The title says it all really, a senior cat enjoys a new life. Let us show you some photographs and tell you a story.

Oh, sorry, my name is Dusty, how do you do *shakes paw* Miranda thought it would be a good idea for me to introduce myself and tell you about the adventures that brought this old cat to a new home and safe haven when things looked bleak and hopeless.

Many of you have complimented me on my recent photograph used in the Cat on my Head Sunday Selfie, where Mum and I really enjoy doing the rounds every week, visiting everyone, and I am learning such a lot about the wonderful cats and dogs of the *checks notes* er… internet.

Life as a senior cat was not always so good

My story is hazy until about 2.5 years ago when carer Michelle took me under her wing as my family left me behind when they moved. Apparently, this is frighteningly common, but as I was a 12-year-old senior at the time, it was particularly brutal. Michelle looked after me, fed me and kept me safe and I am grateful for her care and kindness. She was a regular volunteer at the same rescue as Mum which is how they met.

I was a nerdy boy, and Michelle despaired of brushing my long grey fur, calling me ‘Scruffy’ as my coat got more and more tangled and I hid under the house away from busyness and people. She did not hold out much hope for finding me a new home when, suddenly, her family was offered the opportunity to move to better work further north. The family was allowed to take 5 cats to the rental (until they could buy) and I was kitty number 6…….

• It’s at this point that things get a bit mystical, and Mum believes Peanut took a paw…….

Our local rescue could not take me on, I was a senior cat and considered unadoptable, so Michelle began to hunt for a new family for me. The clock was ticking, and with less than a week to go, things looked bleak and she was facing the very real possibility of having to have me……. *swallows*……….. well you get my drift…

It’s at this point that things get a bit mysterious, and Mum believes Peanut took a paw. Mum and Dad agreed that they would not replace Peanut, as you could not replace the irreplaceable girl she was; but that if a cat in need crossed their path, they would not turn away. So when Michelle sent Mum the advert she has placed online desperately seeking a new home for me. She feels Peanut nudged fate my way, for which I am grateful.

Mum is still learning about seniors, and some of you will remember Nemo, also a senior who stole everyone’s hearts. He set Mum on the path of ‘senior learning’ and gave the family the courage to adopt an old boy who had no hope. The same boy you see here today, learning step by step that all is not lost when you are left behind……

See you next time,
Dusty