Senior Cat Companions (SCC) is a Kalamazoo Animal Rescue program that started in 2007. The mission was to place healthy mature cats with qualified senior citizens. Senior cats can help senior citizens by providing companionship, affection, active interaction that can also be entertaining, and add purpose for someone less active and/or living alone.
Thousands of healthy felines end up every year in the county shelters. Sadly, many are being euthanized when no one steps forward to adopt them. Mature cats make great pets, and if kept indoors may be allowed to live at Leisure Pointe. For approval to bring one home to LP, contact the management office for an application to complete and register the cat.
Mature cats have already developed personalities and are past the active and sometimes unpredictable kitten years. They are ideal pets for less active homes, providing love and affection for their owners. The average life expectancy for indoor cats is 12-15 years when well cared for. Adoptable cats in the SCC program are at first placed in a pet foster care home, which cares for them until adoption. The caregivers can provide information about the cat’s personality, habits, and activity level to help determine if they would be a good match.
The Senior Cat Companions program was organized to pair cats in need of homes with owners that would appreciate the companionship but may have financial obstacles to pet adoption. Donations allow the program to reduce the adoption fee for cats in this program. Each cat is examined by a veterinarian, neutered, and vaccinated. In addition, they are treated for fleas and parasites, and litter box trained. When needed, start-up supplies can also be provided as part of the adoption.
If you qualify to adopt one of the program’s cats, but are not able to drive, a volunteer can come to your home with information on available cats. After completing the application and choosing your new companion, the adopted cat can then be delivered to you. at your home.
Kalamazoo Animal Rescue at 269.226.8570.
View Cats Available for Adoption: KAR Adoptable Cats
Cat Adoption Application: KAR Cat Adoption Application
7/11/24 UPDATE: I happened to talk with a program coordinator for the KAR this afternoon after dropping off some pet food to donate. Currently there are some aspects of the Companion Cats program that have been suspended due to staffing and donation shortages. Senior cats are still readily available, and adoption is encouraged. Cats in need of homes can be viewed through the link listed above. However, some of the additional assistance normally provided through the program is currently not available. (Sharon)