The ASPCA and ARM & HAMMER Feline Generous Host “Senior Tails” Giveaway

June marks national Adopt a Shelter Cat Month in the U.S. In honor of the occasion, the ASPCA and ARM & HAMMER Feline Generous teamed up to host a giveaway to celebrate senior shelter cats and a chance for shelters and cat parents to share their own “Senior Tails.”

Often kittens are the first to be adopted at shelters and senior cats are overlooked. This giveaway is designed to highlight all the reasons why senior shelter cats  make purrfect catpanions and are 100% lovable!

During the month of June, shelters and cat parents are invited to participate in the Senior Tails giveaway by going to ASPCA.org/seniortails and sharing  heartfelt stories about how these older and often more laid-back felines have brought joy and comfort to their lives or maybe even taught them something new.

At the end of the month, the ASPCA and  ARM & HAMMER will select three shelters that will be awarded $2,500 each and one pet parent who will receive a whole year supply of ARM & HAMMER cat litter.

Another way to participate in Adopt a Shelter Cat Month is to adopt a senior feline. We asked Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and best-selling author, Pam Johnson-Bennett what you should think about before adopting a senior shelter cat. Here are three tips she gave us:

1. More History about a Cat Can Help Make a Better Match: It can be easier to make a good match when considering a more mature (7-10 years) or senior cat (10+ years) because the shelter often has more history and information on the cat’s personality and habits. This way, if you’re looking for a cat who is still very active or one who is happier curled up by your side, you can find the right cat companion for you.
2. Remember Frequent Vet Visits: Senior cats can live long, happy lives when adopted but it’s very important to maintain more frequent veterinary visits than you might with a young cat. According to the latest guidelines released in 2021 from the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats are classified as mature from age 7-10 years, and senior at 10 years and older. It is recommended that senior cats see the veterinarian every six months for wellness visits instead of the yearly exams recommended for young cats. Maintaining veterinary care will help you and your veterinarian catch possible health concerns in the early stages this way.
3. Ask “Is My Home Senior Cat-Friendly?” When considering adopting a more mature or senior cat, carefully evaluate your household environment, schedule and family life to make sure this will be a good fit. If you already have pets at home, think about whether the addition of an older cat will be beneficial to them. For the cat, will your home environment be senior-friendly? As a mature/senior cat, this isn’t the time to introduce more stress which can have an impact on health.

Don’t forget, for a chance to win the Senior Tail giveaway shelters and cat parents can share their stories on ASPCA.org/seniortails by June 30, 2021.