I’ve talked about how much I adore my cat, Mony on the blog before. Almost 10 years ago I got her for free from another family who couldn’t keep her, and we’ve been absolutely inseparable ever since. (Seriously. Inseparable. Ask anyone.)
Although it would have been fun to adopt a kitten, I’m glad I made the choice to adopt an older pet and give her another chance at a life full of love (and silly dancing).
Although in this pic she does seem a bit disappointed that I’m her mom…
Nowadays, both myself and my newly-minted cat lady mom are passionate about doing just that — adopting adult cats and giving them great lives. So this month we’re working with Hill’s® Science Diet® to spread the word about Adopt A Senior Pet Month.
This post is sponsored by Hill’s® Science Diet® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Adopt A Senior Pet Month and ‘Mission Adoptable’ Campaign, but Eat Move Make only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
As you probably know, senior pets have a harder time being adopted because most people are looking for the experience of raising a puppy or kitten. But senior pets have just as much love to give, and I’ve never once regretted adopting an older pet. My Mony-bear is my pride and joy.
Mony waiting for me to dish up the food
Hill’s, in collaboration with the SPCA of Texas in Dallas, has created a new web series called Mission Adoptable. In each episode of Mission Adoptable, we follow the journey of an older shelter pet who is facing a difficult time getting adopted because of changes in appearance or behavior due to the aging process. I’m happy to say that each pet gets their fairytale ending as well as proper care and nutrition along the way thanks to Hill’s.
To watch Mission Adoptable episodes, click here. And make sure to check out the episode about cutie Miss Priss. It made me cry!
Mission Adoptable shows that with some extra playtime and attention as well as a nutritious diet, even challenging pets like Miss Priss can make amazing transformations and become more ready for adoption. All the pets on the show are fed Hill’s Science Diet Youthful Vitality, which is specially formulated for the needs of an older pet.
I’ve occasionally been giving Youthful Vitality to Mony lately and she thinks it’s a treat! When we went to the vet this month, she got a compliment on her fluffy, well-groomed coat too. 🙂
If you have a senior pet like I do or are thinking about adopting an older pet, be sure to visit the Hill’s website to learn more about how their Youthful Vitality line provides complete nutrition that supports good energy and a healthy coat for pets over 7. You can also follow Hill’s on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Happy Adopt a Senior Pet Month from me and Mony!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill’s. The opinions and text are all mine.
adriana says
Awww this is so sweet! Older pets really can be the sweetest. So many reasons to 1. adopt and 2. adopt older animals! Love this!
Toughcookiemommy says
Aww, I love the idea of adopting an older pet and giving them a second chance at being a part of a loving home. We also need more love as we get into our twilight years.
Tiffany VanSickle says
I think it’s great that you adopted an older cat! They deserve a great home, too! We adopted a young dog, mainly because we have young children and want to (hopefully) have her be around for a long time.
Dogvills says
My cousin is looking to adopt a pet for her daughter. I would suggest that they go to the animal rescue and look for an older dog or cat. I think it is the best way to help save these animals from being put to sleep. Thankfully, there is Hills Science diet to help older pets live a longer, full life.
Marysa says
How sweet that you adopted an older kitty! Our first cat passed away this spring, and we ended up adopting two cats that had been dumped at a barn. One is about 2-4 and the other is at least 7. The older cat is missing her teeth, can’t meow, and is blind in one eye. We are glad that we can provide a great home for them, and we adopted them right around kitten season. I love our kitties so much, I can’t imagine not having them!
Kita Bryant says
God Bless you for adopting an older pet. I have a friend who works in rescue and it’s always so sad to see the older ones sit there year after year.
Tami Qualls says
We have older pets and they are calmer than the younger ones. I have never adopted but will consider an older pet if I ever do.
Allison says
This is such a sweet story about you two! We’re hoping to move in the new year and adopt a dog for the kids asap and I’m defiantly considering an older, gentler animal. I think what you did is great!
Rose Cottrill says
We have 9 pets at home but don’t have a cat, I wish we have but due to allergy reason, we can’t. Adopting is the great way to have a pet.
Stacie says
All pets need love no matter their age. It is so true that older animals have a harder time getting adopted.
Dana says
That’s so cool. My parents adopted a senior dog as part of a seniors adopting seniors program. It was really good for the pets and the owners!
Sarah says
Yeah, I’m over the puppy phase. I think adopting an older dog is a great idea and one that more of us should look into.
Connie says
I love everything about this. Older pets need love too.
Mimi Green says
New kitten are cute but they are a lot of work and requires training. I would totally adore an older pet.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I am a total cat lady! (And I’ve decided I want to start fostering kittens not ready for adoption so they aren’t put down.) Mony is a pretty girl and her coat looks great! Older cats absolutely have a place, they’re already through the kitten stage.
Carol Cassara says
Senior pets are just as amazing as adopting a kitten or a puppy. They deserve to live the last years of their lives in a loving and happy home. I think it’s awesome that you’re promoting this.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
That is great that you’ve been happy with adopting an older pet. Giving a cat or dog a home is one of the greatest gifts since animals give back so much to us.
Brianne says
Ah I wouldn’t be opposed to adopting an older pet either! In fact my parents just adopted a 5 year old pup!
Dawn Lopez says
I think adopting an older pet is a great idea. Sometimes the kitten or puppy stage can be overwhelming so you get to skip all of that behavior.
randa says
It’s so wonderful to adopt an older pet. You know what you’re getting and they get a good home. What could be better?
Cyn Gagen says
This is what I want to do for my next pet. An older one means no puppy or kitten stage and it means rescuing one that might not get a home otherwise. Win win.
Nikka Shae says
This is such great news! It’s so hard for them to find a good home.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Adopting older pets is a wonderful idea. We got all of ours from puppies, but i never want to go through that puppy stage again!
My Teen Guide says
This is good news. I have a senior cat who literally “walked” into our home two years ago. I will switch to this brand of cat food to ensure our old man gets the right nutrition for his age.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
Aww your pet is so cute. My husband wants to adopt an older pet and it’s something we’re considering for the near future. Glad to hear you’re not regretting your decision.
Travel blogger says
We adopted a senior dog when I was a kid, and he was the best dog we ever had. It is so important to give those senior pets a chance! I will have to check out mission adoptable.
Tonya says
Senior pets are amazing and have so much to offer. Especially for senior people or families with young children.
Amy says
I have been thinking of adopting a cat lately. I would want a senior one that was more relaxed but still good with kids.
Lisa B says
Adopting a senior pet was a great decision for my parents. They did not want to have to train a puppy again. They adopted a great Shitzu that was 10. She lived until 17 and was a fantastic companion for them.
Pam says
We adopted an older dog for my dad and he’s great. We all love him so much even if he’s a little cranky!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
If we only had more room in the house, we’d be adopting another cat. I am glad to know that there are special formulation food for senior cats/dogs! This would be good should we decide to push through with getting an adult cat.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I love knowing you adopted an older pet. I would do that in a heartbeat if we were in the position to adopt again.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Same sentiment, Kelly. I wish we had more space so we could take in an older pet. They are calmer and easier to take care of.
Sara Welch says
I honestly don’t know why people don’t like adopting older pets more. Sure, you’ve got a little less time with them but usually they’re already trained OR easier to train and SO much less work than a baby.
Pam says
I agree. When we adopted an older dog for my dad, Rio was already potty trained and knew several commands.
Ricci says
How wonderful that you adopted an older pet! They so often get overlooked because everyone thinks they need a baby puppy when in fact, I believe that older pets make the best pets!!
Neely Moldovan says
This is a great point. We are thinking of getting a dog in the next few years and its not always necessary to JUSt get a puppy!
Melanie says
We adopted a puppy, but I would not be opposed to adopting an older pet. My grandmother did, and she enjoyed the dog.
Brandy says
Sometimes adopting an older pet is a great decision. You tend to already know what you are getting into. I am glad that there are good brands for our older pets 🙂
Laurie Lewis says
I always adopt older pets. The only kitten we ever adopted was one that was living in a tree in front of our house when we had a raccoon mom and her babies terrorizing it. Kittens and puppies are cute and adorable, but nothing beats the love of an older animal who loves you unconditionally and needs your love in return.
Chanelle says
I agree! I look forward to doing it again in the future 🙂
Catherine Sargent says
This looks like a great brand of food. If I could have a pet, I would be open to adopting an older one.
Jeanette says
I think it is wonderful that you adopted an older cat. In some ways it’s better for the sheer fact that you know their personality and they are already trained on certain things. Kittens are very cute but there’s a lot of training you have to do with the kitten. Older animals are perfect.
Amber Myers says
This is so sweet! I hope down the line we can adopt older pets. Whenever we go to the shelter, I always see them and I wish I could take them all!
candy says
I think cats are easier to give a home to when someone else has raised them. Very loving and really enjoy the love and attention. Wonderful you helped save and give a home to your kitty.
Alli Smith says
For me, older pets are more laid back and so much easier to take care of. I love that you are doing your part to raise awareness of older pet adoption.
Christie Cronan says
We’ve been kicking around the idea of adopting a pet. I think the kids would love it. An older pet seems ideal because they need a home and the kids will be able to enjoy a pet that’s not jumping all over them.
Colleen Lanin says
We’re looking to adopt a pet right now, and I think we will go the senior route. The senior dogs have such a difficult time getting adopted and they deserve to live out their years in peace and comfort.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I really think adopting an older pet is God’s work. It’s so hard for them to find homes. Thank you for doing it!
Robin rue says
Our dog passed last year, so we are still not quite ready for a new one, BUT when we are we will adopt. I will only adopt my animals 🙂
Scott says
We haven’t either. In fact, we’re starting the process of finding another one right now!