Give older, black felines a chance to be adopted

On many occasions I have exalted the virtues of the domestic black feline, and I will not go on and on here except to say that they have personality plus.

But being a black feline in a shelter isn't always a good thing.

There are other variables at play besides color. Combine fall after Halloween with age and the likelihood of finding a home from a shelter setting decreases the odds even further. Just think, the shelter is full of kittens and young adults, both in abundance in color and quantity. The older black felines are lost in the shuffle.

Just think of being an advocate for the underdog, er, undercat. I would like to think there is a little-bit in all of us to advocate for the unlikely champion. Our older black felines need you.

The definition of what is classified as "senior" has changed dramatically in recent years. The old senior of 7-10 years is now the new "middle-aged." Why the changing definition?

Food companies and advance veterinary care with older felines seem to have assisted in more progressive thinking on what is defined as senior or aged. Just look down the food isles at a supersized pet store and read the bags.

The new jargon is "active mature," even if the two descriptors do not go hand-in-hand. Do we get to decide as consumers the age category of our animal? I guess only we know when they have slowed down a bit.

Why consider adopting an older feline? The No. 1 reason is what you see is what you get. This adage applies true to most of the traits you will look to when adopting a new family member. An older adult has a personality that is not likely to change. A kitten or juvenile, not so true.

An older feline is easy to train to a routine because it has already been trained at least once before. An older feline is also calmer, and that can mean any number of pluses.

When the animal is in the litter box, for example, it is there to take care of its business. A younger feline takes a few minutes to throw its litter around before it remembers why it is in the box, hence more cleaning for you.

An older animal has already gone through the terrible tantrum stage (just cross-relate to small children and toddlers). They also have learned their manners and are less destructive with your things. Remember the shredded chair from the last kitten?

Life in general is slower and calmer with an adult feline. Some have learned life's lessons the hard way and have just become calmer on their own.

The senior for senior connection works well, too. If you are slowing down in your own life, an older cat or feline is just for you. As felines age, they are more likely to be lap cats. They bond with us more deeply because they seem to acknowledge that they need us more.

Sometimes an older feline will find its way to Buddy as a declawed adult. Many seniors are concerned about damage the claws may inflict because of blood-thinning medications. A declawed, older cat solves the problem without the guilt associated with declawing.

Today's featured felines are black, but sport remarkably different looks.

Featured felines:

• Salem was born in January of 2010. A female, black and white front paw declaw, Salem is quite content sitting like a queen on her couch. She loves being petted, but can be moody. Must be an only cat.

• Tufts was born in November of 2005. A male, black/white tuxedo cat, Tufts is a friendly guy, likes attention and loves to be petted. He will chase a ball from one end of the shelter to the other. Tufts is a great cat and deserves a great home, but probably not with young children.

• Rascal was born in August of 2009. A male, black with very tiny white bow tie, Rascal does get along with other cats and would be a great addition to any home.

Bowling with Buddy:

Bowling for Buddy takes place from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Arlington Lanes, 3435 N. Kennicott Ave., Arlington Heights. There will be prizes, raffles and games. Tickets are $30 for adults ($35 at the door); $15 for children ages 12 and younger and includes two games of bowling, shoes, pizza, salad, dessert and soda.

Get your pledge sheet and raise the most money and your name will be placed on a Buddy Brick in front of The Buddy Foundation shelter. To register or for information, visit www.TheBuddyFoundation.org or call (847) 290-5806.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.