Too Old to Get Another Cat?

Is it selfish to get a cat if the years ahead seem few and short? A widow thinks she is too old for another cat though she really wants one. Advice columnist Eric Thomas weighs in.

Dear Eric:

I’m a 78-year-old widow, who has been without a cat for one year now; first time in my life. Is it fair to adopt a cat if I most likely only have one and a half to two and a half more years to live? I do travel as well. I do not have any family, so who would get the cat remains unknown. Maybe back to the adoption group? Is this fair to the animal? I feel I’m being selfish, or is a little time “at home” for a cat better than none? Please advise.

– Cat Lover

Dear Cat Lover:

The past year without a cat must have been so hard for you. It’s a rough transition after being with cats your whole life. There are solutions that can take into account what your future might look like, as well as what’s best for the cat. Considering fostering. This not only provides companionship for you and the feline companion, but can potentially help a local shelter free up space so that another cat in need of a home can come in. Your local shelter, humane society or refuge can point you toward the right program and get you set up with an application.

You might also reach out to friends and family to see if they or anyone they know needs a temporary home for a pet. Some of the concerns you wrote about can be assuaged by ensuring you have a support system in place for yourself and your pet.

Volunteering at an animal shelter is another great way of keeping pets in your life. Both options will also put you in contact with other humans who can help you make a plan for the cat’s well-being. There are so many pets that need loving homes. I think it’s more than fair to welcome one into yours.

R. Eric Thomas (he/him) is a national bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. His accomplishments include “Eric Reads the News,” a daily humor column covering pop culture and politics, serving as the interim Prudie for the advice column “Dear Prudence,” and “Congratulations, The Best Is Over.” Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

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