1 to 3. That would make him from 16 to 18 years of age. For a kitty his age, he is amazingly healthy. However, he is a scaredy cat. He is afraid of my 2 younger cats, and earlier this year, had resorted to hiding in a bathroom closet with the towels. I couldn’t stand to see that, so I moved him upstairs. Now, this may sound cold; however, he probably gets more snuggle time than the rest as he gets my bed. He’s got a queen size bed, nice sunny windows, and 3 rooms all to himself. His food, water and litter box are all upstairs, as well. My 2 older cats will come up to sleep at night, but they get along pretty well. It’s the younger ones that are relentless, and when he runs, they chase. Then, it’s war.

Mom had Alzheimer’s Disease, and while she was at home, Clyde was her pride and joy. He was her friend, and he kept her company while I was working. She was all smiles one day when I came home from work, to my aghast, to find my Smokey Blue (now deceased) and Clyde sitting on the deck, so happy that she’d let them outside into the sunshine and fresh air. They were inside, only, cats, but she wanted them out with her, and that was that.

I’m amazed that Clyde has adopted to living with just, me. Mom went into Residential Care in November of 2009, right after Thanksgiving. He’s adjusted very well, and now he has moved on, and I’ve become his new human Mom. She passed on, but for him, she’s moved away a long time ago, and all he could feel was my sorrow. All 5 cats just knew they had to step up to the plate and do a little extra in this time of sorrow.

Other than being a scaredy cat. Clyde has no signs of old age. he’s be like the 100-year-old that still drives their car, splits wood, and does all their lawn work for themselves. While he does go to the veterinarian for his annual check-up, he’s had no dental problems or significant health issues. The biggest problem he’s had is ear mites. He’s proof that the number isn’t the only factor in staying healthy.

Clyde’s story is a testament to why a senior cat can be such a joy. And I look forward to sharing the household with him and my other 4 cats for many more years.

Do you have a story, you’d like to share about your senior cat? We ask that you share your stories to let Paws’ readers know how special senior cats are.