Calmer adult cats may be perfect companions for seniors

The Buddy Foundation makes every effort to match the right feline with the right family or owner to ensure successful adoptions.

Temperament, age and activity level are just a few of the concerns we examine.

Buddy also encourages seniors to adopt an adult feline instead of a kitten for several reasons. First, a feline may live to be 20-plus years. A kitten could possibly out-live a senior adopter. Second, the activity level of kittens is sometimes described as "bouncing off the wails and hanging from the drapes." An adult feline is much better suited to a senior lifestyle. Additionally, the temperament of an adult feline is already established and not likely to change.

I would also encourage adult children to assist their senior parents in adopting an animal. Accompany them to the adoption site or foster home to make sure they will be capable of caring for the feline they choose. Guide them and help them to make an informed decision.

So often I have heard adult children talking their senior parents out of adopting because they do not want the responsibility of caring for an animal in the event their parents can't. This attitude, in my opinion, is selfish.

If you are a pet owner yourself, how could you not respond to your senior parents' desire to have a loving feline to care for? Caring for an animal can make all the difference in the world regarding attitude, activity level and health issues. A feline buddy can be the reason they want to get out of bed in the morning and keep busy all day. Besides, if you do end up assisting your senior parents, how much extra work can a feline be when compared to the joy and pleasure they provide?

Featured felines

Rocky Road is a blue and white kitten that is only 6 months old. He is outgoing, playful and a real talker. He is a true snuggler, if you are looking for a lap warmer. He also loves to play with other felines.

Fancy is a spayed calico that is just over 1 year old, who would be easy to add to any home. She adjusted to her foster placement in days, even adjusting to the other felines. If another feline hisses at Fancy, she just ignores it. She is unusually outgoing with people and is always looking for a lap to snuggle up on. This girl is a player, too. She has even been seen playing with dogs. Fancy showed well at adoption days, but seemed fearful of loud toddlers. We are guessing she hasn't been introduced to young children yet.

Adoption events: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13 Buddy will be at PetCo, Rand and Dundee roads in Palatine and at PetCo, in Mt. Prospect Plaza, at Rand and Central roads in Mount Prospect for an adoption event. For the entire month of October, our black felines will not be available for adoption.