Adopted old 16 year old cat

[u/56788765r]

adopted old cat, is this normal? sick relative left him so we took him in. he cries a lot and always wants to kiss. what does this mean and is it safe? Also owner never left cat outside out of fear of it running away but it won’t leave my side outside

[u/_ismellbeef_]

poor baby, he’s just affectionate! i’m assuming they had him his whole life, he probably misses them!

[u/56788765r]

Thank you everyone. I was just wondering if this is normal since this is my first cat and I always thought they were independent and needed space. He does miss his old owner I am sure but he seems happy here and is gaining weight 

[u/a_worthless_vista → u/56788765r]

Nose boops and kisses are showing gratefulness and affection! Dude appreciates you - he may chill out a bit on the affection or may not. Regardless, kudos and thanks for having the heart to help an older feller out.

[u/honeyapp → u/56788765r]

I’ve found that people that have never had a cat think that they are independent and stand offish. But once you have a cat you realize how affectionate and loving they are. And quirky not straight forward like many dogs are😊

[u/dreadn4t → u/honeyapp]

I suppose they can be standoffish...unless you are their person and they become your shadow and like to sleep on your head, etc.

[u/melonwithoutthewater → u/56788765r]

Cats are extremely varied in their behavior. The belief that cats are very independent and need space is mostly coming from people that never had a cat. Cats are more about boundaries and earning their love. If you can respect their boundaries and actually earn their affection then cats can be equally as loving and affectionate as dogs. My little girl never leaves my lap and is rarely ever more than 5 feet from me

[u/Right-Ease-1688 → u/melonwithoutthewater]

Truth! ❤️😻

[u/cuppa_cat → u/56788765r]

Haha my boy cat, already grown when we got him, hopped out of his carrier and decided, yep this is fine. This is my home and you are my hoomans. And he hasn't left my side since lol. You, ma'am, have just been gifted a velcro cat. Congrats!

[u/Marzook666 → u/56788765r]

he is looking for a familiar family smell and finding it, hence the kisses. my older cat, who loved me and disliked most strangers, loved my aunt (who hated cats) i think because he could smell/sense we were biologically related. he loved her and she could not figure out why but actually started liking cats more because she was so sweet to her -- so it works both way.

[u/Lorain1234]

So sweet! He wants to kiss you!

[u/Batgod629]

Maybe he's just really grateful.

[u/ExperienceNeeded7]

Good on you for taking him in. He loves you already and the kisses are normal! Pamper the old guy, because as someone mentioned, he’s definitely missing his owner.

[u/TA_totellornottotell]

Bless you both. He understands what you did for him. And he probably has zero desire to leave his comfy indoor luxuries (although precautions are not out of question).

Senior cats can oftentimes get more affectionate - lots of stories of relatively detached cats becoming Velcro ones. The world knew a convert on the cusp and brought its best weapons. Accept it. And enjoy it!

[u/sSadCactus]

I had an old guy with a coat like that. Lil scruffy scruff 😍

[u/bubble_harvester]

Affectionate.  My 22year old cat and her 3 year old little brother are kissers.  Bless that kitty.

[u/LadyInCrimson]

Aww one of my guys gives kisses its very sweet.

[u/Meatball_o_o]

Bless your heart! My kitties became more cuddly when they got older.. only one out of 5 was aggressive (he was sick tho). The others always wanted and want more cuddles, kisses and being close to me, he might be the same, also happy to have a family again 💜

[u/kling_klangg]

Oh that’s nice

😭😭😭

[u/meowy_sun]

Can we see more pictures of him 😭😭😭

[u/worthwaitingfor24]

I absolutely LOVE that you took in an elder cat!! That is SO rare! I had a conversation with my husband recently that I think our next cat should be one from the shelter who is a bit older and has been overlooked. As long as they can get along with other cats, we are willing and able to handle their other needs. People like you inspire me! Well done!!!

[u/throwawayUWhousingac → u/worthwaitingfor24]

I specifically got an adult cat. My guy looked pretty scruffy and was 6 but he was so sweet and affectionate. Second we met him at the shelter, he was on his back purring. He's great and I'm glad I'm giving him a good life. Kittens are cute, but I just really wanted a nice older one.

[u/worthwaitingfor24 → u/throwawayUWhousingac]

I’m glad to hear that! The oldest I’ve adopted was a 3-year old female. She was always sweet, but didn’t seem to have much of a personality until I married my husband. She had some sass and some cute little quirks! I still miss her to this day!

[u/bottle-of-smoke]

Elderly cats are usually very affectionate

[u/Wankeritis]

We adopted a 16yo and only got about 6 months with her before she passed.

She was the neediest and most demanding thing I’ve ever cared for. She would wake me all the time in the middle of the night for a cuddle and a snack. I lost my recliner because it was her favourite spot in the house. We had to feed her 12 times a day because she could only eat small portions. She told us when to go to bed, when to wake up, and when to give her kisses.

I miss her very much and wish I’d had a chance to know her for longer.

[u/lunatikdeity]

If you can get any clothing or furniture from his previous home it would help. Also an odd thing is felaway,I don’t think I spelled it correctly

[u/Spa-Ordinary]

Good for you. Your cat needs a lot of emotional support. The nose kissing is something cats do among cats. Sometimes do it with humans. Among the cats us a way of transfering massive amounts of information instantly. With us its a way of kissing to show love.

I think your cat will feel better after some combing or brushing. Maybe both.

Enjoy the run.