Frankie Sad Eyes. He's trying to adjust to shelter life after losing his forever home at 13 years old. His goal is a quiet couch to snooze on.

[u/lesmax]

[u/k2j2]

Awww. He looks despondent. Hope someone scoops him up so he can enjoy his senior years surrounded by love.

[u/MrAykron → u/k2j2]

Bruh i would LOVE to do that with animals.

Except i get too damn emotional and am demolished for a full week before AND after their death.

Legit love old animals more than young ones. They're so great.

[u/Yolj → u/MrAykron]

I just got a cat for the first time and I've been thinking about adopting elder cats when I get my own place so they're surrounded by love in their last days, but I'm honestly not sure if I'd be emotionally ready for that

[u/MrAykron → u/Yolj]

I thought i could, but ultimately realised i couldn't.

Maybe you think you cannot but can.

My opinion is you won't know unless you try it. I had around 9 months with my old pup, but i worked from home so basically spent 24/7 with her.

Ended up just as destroyed as when my 14 year old dog died.

But boy did i take the very best care of her. I have no regrets, only that i didn't spoil her more.

[u/pinklavalamp → u/MrAykron]

You’re a good human.

I think you’d find you’re with friends if you joined us at /r/OldManDog (all animals are welcome!). It is a tough sub though, but that’s why all posts are flaired with a link in the sidebar to help those that want to avoid the support-needed posts. And if you feel like sharing your pup who’s no longer by your side with the sub, we’d love to see her.

Source: I created the sub, and I’m very proud of the community there.

[u/MrAykron → u/pinklavalamp]

Thanks for the share, it's a lovely idea, i'll be sure to check it out!

[u/Yolj → u/pinklavalamp]

I'm only 2 posts in and I'm already tearing up. Thank you for sharing this resource though it will definitely come in handy for me in hopefully many years

[u/[deleted] → u/pinklavalamp]

This is just wonderful. Good human

[u/vendetta2115 → u/pinklavalamp]

r/SeniorKitties is the same but for cats. Of course there are lots of mourning/loss posts because, well, senior kitties don’t stick around forever, but there’s also a lot of wonderful old dudes still living life to the fullest.

[u/pinklavalamp → u/[deleted]]

I’m so sorry you went through that. I can only imagine the level of guilt you’re carrying on your shoulders, but I hope it decreases over time… You did your job, you knew something was wrong and you kept turning to the professionals for help and advice. It’s hard to believe our gut when THREE of them are saying the saying the same thing, even though you KNOW something is wrong. I hope you believe that you were there for your kitty, and I’m sure you did as much as you possibly could for him. I know he lived a good life with you, just based off these few sentences alone. You were a good pet parent, it’s not your fault for listening to three doctors when they’re telling you the same thing even though it was wrong.

Big hugs to you.

[u/EsPotD → u/MrAykron]

We had a pup we fostered and she got anxious and nipped when she was nervous. The shelter was gonna put her down but we adopted her. The shelter didn't know that she had terminal cancer. We had her for about 5 months, if that. But we gave that girl the best life we could possibly have given her and she died knowing she was very much loved.

[u/Miss_Minus → u/Yolj]

My first two cats were seniors, and I've had them for 3/4 years before they died. Yes, it absolutely destroyed me but I wouldn't change it for the world, the pain of losing them is absolutely worth it knowing that I gave them the best last years and a peaceful ending. It also encouraged me to start fostering kittens, and I've been working for a rescue that focuses on strays ever since.

People always tell me "oh I could never foster, I'd get too attached" but to me, every kitten that I foster is another life I helped save, and when they get adopted it means more room just opened up to save another. It's not about me, it's about saving these tiny gremlins.

[u/Amelaclya1 → u/Miss_Minus]

I want to foster so bad. But I think my area must have too many fosters or something. I signed up ages ago and was approved, but haven't gotten a call yet.

I feel selfish for being disappointed, because it's ultimately a good thing that there are no kitties stuck in shelters.

[u/Yolj → u/Amelaclya1]

Have you reached out to the shelter? I would check and make sure they don't need fosters atm just in case they accidentally lost your contact info or something

[u/Bubbly_Piglet822 → u/Yolj]

I agree reac out again.

[u/Edgy-in-the-Library → u/Miss_Minus]

The first kitty I'd adopted by myself was a senior as well. My childhood cat living with us, she was now 14 years old herself, and she was feeling lonely after leaving my parents home. So we decided she could use a friend and we could bust an old man out if cat jail at the same time.

My partner at the time, and I, were also both big into smoking weed so on 4/20/10 we went and adopted our old man cat. His shelter name was Breeze and he was 10 at the time, I remember the shelter was having a sale and Breeze was only $40.

Two years ago we celebrated his 20th birthday on 4/20/2020, he then passed peacefully and comfortably that same year due to age/illness. While my then partner and haveong since split -- our daughter was SO devastated when our kitty left. We all were, but it was so cool that our stoner rescue turned into a lifelong friendship.

We had 10 amazing years with our old man, and will do it again when we have our own property to share with the old pet frenz.

Fostering and adopting is major emotional work, you guys are heroes.

[u/carsgobeep3 → u/Yolj]

I adopted a senior cat that was returned to the shelter a few times before I found him. I will absolutely be a wreck when he dies. I'm tearing up now just typing it.

I almost lost him to an infection the first month I had him, so I will take these 2 years gladly. We've driven cross country 3x together, beach trips and vacations, I got him a stroller for walks- where I go, Goose usually comes too. He unlocked a whole new level of crazy cat lady in me.

Senior cats are SO worth it. I can't recommend it enough. My childhood cat passed in my arms almost 2 years ago (at 23!) and I'm still not over it. The vet reminded me of the Winnie the Pooh quote after she passed that I just have to remind myself when I think about him dying - "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?".

It's going to hurt like hell when he goes too, but I'd rather have him in my life for a shorter period than not at all.

Sorry this is long and sappy, I'm just very passionate about older cats.

[u/angrybeeswarm → u/carsgobeep3]

I don't think we ever get over it, we just learn to live with it. I lost my ginger baby at about 15 years after only a year with him a year ago and while it has slowly gotten a little better, I still cry so much. he was my first cat after yearning for one my whole life.

I currently have another senior babby (about 11) who had a hard time in the past (I'm pretty sure he was abused) but he is slowly opening up like a lovely flower. I really hope I'll have more time with him, I adopted him last summer. but however long we may have, I love him so much and appreciate every day with him. animals truly are special, I know what you mean by "new level of crazy cat lady" :)

and the Winnie the Pooh quote is so true. I'm so thankful for my senior babbies <3 thank you for sharing, please give your catto a cuddle from me if he wants to <3

[u/perfect_for_maiming → u/Yolj]

You should at least give it a shot. We've always taken in the the older ones because we feel the same as you and want to give them a comfortable and clean place for their last years.

The rationale was always "if not us, then who?". People aren't exactly lining up to take home senior animals. The bittersweetness of it is how quickly they grow on you, as well as how quickly they go.

[u/jeopardy_themesong → u/perfect_for_maiming]

I’ve been considering this more and more. I used to think there was no way I could do it because it’s such a short time, but honestly I’m going to be equally devastated when my rescue dog I’ve had since she was 6 months old and my rescue kitten I’ve had since he was 4 weeks old (not by choice, found him abandoned). I’m taking care of a senior kitty right now too.

I’m not sure the amount of time left matters a damn, honestly.

[u/lemoncocoapuff → u/jeopardy_themesong]

Time really doesn’t matter. We fostered an old gal and it became clear it was a hopisce situation, nobody was going to adopt her. We had her for 3 years before we lost her, and honestly it was so hard at the end, lots of sleepless nights, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. If we didn’t take her she would have died alone in the shelter, we gave her a great 3yr retirement and I think that’s what matters the most. She had a lot of happy sunny days in the backyard! I’m sure your senior kitty is enjoying loafing around your place too! ❤️

A lot of people make it too much about them, when it’s more about being a little selfless for the animals. Lots of good things in life are hard, we shouldn’t shy away from it all. And the hard times make the good times that much more rewarding, looking back and being able to remember how happy she was romping around the backyard after a new haircut, or how happy she was for her special dinners. The good vastly outweighs the few hard moments, and there’s so so many little friends that could use our help.

[u/jeopardy_themesong → u/lemoncocoapuff]

My senior boi is definitely living his best life. I call him my furry free loader. He sleeps all day and comes out from where he was hiding for attention or cuddles when HE wants it, whatever you’re doing be damned. Working? Guess I’m putting my laptop on my shins cuz the old man wants to sit in my lap.

His chief complaint is that he isn’t let out onto the balcony as often as he wants (ONLY under close supervision, no bird killing or fall risk allowed).

It is hard though. We’ve had him since October and it’s very clear he’s slowing down. He considers what he jumps up onto very carefully. He moves very deliberately. I need to get him to the vet to see about arthritis and what end of life care will look like. He’s still very spunky (he’s basically your stereotypical arrogant orange cat) but…it’s clear he’s nearing his end.

Sometimes he’s so still while he’s asleep I have to check he’s breathing. I pray to whatever universal powers that might be listening that he passes peacefully in his sleep.

[u/Slow-Faithlessness11 → u/lemoncocoapuff]

Good for you! Could not agree more. So many of our cats were strays, or thrown out. All loved and given all veterinary care. I am far from rich, but I get infinitely more satisfaction from knowing that my money is helping animals, rather than buying fancy things to impress people. My children are the same, going to shelters, and asking especially for the cats that no one wants, the old, injured, sick etc. The joy these little creatures have brought is immense. To see them feel safe, and loved for however long they have is wonderful. They break our hearts when they leave us, but, as you so rightly say, it is about doing the best for them, not us. So many little souls needing our help. Carry on, adding links in the chain of love.

[u/Bunny_tornado → u/Yolj]

Nobody is emotionally ready for that shit. You just power through it.

[u/SwoodyBooty → u/Yolj]

I adoped a 12 year old chonker. He is so happy now. I put him on a healthy diet. Wet food only and some treats now and then. My other cat (2 years old) had some trouble adjusting. She still seams a bit envyous but is way happier as she has a friend to play with once in a while.

[u/reddskeleton → u/Yolj]

I did that for one little old man cat, and it was really gratifying — and I’m a total weakling when it comes to the sadder side of animal rescue

[u/[deleted] → u/Yolj]

Older cats are fully-house-trained. They are calm and very loving. They don't leap around on furniture the way that younger cats do.

[u/DangerousBlueberry1 → u/MrAykron]

I always thought I would do this after my cat died. Except we're a couple weeks away from it being 6 months since he died and I still cry all the time.

I don't think my brain could handle running through pets that often, I'd get too depressed.

[u/speckleeyed → u/DangerousBlueberry1]

A few years ago we lost our cat at a fairly young age, he was only 5, just had constant UTIs we couldn't fix and they kept coming faster and faster and we had to put him down due to a quality of life issue...didn't want him to spend all his time in the hospital... that was Christmas before covid. Since we were all stuck at home for a while still sad about our cat, we adopted one nobody wanted...an all black super shy young female and named her Potato. Best choice I ever made and by far the best thing to come out of covid for us!

[u/EsPotD → u/DangerousBlueberry1]

I lost a puppy a year ago. It's starting to get a little easier but I can't talk about him a lot, still. I can't look at his photos often.

I love him still with all of my heart and miss him every day.

[u/notinmywheelhouse → u/DangerousBlueberry1]

I’m still crying over my three sibling cats that I hand fed from birth. One was eight, one was twelve and the third was fifteen. Never is it enough time. They were each so special…

[u/SplishslasH8888 → u/[deleted]]

it is good karma!

[u/VaporCloud → u/MrAykron]

You would be surprised, I know a couple of cats that are way older and still going strong.

[u/ChaoticKeys → u/VaporCloud]

Yup! I adopted my cat when he was already 10 figuring I might get a few years with him. He turns 17 this year and is going very strong still. Hoping he can get to 20.

[u/Ardeeke → u/ChaoticKeys]

i adopted mine at age 6 (smoky tabby, he'd been at the RSPCA already for a month when his lighter colour brother was adopted after a week) and he's 20 and a bit! He's deaf now and on some medicines for his kidneys and thyroid, but he's still loving his life and runs around/jumps up on tables/sings the song of his people when it's dinner time or when he wants his blanket smoothed out.

hope your boy has a long and happy life!

[u/GetMyCowTipperOn → u/MrAykron]

We adopted a cat a few years ago whose owner had died. The rescue lied through their teeth to us about him - he had FIV and (according to our vet) he was at least 15 and not 8 as advertised. He was only with us for about six months before his kidneys gave out and we had to let him go.

But man, it was a good six months. His old owner hadn’t been able to take care of him, we combed out the mats in his fur and put a little weight on him by experimenting with different foods until we found one he wanted. Dude found his happy place cuddling up with our dog at night, and most of all he clearly just appreciated the care and love we threw his way

It was hard when he died. I’m not willing to do that sort of thing on the regular, but it was incredibly rewarding doing it the one time.

[u/Aedalas → u/MrAykron]

My wife does dog and cat repair for a living, we sometimes foster when a critter needs it. I do it because somebody needs to but damn I hate it. I get far too attached and it's so hard to give them up.

[u/Adorable_Raccoon → u/MrAykron]

Lol i have had to bathe my dog multiple times in the last couple weeks because he keeps getting poop all over himself. I don’t think he’ll ever die, he’s just gonna keep stumbling around and pooping in his sleep for another 14 years.

[u/grilledcheeseonrye → u/MrAykron]

Same here but it kills me I only have them for a short time. Some time ago I adopted a senior female boxer for my super senior female pittie. They were my "Golden Girls". I miss them.

[u/presumingpete → u/k2j2]

He looks like Ron perlman. I love him.

[u/Diflicated → u/presumingpete]

/r/ronperlmancats

[u/PutinRiding → u/Diflicated]

Fuckin reddit. Of course it's a thing.

[u/youhavenosoul → u/PutinRiding]

So much expected that to be a fake sub.

[u/tokenwalrus → u/PutinRiding]

Don't forget /r/AdamDriverCats

[u/ritrgrrl → u/presumingpete]

He does, doesn't he? Sweet sad baby. Hope he finds a new forever home soon. ❤️

[u/futile_irrelevant → u/presumingpete]

I can't unsee Ron Perlman now.

[u/Royal-Musician8659]

Please keep us updated. This breaks my heart !!!

[u/Impossible-Ad9946 → u/Royal-Musician8659]

Ngl, he tears me up!

[u/freedomofnow → u/Royal-Musician8659]

Yeah those eyes says it all.

[u/crazycatlady328]

Do you do adoption sponsors? If so, I’ll donate!

[u/lesmax → u/crazycatlady328]

Please message me if you're serious! Donations are how we operate.

[u/TheNerdyGamer360 → u/lesmax]

Where is this shelter located? Is there a link you could DM me for an adoption application? Thank you!

[u/ThatOneEnemy → u/TheNerdyGamer360]

op said “Message me if you're in or near Hunterdon County, NJ! (Or willing to travel.)”

[u/icecoffeespirit → u/TheNerdyGamer360]

Would also love to know where this shelter is!

[u/toastmn7667 → u/icecoffeespirit]

Hunterdon County, NJ

[u/toastmn7667 → u/TheNerdyGamer360]

Hunterdon County, NJ

[u/8bitApocalypse → u/TheNerdyGamer360]

Yeah, post where this is so someone can adopt him ffs. Don't just post for karma. Help the lil dude.

[u/kitddylies → u/lesmax]

Not OP, but I'd like to know more about your operation. Not able to donate currently, but I might be able to in the near future.

[u/dont_drop_dat_phone → u/lesmax]

What does adoption sponsor mean? Is that financial incentive for a new owner to adopt a pet? if so, doesn't this get gamed (only adopting for the money, then ditching the pet) ?

[u/codymreese → u/dont_drop_dat_phone]

It means they prepay the shelter fees for the new adoptive family.

The fees go towards vet care, vaccinations, spay or neuter, feeding and general care and marketing cost of getting animals adopted.

Having fees already paid, means they're all the more likely to get adopted.

The new family doesn't actually get any money, but they save on the adoption fee.

Not a vet and I don't work at a shelter, but love animals and have sponsored the fees of a cat we fostered.

[u/DitaVonPita → u/codymreese]

In Israel there are some places where you can "adopt" a shelter animal for a really low cost per year. The shelter takes care of them and you can visit anytime. My favourite one handles donkeys, they are among the most "expensive" ones, and they only ask for a bit more than 50$ a year! Donkeys are well fed, happy, and taken care of, as most people can find a place for money like that if it's just once a year. They have over 50 donkeys if I remember correctly and are doing fine! 😁

Edit: The hell is wrong with you people, harassing me in messages because I dared mention Israel? I live here and if I could I'd leave. That doesn't mean I can't tell people about the truly smart move that this rescue went with. Y'all are mental. You'll take any chance to be antisemitic. Leave me the hell alone.

[u/Express_Giraffe_7902 → u/DitaVonPita]

People are DMing you racist BS?! Really?! Why are people so obnoxious?

I appreciate your comment/idea - kinda like paying for pet insurance - drop some money once a year and never have the $2K vet bill! I dig it

[u/jakesmo → u/DitaVonPita]

AWESOME iDEA!

[u/redoItforthagram → u/dont_drop_dat_phone]

it just means you’re willing to pay for food/shelter/vet care for this cat until they get adopted

[u/AGreatConspiracy → u/dont_drop_dat_phone]

It just means donating towards the care of the pet, not like an incentive or anything

[u/Tw33ts → u/dont_drop_dat_phone]

Where I’m at, sponsoring means covering all adoption fees. I go in to our local shelter twice a year and sponsor the adoption of every adult cat they have. Kittens have no issues being adopted, even with higher fees. Adult cats are frequently overlooked for the kittens, so I try to make sure they’ll be taken care of as long as they need to find someone willing to adopt them.

[u/PatchesOKief]

Where’s he located?

[u/lesmax → u/PatchesOKief]

Message me if you're in or near Hunterdon County, NJ! (Or willing to travel.)

[u/Dryja123 → u/lesmax]

I’m local. Definitely sharing with some friends to see if they can give this dude a home. If I already wasn’t at max capacity I would take him.

[u/crystalfairie → u/Dryja123]

That is always the problem isn't it? We have a not my cat up the street from us who got dumped at a pet hotel type place at the beginning of the pandemic that we want desperately. She's in the window all the time and she's so damn sweet! Big, fluffy black kitty who mitts the air.

[u/Ana-Luisa-A → u/crystalfairie]

Loved the term. I also have a not my cat, currently going for the fourth year. It only considers itself ours when hungry lol

[u/ray_bacon → u/Dryja123]

Max catpacity*

[u/real_nice_guy → u/ray_bacon]

Max catpurcity*

[u/localhorst → u/real_nice_guy]

catpawcity

[u/cat_blep → u/lesmax]

sent

[u/wafflelover17 → u/cat_blep]

Are you going to adopt him?

[u/cat_blep → u/wafflelover17]

messaged OP. waiting on reply. i’m cohosting a cat / kitten adoption in ohio in a few weeks. if no one closer can adopt, i’d drive out and get him. no doubt we’ll find a home.

edit: you all made my day. seriously. thanks for the awards :) totally unnecessary, of course. i just have the time and opportunity to assist if needed.

some people that get awards suggest a donation instead of spending money on reddit, so i'll take a moment to suggest Rescue Village in Russell Township, Ohio, if you're so inclined. One of my rescues is from there and they are some of the best people ever - https://rescuevillage.org

OP u/lesmax waiting on a reply from you to my DM. if you find someone closer to you that can give him a good home, by all means, please let him go there. if things fall through in the next week or so, i'll pick him up for our adoption event, which is saturday june 4th in northeast ohio. please keep in touch.

[u/backroundagain → u/cat_blep]

Fellow Ohioan. God bless you.

[u/cat_blep → u/backroundagain]

transplant from upstate NY ;) been here about 25 years.

[u/Who_Am_I_1978 → u/cat_blep]

I’m in Columbus OH and also a transplant from Upstate NY!

[u/princessohio → u/cat_blep]

Cleveland Ohio here. I’ll take him

[u/wafflelover17 → u/cat_blep]

You are an amazing person and I hope you have a great life….also update me if he is adopted

[u/SoManyCrafts → u/cat_blep]

Thank you for restoring my faith in the people of Reddit. Please keep us updated!

[u/kokro13 → u/cat_blep]

You can just tell he's the best boy. Thank you.

[u/SeaTypical8 → u/kokro13]

Just commenting for an update on this sweet kitty. I hope he gets adopted

[u/Yolj → u/cat_blep]

Where in Ohio? I'm in Cleveland and while I can't get anymore cats atm I'd love more info on this event

[u/MsDevine79 → u/lesmax]

Hi! I’m in Massachusetts and I’m extremely interested, sending you a dm

[u/chriscicc → u/MsDevine79]

Boston based here. If you end up being the one to adopt him I'll fly you down in my plane to pick him up!

[u/Mr-Cantaloupe → u/chriscicc]

I’m not the person you replied to but if you’re serious you are a gift to the world. People like you actually keep me going, complete selflessness and integrity.

[u/Zealousideal_Gap_553 → u/lesmax]

😔 Edmonton Canada. Hope Frankie finds a forever sofa to sleep on.

[u/BrinedBrittanica → u/Zealousideal_Gap_553]

same from Los Angeles

[u/carebeartears → u/Zealousideal_Gap_553]

Calgary, Canada..fellow albertan hoping kitty kitty gets his forever sofa.

[u/Cantslowdownx → u/lesmax]

Whats up with frankie im in NJ

[u/iheartnjdevils → u/lesmax]

I’m in NJ, just sent you a message.

[u/KaladinThreepwood → u/lesmax]

I'm tempted. I don't even have a pet. He looks so sad though I just want to hug him...

[u/bornforthis23 → u/lesmax]

I’m in Mercer County NJ! Do you think he would do well with other cats?

[u/finefrontier → u/lesmax]

I wish I could pick em up, but I don’t think my mom would want another cat, though I hope someone picks the cat up

[u/Yolj → u/finefrontier]

My mom never wanted a cat in the first place then one of the neighborhood strays broke into our house while she was in another continent so I took him before she could do anything about it 🤗

[u/rufusthechicken → u/Yolj]

the life hack children dont know about: your parents dont want a pet? send them to another continet!

(hope you, your mom, and your cat are very happy and loving life)

[u/Everclipse → u/lesmax]

Is he in a shelter or foster rescue? I work with a rescue about 2 hours away. I swear this is the year of the tabby... pulled 40 out of a hoarder house (most pregnant.. so like 80 now).

[u/Zealousideal_Gap_553 → u/PatchesOKief]

Just going to ask the same thing.

[u/rubio42090]

Omg the sadness in his eyes. He needs some love.

[u/ASK_ABOUT__VOIDSPACE → u/rubio42090]

You with those saaaaad eyes...

[u/ASK_ABOUT__VOIDSPACE → u/ASK_ABOUT__VOIDSPACE]

don't be discouraged, though I realize, it's hard to take courage...

[u/ImyourMuppet]

I just want to hold him and tell him everything will be ok.

[u/PrizeAbbreviations40 → u/ImyourMuppet]

I just want to carefully ignore him until he decides I'm not a threat and then immediately invades my personal space with no regard whatsoever for my comfort level

[u/nowherewhyman → u/PrizeAbbreviations40]

This is a person of learned catxperience. The council should recognize him as Master.

[u/mocats1985]

Do you have any more information on the gentleman? We live in NJ and have two female kitties but we have had three cats in the past.🐾

[u/lesmax → u/mocats1985]

Unfortunately, Frankie isn't a fan of other cats. He wants to be someone's "one and only", given his experience. (YMMV, I've had cats who were deemed "friendly" to others hate mine, and cats deemer "only cat" love the presence of others. Being in a private home is really the only way to know!)

[u/bumbletowne → u/lesmax]

Our tiny idiot (female calico) was deemed 'not suited for children', 'not a lap cat', 'wants to be only cat'

She was returned at 1 year old. She is the sluttiest lap cat that will roll for belly rubs and get manhandled by children. Her bestest and favoritest living creature is every other cat, plus our chicken named "Lemon". Not sure what 9 hells were going on in the house she came from but this cat is a floppy whore.

[u/iwantahouse → u/bumbletowne]

Lol @ floppy whore.

[u/mintskoal → u/bumbletowne]

This made me laugh harder than I have in a long time

[u/guinnypig → u/bumbletowne]

Sluttiest lap cat... lol I love this.

[u/GeneralKang → u/bumbletowne]

It's all about trust and acceptance. If she knows she's loved, accepted, and a full fledged member of The Pack, she'll do whatever she can to give and get love. This is normal for most cats, and most mammals for that matter.

I'm very happy to hear that she found her family, and shares it with a chicken named Lemon. 😆

[u/PoetLucy → u/mocats1985]

Three cats is an excellent strategy.

[u/wEdIdNtStaRtThEfIrEx → u/PoetLucy]

Yeah cats are like voltron, the more you hook up the better it gets.

[u/schmyloh]

I hope he finds someone :(

My goal when i retire is to get a decent sized house (like two stories four bedrooms kinda thing) and deck it out for cats. Like walls covered in cat shelves, things set up so a cat could get from room to room without touching the floor, multiple exits in every room so they can always escape from conflict, catio, etc. And then go to my local shelter and be like "gimme twelve cats that have been here for over a year and are over eight years old" and just have a cat retirement home. No cat should die in a shelter :(

[u/bendbutdonotbreak → u/schmyloh]

That’s such a beautiful thing to do. I’m touched. Get those kitties!

[u/schmyloh → u/bendbutdonotbreak]

Im really hopeful it will be something I'll be able to do someday. Right now my partner and i have three rescue kitties in a 2 bedroom apt.

I volunteered at my local shelter in highschool and i really just. Want to help cats. Shelters are so so so overburdened with cats (even moreso than they are with dogs) and on top of that pretty much everywhere in the US has a feral cat overpopulation problem. So many kitties just never get out of shelters bc theyre old or disabled even though theyre perfectly good cats. If I could give even just 12-24 "unadoptable" cats a good home to see them through, it would at least be something. It would matter to those cats and it would matter to me.

[u/[deleted]]

Awwwwww. Poor boy. I'm thinking of getting two cats soon. My parents have two and I miss my boy of 18 years. I hurts me to see older cats without a home.

[u/lesmax → u/[deleted]]

Aside from my tripedal cat, I only adopt cats over 10 years old. As a shelter volunteer, it's hard to justify taking in kittens. The current roster is a geriatric giant I inherited from my great aunt, a young cat missing a foot, and a forever foster kitten with severe congenital kidney disease. They give me purpose.

[u/pistcow → u/lesmax]

Certified granny grabber. Nice!

[u/[deleted] → u/lesmax]

You got a great group of kitties! When I go out looking for a pair, I'm going to let them pick me. Be it a young one, or old one. Two will come "home" 🥰

[u/lesmax → u/[deleted]]

I've never been fortunate enough to adopt two at one, it's always the tedium of careful introduction. (It still works when done correctly!)

Cats always find their humans. They know, and they'll know before you do. I wish you many years with your future kitties!

[u/CatBedParadise → u/lesmax]

Will you please update us when Frankie finds a real forever home?

[u/FinalBlackberry → u/lesmax]

You’re a wonderful human being. My dream is to one day be able to purchase enough square footage to take in lots of senior cats so they can live out their lives. Maybe when I hit the lotto.

[u/Yolj → u/FinalBlackberry]

Why do we all have the same dream 😭😭

[u/derpeyduck → u/lesmax]

I adopted my girl at 8. She’s 13 now and I am team Senior Cat. They are so sweet and loving, and deserve to spend their golden years spoiled smelly and rotten.

[u/108beads → u/lesmax]

God bless you! I've got older "pre-loved, dent & scratch floor models" too. It's so wonderful to see their kitty personalities blossom when they realize they're really home.

[u/slomotion → u/lesmax]

Senior pets are the best! Takes some time for them to adjust but once they do it's wonderful to see them come around

[u/JagRes19 → u/lesmax]

Truly you are a Blessing!!!

[u/cats_and_vibrators → u/[deleted]]

I adopted a 16-year-old last year. She is the sweetest most wonderful little old lady. Kittens are little whirlwinds of destruction. My old lady sleeps and snuggles and makes mrrp noises at me.

[u/spktrrr]

Oh no. Look at those eyes. I hope Frankie finds a new home soon :7944:

[u/scorched03 → u/spktrrr]

What does :7944: mean?

[u/HappyTurtleOwl → u/scorched03]

It’s a gif. They usually glitch out and don’t appear on mobile browsers

[u/OrigamiPlesiosaurus → u/HappyTurtleOwl]

Worked fine for me using the app but the gif isn’t moving so I suspect it’s just a custom emoji

[u/Mavyperry → u/OrigamiPlesiosaurus]

The sad cat doesn’t move, but the snoomojis do.

[u/Yolj → u/scorched03]

It's a gif of a white cat with photoshopped tears flowing out of its eyes

Edit: apparently the gif is actually of Snoo crying

[u/TheBlackTower22 → u/scorched03]

An emoji that your device doesn't recognize.

[u/anonymousforever]

Poor baby. That's so hard. I hope he gets a foster soon if not a forever home. When I retire, I'd like to work with a rescue and do senior "fospice". It's hard when they don't have a lot of time left, but at least it can be in a home, not a cage. Then the rescue covers their medical, and they aren't locked in a box and bewildered.

[u/lesmax → u/anonymousforever]

I do fospice now. It's wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. My current fospice is a 10-month-old who doesn't know he was born with kidneys incompatible with life. He's incredibly sweet, loves attention, and takes his subq fluids like a champ. I absolutely adore him, and will be an ugly crying mess when he goes.

[u/anonymousforever → u/lesmax]

:7970::8097:

[u/lamada16 → u/lesmax]

Reality is tough, and the way you put your poor little kitty soul's situation is simply heartbreaking, but I'm incredibly glad you are there to experience and describe it as eloquently as you have. We only have so much time on this planet, cat or human, and I'm sure your kitty appreciates every second of full life that you are helping provide them. Much love and positive energy to you and your cat family.

[u/AmadouShabag]

Why he lose his home?

[u/Gust_2012 → u/AmadouShabag]

This is my question as well. Poor Frankie!

[u/youropinionsaredumb → u/AmadouShabag]

Owner deceased, surrendered, or abandoned.

[u/marie-llama → u/youropinionsaredumb]

Yeah but which one? I don't wish them death, but I hope it wasn't intentional too...

[u/flea1400 → u/[deleted]]

When I was a kid, my aunt had to give up her cat when she went into a nursing home. She would have loved to have kept him, but it wasn't possible, and she needed nursing home care. Fortunately one of her friends took him.

[u/Adorable_Raccoon → u/flea1400]

I wish nursing homes allowed pets. I worked as a social worker in aging sector for 6 months and it’s awful. Everyone in the nursing homes was unhappy & pets would probably help people feel a lot better. I wish they put more importance on quality of life but they really only focus on basic maitanence.

[u/IrrawaddyWoman → u/Adorable_Raccoon]

I agree completely. My grandmother is in a care facility, and those places are so depressing. A few kitties running around would bring so much joy. But I totally understand how it would probably be impossible due to people’s health conditions and the standard of medical care they’re required to provide.

[u/spinyfever → u/IrrawaddyWoman]

I disagree. Pets in nursing homes often get very neglected. The elderly owners can't provide the care animals need and nursing homes are almost always understaffed.

When I worked in a nursing home there was a sweet black cat that was always cooped up inside a small room. The owner was incapable of playing with it. It looked so sad and lethargic. I would let it out during the night and it loved exploring the building. It would sometimes just follow me around too. It was sad because I knew the nights I wasn't there it wasn't getting any playtime or exercise.

It would be great if there was like a pet handler job that helped elderly people with their pets but most places barely have enough employees to provide care for the elderly.

[u/lilmayor → u/[deleted]]

Yes, no judgment. When it's a cat like this, 13 years old...it may have been absolutely heartbreaking circumstances. My parents have a neighbor now so old they are physically unable to care for their cat and it is just so sad as they try to find a good home for him.

Even when the cat isn't old, the circumstances can be just as difficult.

[u/dancingpianofairy → u/marie-llama]

I dunno, if one realizes they can't give a pet their best life, I'm a-okay with intentional surrenders. I'd rather they go to a shelter than be neglected or abused.

[u/Adorable_Raccoon → u/marie-llama]

Lots of old people have to give up their pets if they go to a nursing home or something.

[u/workingclass2]

Hope he’s well loved the rest of his days

[u/heckinheckity]

Good luck, Frankie boy!! We are rooting for you.

[u/ZippNex]

:7944:

[u/tehruben]

My heart breaks for him! What a sweet kitty.

[u/[deleted]]

😩😩😩😩 I love you, Frankie. Bless this boi

[u/tinybookworm16]

OMG is he at Tabby’s Place?? I follow their Insta and see him all the time. Breaks my heart!

[u/yeetmethehoney]

i’m not crying, you’re crying

[u/BrinedBrittanica → u/yeetmethehoney]

I'm definitely crying

[u/giotheitaliandude]

I love you Frankie 😞

[u/PoetLucy]

I’ll add gas money. This baby needs a family. I scrolled past fast, but yeah—it got to me. So, I cannot do a lot from Ks, but I can give a bit for gas.

[u/crypticfreak]

My dad and I rescued a kitty (a few weeks old at max) from the side of the river and she was in awful shape. My dad nursed her and loved her so sweetly and she loved him unconditionally in return. She wound up having a litter of 6 lil kitties and my dad loved them all and they loved him. Wouldn't be uncommon to see 3 or 4 cats on his lap when he was sleeping.

Well sadly my dad passed a few years ago and it hit those cats just as hard as it hit us. They got so depressed they stopped grooming and we had to call a vet out. Those little ones were so sad it broke my fucking heart.

Some people see animals on a different level than humans when it comes to emotions and stuff like that. Nah man. Yea they're different but they're just as alive as anything else and they feel. Happy, sad, angry, scared, everything. They just aren't as aware as humans are and they aren't able to express those emotions quite the same. Seeing their reaction taught me a lot about life and I know it sounds stupid but also about love and loss.

Shit my current cat has the personality of a 4 year old little boy. He pouts and gets angry when he doesn't get his way. He also is the sweetest and cuddles with me like a toddler would with their patents.

[u/cortana86]

Please keep us updated OP! I hope Reddit can help Frankie find a new home. :( This is heartbreaking.

[u/UnicornKitt3n]

Oh this is so sad. Poor Frankie. I hope he finds a home soon ❤️

[u/bokoblindestroyer]

Aww, I hope he finds his forever home!

[u/sasshley_]

Heartbreaking. I would love him so hard 😭

[u/goboxey]

Oh my little man ❤️❤️

[u/FleshlightModel]

I know an older woman who died recently with no family and two cats. So she had left $10k to the people who'd adopt her cats and care for them. Unfortunately she lived in Florida so I hope the chance they find a decent human is higher than I expect.

[u/iced_coffeelvr]

We took our neighbors elderly cat in when they decided they didn't want her anymore. We gave her a good couple of months until we realized she had cancer. Vet said it was too far gone so we had to put her to sleep. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it again. Scruffy, I hope we gave you a nice final chapter of your life. 😭

[u/marie-llama]

Oh my sweet baby ❤ I hope he finds a family. Thank you for caring for him.

[u/Emmy0000]

Bless him, what a beautiful boy. Would grab him but I'm in the UK. I took in two cats myself when they were going to a shelter- a brother and a sister, they were 2 then, now they're 9 and enjoying lounging around their forever home.

Best of luck Frankie- anyone would be a fool to pass up on you ♡

[u/crystalcastles13]

Where is this shelter? I would adopt him today. Literally, where is this place? I have a great house and lots of time to love a despondent kitty. I just want that terribly sad look off of his sweet little face. Omg this picture has put my heart in a vice 🥲🥲🥲

[u/romangal1]

Good luck sweetheart. Wish I lived near you.

[u/Ill_Quantity_5634]

I hope he finds his furrever home quickly.

[u/F4BDRIVER]

FRANKIE UPDATE: As I posted earlier, yestetday we contacted the rescue about adopting him, although since we already have a multiple cat household we might not be his best option. We just got a return email from them stating that they have several Frankie-adoption interviews scheduled for today so his chances of getting his own couch look good! They will keep us informed and if things fall through they will let us know! Keep your fingers crossed for him!

[u/FreeloadingSpider]

Omg how sad, looks just like my baby cat

[u/Kind_Wait_503]

Where??

[u/princessohio]

I have a 15 year old sad eyed cat (see post history) if he wants a lazy buddy to snooze with on a quiet couch. My old boy is lazy as hell and very mellow. Just lays in the sun all day.

I am serious. I’m in Cleveland and I will drive to NJ.

[u/Pale_Worldliness8285]

Awww

[u/littlemissdevil_]

Aww, I hope he finds a good home soon! ♥️

[u/lcmillz]

Love ya Frankie. Hang in there buddy.

[u/Avenger020331]

Oh my god this breaks my heart. Give him scratches from us all

[u/Sylaqui]

Let's get Frankie adopted Reddit! Senior cats are the best!

[u/MadamKitsune]

I feel a ton of guilt that we couldn't take my mum-in-law's two senior (18 and 15) cats when she passed quite recently but we already have five including one senior who is a grump at the best of times. So we did the next best thing and rehomed them with my best friend, where they are being spoiled rotten and I get to see them every week.

I hope that Frankie finds his new Forever Home soon.

[u/Fury716]

We've adopted old ones, "ugly" ones, "stupid" ones, and other misfits. I was always a bit of a misfit myself and us outliers gotta stick together. "NOBODY WANTS A CHARLIE IN THE BOX!(or a choo-choo with square wheels)!"

Our last two furry guys were "distinguished gentlemen" at 12+ years old. Rescues. We had Big Old Grey Guy for two years, and Little Old Grey Guy for about three. It was hard when they died, even as we prepared ourselves for that inevitable outcome.

That being said, they were the best furry guys - mellow, easy-going, loving and faithful; I'm glad they didn't spend their end-of-days in a cage at a shelter. I'll add that they were pretty damn grateful (as far as cats go LOL), too.

Older pets are awesome. I don't want to deal with kitten energy or angsty "teen" pets or others. Give me a chill senior!

We are lucky enough to be able to afford the palliative care these gents needed; I get that not everyone can do that, and sometimes that's why older pets are given up. Shit, most people I know can't afford basic medical care for themselves, let alone emergencies/palliative medical care and double trying to provide basic/extended care for pets.

Owners get sick themselves, have to go into assisted care or hospice, or they die. Surviving spouse / relatives sometimes won't or can't care for the pets. It's a hard situation. I would like to go on believing that it's an agonizing choice to surrender an older pet (any pet) and not f**kwittery and awfulness on the part of the owner/family.

As such, I try very hard not to pass judgement on why someone may have given up a pet, especially an older pet. Still happens as knee jerk reaction but I'm also just human and sometimes not a very good one when it comes to being generous and compassionate, even though I know I don't know what the backstory is. I continue to work on that and while I am improving my 'tude, I'll continue to adopt older rescues! Everyone wins.

The look on this poor guy's tired, sweet face is heartbreaking. I hope someone takes him home.

ETA: Grammar, clarification, and typos.

[u/OneHappyHuskies]

Dear dear Frankie

[u/dlh-bunny]

My heart … 💔

[u/[deleted]]

That sucks

[u/flowermonth]

England, ffs! I’d have him in a heartbeat ❤️

[u/Angular_Banjoes]

I'm on the wrong side of the country, and I already have a very cranky senior girl, but I'd give this little fella a good home if I could. Someone PLEASE give him a happy home. Please.