Let’s Chat: Seniors need love, too

By Linda Tooth on May 7, 2025.

I was recently contacted by a local radio personality and asked to be a part of his show on Friday mornings. He is an advocate for animals, especially those in local shelters, and has worked tirelessly in other centres to promote those shelter animals on his radio programs.

It took less than a second for me to reply, “YES.” If you know me personally or through my articles, you will know I am also an advocate for animals, especially cats. I reached out to two local shelters, and one responded saying they would love for me to take animals to the station and showcase who they are and what they are like. Cats, guinea pigs, dogs and possibly rabbits.

I am in heaven!

I had to make the difficult decision of who I was going to take for our debut on “MY Pets.” I read through the bios of each cat, and chose an eight-year-old tuxedo cat named Billy. You may wonder, “Why choose Billy?” The answer is simple.

Many times, older cats are at the shelter longer than younger cats, or even kittens. That breaks my heart. People love the thought of adopting kittens or younger cats and that is OK, but what about the older ones? They can be less demanding than younger ones, are better able to handle change, love being petted and enjoy a loving home.

Some vets think of a cat being a ‘senior’ around seven years of age, but most think it is at 10 years when they reach senior status.

With Billy being eight, I am classifying him as a senior. I went to the shelter a few days before going on air with him as I wanted him to know me and feel somewhat comfortable being in my company.

We spent approximately 20 minutes off air allowing Billy to snoop out the studio, and then 10 minutes on air discussing him and what I think would make a good home for him.

So, here it goes. I feel Billy would be ideal with an older person living on their own and needing companionship. Billy has been around other cats and dogs but not children. Hence, I feel he needs to be in a home with no children.

Divorced, widowed, single by choice, whatever the label is, Billy might have what you are looking for. Everyone should have someone to love, and a senior pet at a local shelter could be your answer.

If you are feeling lonely, consider opening your heart to a loving senior shelter animal. You might just be surprised at the benefits of doing so.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading.

Linda Tooth is a part-time communications instructor at Medicine Hat College

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