A spirited kitten named Hermione was the BC SPCA’s first adoption of 2025, and she is already settling in with her new family and her big sister, Ophelia.
Hermione is just one of the many cats, dogs, and other critters that the BC SPCA is looking after until they can find their forever homes. Hermione’s feisty spirit and boundless energy are part of what appealed to her adopters, but for those who are looking for a more sedate animal, there are plenty of older animals who are also looking for a home.
Cats and dogs are considered “senior” or “mature” at around the age of seven, and can often be overlooked when there are cute kittens and adorable puppies competing for attention.
“Often what we’ll see in the shelters is these little puppies and kittens coming in, and everybody runs to them,” says Kim Monteith, the BC SPCA’s manager of animal behaviour and welfare. “These older guys need just as much love, if not more.”
There are several reasons to consider adopting an older pet. Unlike puppies and kittens, they’re already house- and/or litter-trained, and their personalities and temperaments are fully-developed and on display. This means you can immediately tell if you’re going to get a cat who will contentedly curl up in your lap, or one that is more independent.
Senior pets have grown out of their more energetic phase, which means they’re less likely to exhibit the destructive behaviour of many younger animals. However, they still have plenty of life and love to give, and will find plenty of ways to keep themselves (and their owners) engaged. Dogs still need daily walks, and cats will enjoy playing in boxes or with furry toys. And since most were previously cared for and loved by someone else, they know what love, loyalty, and companionship are all about.
To learn more about adopting a senior pet, or any of the others creatures in the BC SPCA’s care that are looking for a good and loving home, go to spca.bc.ca.
