a new kitty!
Figure that one out, huh?

But she's not really that new, actually. She's 13 years old and didn't have any home during the holidays. No one wanted her.

(This picture doesn't do her justice- see my link below!)

Her sign read:
Wanted: A loving retirement home where I can relax and rest my old lady bones for the rest of my days. My name is Trava and let me tell you my story! I lived with my previous family until I was no longer a cute little kitten. They decided they couldn't take care of me anymore and that's how I ended up here on my quest for a new furrever home. I've lived around several other cats and even dogs but I would prefer a quiet environment where I get a lot of the attention! I'm a middle-aged ladycat when you really think about it, 13 is not that old for a kitty! I could still have plenty of life and love to give to the right people. Please come on down and visit with me - I'm very sweet and love to be petted and held.

She was so affectionate and I couldn't believe she had been in the shelter for months and months, but people don't want Senior kitties. I sat in front of her cage in tears. (Apparently I'm exceptionally emotional during this TOM). As I headed out the doors of Petco to go and get my cat carrier so that I could adopt her- a wonderfully kind couple gave me $20 to contribute to her adoption fee! Isn't that SOOO sweet?!

The fabulous staff of Sunshine shelter was overjoyed to hear she was adopted: "Deanna, thank you SO much! I can't tell you how overjoyed staff will be to hear this. Trava holds a special place in our hearts, and to know that she has found her place in this world brings more satisfaction than you can imagine. Please keep us updated on her new life, and if there is ANYTHING we can do for you, don't hesitate to let us know."

"Her name was actually 'Troubles' when she was brought into the Sunshine Shelter. She had been in the same family and it seemed like there was a lot of shuffling her around, poor kitty. We figured she had had enough of her own troubles and needed a much more dignified name. Trava was the name of one of our staff members' former students and it just seemed to fit. Sweet Trava had spent literally hours at Petco before you came and adopted her. I'm convinced it was fate Thank you so very much for loving her as much as we do. The picture album was enough to bring me to tears; I'm so happy she is doing so well...keep us updated!"

So I created a facebook picture album to update everyone on her new home:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...1&l=c073f64203

Oooh, she is lovely! I knew you were a good egg! You are awesome to adopt a senior kitty. Congrats, I'm sure you will both bring each other much happiness!

Awwwwwww!! How precious!! And I love her name, Abuela. Very cool!!

I keep threatening my husband that once my two little dudes are out of diapers I'm getting a kitty or dog. I'm not ready right now to add on the task for dealing with another creature poop, just yet. But your story of Abuela inspires me to adopt from shelter. <3

That is so kind of you and I am sure you will be rewarded by so much love from her. Bless you - the world needs more people like you.

I never thought about adopting a senior kitty. However- I have thought about adopting a THIRD (EEEEP!) kitty for quite sometime. In fact- earlier in that day I was at Petsmart looking at kitties (it was next to the grocery store), and then I went to another Petsmart because I forgot I needed litter.

But when I saw our Abby kitty- my heart stopped. I realized that I couldn't walk away.

A cat is considered a senior when they are over 8 years old. And let me tell you- having a senior kitty is WONDERFUL! She's really wise and very confident. She knows how to use her litter box and what a scratching post is for. And she's so loving. I think senior kitties really know that you have really truly given them a second chance- and they appreciate it.

She's a really wonderful addition to the family.

So....what kinda yogurt was it?!?!



YAY for kitties!!! My granny used to have a bunch when it was still a farm, but they're long gone. Now I can't be around them without being miserable, which is unfortunate, cus the kids would LOVE one. Maybe when we're out in the sticks somewhere, we can get some mousers. Good for you for looking beyond her age

That is wonderful! And you are wonderful! and Trava looks very much the lady.

What a cutie pie, thank you for rescueing her. You will both fill each other's life with so much joy.

I got my Elvis when he was 7 and he's on meds for the rest of his life (nothing serious but people see that and run). If I didn't take him, he was going to end up in a shelter and then who knows where. I found him for free on Craigslist and my life has never been the same (and I never looked at an animal on Craigslist ever until that day). It was meant to be.

I even brought him home without meeting my husband first (not exactly the ideal situation but in the end it worked out perfect, they love each other). I just couldn't take a chance that my dog would end up in the wrong home. And I told my husband I would find him a new home if it didn't work out (my husband I mean, I'd never get rid of my doggy!!!!!!). So glad I got to keep both.

Seriously, your post is the best thing to happen to me all day.

Awwww, she's your soul cat! :-)

Congrats! I am an Adoption Specialists with a cat rescue and senior cats usually end up staying with us until they pass over the rainbow bridge. As stated, 13 is not old at all. If she had been fed a proper diet, there is a good chance she has 5-10 years left!

Awwwwww

Awe! She looks sweet! And very good of you to take on an older pet, they can be wonderful companions.

Yay! So happy that you found each other! Trava is beautiful and she seems so sweet!

That is so awesome! I have three cats and I would be bonkers without them. I will never understand people who just give up their animals. When my mother in law passed last year, we inherited her cat and I never once even considered putting her up for adoption. She is a senior cat too and very affectionate!

3 cats, 2 dogs, and I'd have more if DH and the house permitted it!!!

She's such a pretty cat! GRATS

HAHA! Toasted marshmallow!


Elvis, I brought home Abby without asking my husband too! Although when we talked about it later he said he was surprised that I actually hadn't done it before.

I was in tears on my way home to get the cat carrier, I kept thinking- "I don't care if I get a week with her. I don't want her in that cage anymore. She's going to be so happy and we will love her so much."

BreathingSpace, that's funny you say that. My mother in law has used that phrase before. I'll be interested in seeing if she's my soul kitty. All our animals usually prefer DH and absolutely love him. I've always wanted a kitty for me....LOL. So we'll see how it pans out. Ha.