Patricia Grisafi
I know it sounds corny, but I really believe that every shelter pet has a person out there. And for one shelter cat in North Carolina — the oldest cat at the shelter — that person is 101-year-old Penny.
Gus the cat, who is 19, was taken to the Humane Society of Catawba County in North Carolina (HSCC) after his previous owner could no longer keep him because of work commitments.
“His owner was heartbroken,” Jane Bower, Humane Society of Catawba County’s executive director told Newsweek.
The shelter took in Gus and did a health check, noting that for an elderly cat, Gus was in great health. Additionally, the HSCC says that they will never euthanize an adoptable animal. But still, shelter life can be difficult on an older cat.
“Obviously we would take good care of Gus, but living in a shelter is not ideal, especially at his age,” Bower added.
“As an animal shelter in the South of the USA, we are constantly full of companion animals. Gus’ age was exceptional but we do regularly see older pets. We still advocate for these animals and work to find them a new home, regardless of their age.”
Soon after Gus was taken into the shelter, Penny’s family came looking for an elderly kitten to keep her company.
“The adopter’s family contacted us asking to adopt a senior cat for their mother,” explained Bower. “She had recently lost her cat and although they had given her a stuffed cat, she wasn’t happy because it didn’t purr.”
“We were cautious because of the age of all parties but the family said they were willing to care for the cat on behalf of their mother.”
Now, Bower describes the adoption as a “match made in heaven.” Apparently Gus has made himself right at home with Penny and is “eating like a horse.”
The shelter shared the story of the two senior citizens finding each other in a Facebook post, writing: “Our [hearts] are full with this beautiful adoption. Our 19-year-old (133 in human years) great-grandPAW, has found the loving arms of his new mamma who is the ripe young age of 101. Congratulations Gus-Gus. Wishing you the best days ahead watching squirrels and sharing your love and purrs.”
Lead image: Facebook