Senior Pet Month: Why November Belongs to Our Silver-Whiskered Friends
Each November, shelters and rescues spotlight older animals during Adopt a Senior Pet Month (often also called Senior Pet Month). The goal is simple: help people see what we already know—gray muzzles and mellow manners make wonderful companions.
How it started
Senior-focused adoption campaigns grew from a shared effort among shelters, national organizations, and rescue networks to change perceptions and boost outcomes for older pets. By giving seniors their own spotlight each November, we remind adopters that “older” often means calm, cuddly, and ready to settle right in.
What you can do this month (even if you can’t adopt)
Share and amplify. Repost senior cats from local rescues; your share might put the right cat on the right screen.
Sponsor or donate supplies. Seniors often need prescription food, soft bedding, gentle brushes, or enrichment toys.
Foster a senior. Short-term (or hospice) fostering is lifesaving and deeply rewarding.
Volunteer your skills. Photos, transport help, and well-written bios help seniors stand out online.
Learn & advocate. Talk with friends about why seniors are so special—and so often overlooked.
Benefits of adopting a senior cat
Known personalities. With adults, what you see is what you get—temperament and preferences are already clear.
Calmer companions. Many seniors love sunbeams, cozy blankets, and predictable routines—ideal for busy homes and families.
House-savvy. Most seniors are litter box pros and past the “climb the curtains at 3 a.m.” phase.
A deeper bond. Senior-cat adopters often describe a uniquely grateful, steady connection.
You truly save a life. Seniors wait longer; choosing one has outsized impact.
Meet our Sponsored Senior: Wendy
Say hello to Wendy, a lovely brown tabby with a splash of white and a very distinguished nose. Wendy is 11 years old, gentle, and shy in the sweetest way—she blossoms with patience, soft voices, and a calm routine. She prefers to be the one-and-only cat at home and will reward a quiet household with mellow companionship and excellent biscuit-making skills. If you’re looking for a serene, loyal friend, Wendy would love a soft landing with someone kind.
Tips for welcoming a senior cat
Create a soft landing. Set up a quiet room with a low-entry litter box, cozy bed, and non-slip rug just for them. Give your new senior kitty as much time as he or she wants to settle in and start exploring on their own timeline.
Schedule a wellness check. Baseline labs help your vet personalize nutrition, meds, and comfort.
Keep it comfy. Offer warm resting spots, easy step-ups to favorite perches, and gentle play or puzzle feeders.
Go slow with introductions. Let trust build at the cat’s pace—short visits, soft eye contact, and predictable routine.
One last nudge
If you’ve been “cat-curious,” November is the perfect time to meet a senior sweetheart. Visit your local shelter or rescue, ask to see their older cats first, and let a pair of wise eyes choose you. Every share, supply donation, foster application, and adoption this month helps rewrite the narrative for seniors—and gives a deserving cat the cozy, dignified retirement they’ve earned.
From all of us at Special Souls Feline Foundation, happy Senior Pet Month—may it be full of slow blinks, soft purrs, and new beginnings.