At an impressive 21-years-old, Leon and Nikita found themselves in a desperate situation. The two cat brothers were surrendered to the RSPCA in Northamptonshire, England because they were not coping with family life. Their age and Nikita’s newly diagnosed health condition put their future at risk. Thankfully, they ended up at a shelter that believes every animal, regardless of age, deserves a chance at a good life. Now, their story is helping other senior cats find better lives.
Determined to not only get the pair adopted, but to get them adopted together, RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch put out a plea. Michelle Billingham told Northampton Chronicle & Echo,
“They are just such lovely cats and at 21-years-old, they just should not be in a rescue.”
The shelter posted to Facebook saying the bonded brothers were in need of the perfect new home. They both have already surpassed the average age for cats, and they deserved the chance to enjoy their true golden years. Having been together their entire lives, it was essential that the brothers never be separated. They also need a quite home without kids. They love cuddles and spending time with humans, but shelter workers knew finding the right home would not be easy.
The brothers’ situation was made slightly more complicated when Nikita was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. This condition can cause symptoms including weight-loss, vomiting, and diarrhea, but it can be treated. Nikita needed a person who would love him and his brother, and help him live a healthy life.
While shelter workers were worried, they didn’t need to be. Their community came through in a big way, and the bonded brothers received hundreds of adoption applications. After sifting through potential applicants, shelter staff found what they believe to be the perfect new home. Leon and Nikita have found their forever family, and they’ll enjoy their retirement exactly how they were meant to—well-loved and well cared for.
While the two senior brothers are off to the good life, their friends back at the shelter know this kind of happy ending doesn’t always happen for senior cats. Countless senior cats end up in shelters every year, and they have a tough time getting adopted. Partly because kittens are so cute and partly because age often comes with health issues, too many senior cats never get adopted.
RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch recognizes this reality, but they also believe all animals deserve good homes. They never euthanize cats due to age, and they do everything in their power to facilitate adoptions for senior animals.
In honor of Leon and Nikita’s successful adoption story, the shelter is now renewing their efforts to help other senior cats in need. Every month, the shelter takes in senior pets. These animals often come to them under tragic circumstances, and their initial chances at adoption aren’t always the best. Regardless, the shelter takes the time and spends the money to care for each animal.
They set up what they call their “Senior Kittizens Fund” to help pay for vet care and any special food their senior cat residents need. They’re sharing Leon and Nikita’s story as proof that age is just a number, and every cat is worthy of a good home. It’s their hope that more people will recognize the value in adopting senior cats and help make more happy endings come true.
For more information about the Senior Kittizens Fund, contact RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch on Facebook.
