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Q. People moving to accommodation where cats are not allowed are sometimes persuaded to get older cats put down rather than find new homes for them. Do older cats settle in satisfactorily?
A. This is something we come across frequently in Cats' Aid, but in my experience old cats will adapt very quickly to a new routine once some thought and care are put into the situation. The cat may pine for a few days and fail to socialise with its new owner, hiding away behind furniture etc. It may not eat or drink for a few days. But if the new owner is patient and understanding and does not try to overwhelm the cat with attempts at petting and feeding before the cat is ready for it, there will be a gradual adjustment which will inevitably lead to the cat's adapting successfully to its new environment. Some people think that it is "kinder" to put such cats down, but I do not agree. A short spell of adjustment to a new home, with all its attendant stresses, must surely be preferable to the cat's losing out on several years of quality life. We must remember that all animals' strongest of instincts are to survive - to hold on to the precious life that they have. Cats are very good at adapting to changing circumstances and should be given the chance to do so.
Cats' Aid has rehomed several such cases over the last couple of years and no rehoming has been unsuccessful - in fact, quite the opposite.