How Trial Cat Adoptions Are Changing Senior Lives

 

 

In my neighborhood, I’ve networked with nearly every senior on the block. Some were curious. Some were hesitant. And some were downright stubborn adamant that a cat wasn’t for them. But I didn’t push. I offered something simple:

“Try this cat for five days. I’ll bring all the supplies. If you want, I’ll clean the litter box for you daily.”  No pressure. No guilt. Just a quiet invitation to companionship. And here’s what happened.

 From “I’m Not Sure” to “I’m Keeping the Cat”

Two out of five seniors said yes. They agreed to the trial, accepted the supplies, and let the cat settle in. By day three, they were talking to the cat. By day four, they were smiling more.
By day five, when I showed up with the carrier, they said: “No. I’m keeping the cat.”

That’s not just a win for adoption. That’s a win for emotional health, mobility, and daily joy.

 Why Trial Adoptions Work for Seniors

No-pressure entry point
Seniors aren’t committing to 15 years they’re committing to five days.

Immediate support
I provide everything: food, litter, toys, and optional litter cleaning.

Emotional shift
The presence of a cat softens loneliness, sparks routine, and invites gentle interaction.

Empowerment
Many seniors who initially asked for help end up saying, “I’ll clean the litter myself.”

 What Kind of Cats Work Best

Adult cats aged 5+ – Calm, socialized, and less demanding

Short-haired breeds or mixes – Easier grooming for seniors with arthritis

Rescue cats from bulletin boards – Especially those whose previous owners were elderly. These cats are already used to quiet homes, gentle voices, and steady routines. They’re not just adoptable they’re ideal.

 

 How You Can Start a Trial Program

If you’re a shelter, advocate, or community volunteer, consider offering:

A 5-day trial with full supplies

Optional litter cleaning or check-ins

A follow-up visits with no pressure to return the cat

You’ll be surprised how many seniors say yes and how many say “I’m keeping the cat.”

 Disclaimer

This article reflects personal experience, community outreach, and independent advocacy. It is not intended as veterinary advice or a substitute for professional consultation. All recommendations are based on ethical adoption practices and practical care considerations for senior citizens. Please consult with local shelters, veterinarians, or elder care professionals before making adoption decisions.

Some People Should Not Adopt a Cat

In my search to find adopter for kitten I have learned that many people want cats for the wrong reason and that finding responsible cat owners is not an easy task.

Some people want to adopt kittens because they are cute, but they do not want them to bite, scratch or play too hard. They want the kittens to be trained to play on command and then sleep the rest of the day.  I suspect that these are the people that put their kittens out of the house.

Other people want a cat because all you need to do is feed them and change their litter box when it stinks.  These people think that you do not need to play with them or pet them like a dog,  because unlike a dog cats are not affectionate. So you can leave them to travel for a week an not worry.

My tortoiseshell cat in her cozy purr-pad bed in garage.

Then there are the cat adopters who only want a cat to live outdoors under their porch all year round to control the rodents, and I suspect these people have no intention of giving cat proper shelter or cat food.

Some people are eager to adopt a cat but do not take into consideration that somebody in the household is allergic to cat dander.   Even with good intentions to keep house allergen free it never works out for the benefit of the cat.

Then there are the cat adopters that associate black cats as being evil and will adopt them only to torture them and let’s not forget the people who raid the shelters for black cats for their Halloween party and then put them out of the house the next day without providing the black cat with food or outdoor shelter.

This is why I say that some people should not adopt a cat.

Finding Quality Cat Adopters

As of this date I have interviewed four adopters for the kittens that we rescued in May when they were approximately ten days old.   These kittens were sickly due to the stress and the circumstance in which we found them, in a sack in the center of the highway median.

We took utmost care of the kittens and to make sure they were strong and healthy, after they were weaned we fed them Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth kitten food, we also had sponsors for the kittens so they received all of their rabies shots, vaccines, booster shots, worming and were vaccinated for the prevention of feline leukemia.  Then husband and I went ahead and had all kittens spayed and neutered.

The kittens are housecats that use litter box, scratching post, are trained to come when called and are all crate trained.  The long haired kittens groomed daily and short haired once a week. 

Anyone who would adopt the kittens’ would not have to do anything except transfer the paperwork. We asked for a placement fee of $50, it is less than adopting a kitten from local PetSmart.com charities or Human Society Shelter.  

Out of the six cat adopters that I interviewed there was only one match and Harry our gray and white kitten was adopted into his forever home. The other  kittens are in waiting for their forever family .  

The other adopters were either living in apartments that had a pet restriction,  had family members that were allergic to cats and thus cat had to live outdoors full time and other wanted cat for rodent control only. 

This is why I say finding quality cat adopter is difficult.