Two senior cats, Tina and Willow, had lived in a loving Florida home for their whole lives. Two Golden Girls enjoying life. And then, one day, their guardian got news nobody was prepared for – they had cancer. All of a sudden, the cats’ lives were in jeopardy, too. As perfect and friendly house cats as they were, they ended up at the animal shelter. (see video below).
Unfortunately, this kind of scenario plays out daily. It wasn’t Tina or Willow or their human’s fault. They gave their family so much love without asking for much: some cat food and treats and a warm place to sleep. But now, the Golden Girls need some real luck on their side. They need someone to see how wonderful they are, but it’s not easy since they’re understandably very scared.
Tina the senior kitty
Will Someone See the Gold in Tina and Willow?
In a crowded shelter, it’s usually the young kittens who find homes first. Of course, we understand why everyone loves kittens. They’re incredibly cute and funny. But Golden Girls like Tina and Willow have so much to offer, too! And they can adjust quickly to a quiet indoor life without the high-energy antics of kittens.
“Meet Tina and Willow, two seniors who were just surrendered to us because the owner had a family member who just got cancer and didn’t have time to care for them anymore,” shared Orange County Animal Services communications team member Albert Harris.
Images and media via Facebook/Albert Harris Photography
Having been pampered house-cats their entire lives, they were so upset and hiding in the corners of the kennels. It must be so confusing for them.
“Sadly, they had a home all of their life, so they are literally terrified as it is their first time here. It is a chaotic environment for many [who] enter our doors.
Willow the kitty looks scared but is actually a lovebug
Now, finding Tina and Willow a new home will take luck and, as Harris knows, visibility on the internet. If enough people could be reached, then someone out there will see a golden opportunity.
“We have been using the power of the internet. Let’s do it again,” said Harris.
Albert Harris with the affectionate Willow
You Can’t Judge a Cat By Their Shelter Behavior
Once Tina and Willow arrived at the shelter, they got numbers almost like prison inmates. Willow, the black kitty, was now A536035. She had been loved for eight years and couldn’t understand why some stranger was photographing her. Although she looks scared, she’s the biggest sweetheart when someone greets her. It’s an example that you can’t really judge a cat by their behavior in a shelter. We’d all be terrified if we found ourselves suddenly in cold cell away from home.
“I was surrendered due to my owner not having time for me,” said Willow’s profile at the Orange County Animal Shelter.
Given a chance, Willow could make the purrfect friend for a family who appreciates a quiet kitty who doesn’t need much in return for her affection. Imagine having the satisfaction of knowing you are the person who gave Willow the sanctuary she deserves.
Meanwhile, Tina, the tabby, was now A536034. She is the elder of the two bonded cats at 10 but has so many more years ahead of her.
At the first opportunity, Tina wants to be petted and loved.
Both girls were well-loved and are big girls around 14 pounds. Both use a litterbox and would be relatively easy to acclimate to indoor life. But, as with all cats, it may take about 3 months to fully acclimate to a new home and possibly longer in a home with kids or other pets.
As we’ve shared before, adopting a senior cat (or a bonded duo like Tina and Willow!) could be the higher purrpose you’ve been looking for.
If you are in the Orange County, Florida area, you can find out more on Facebook and the Orange County Animal Services website.
And remember, there are sweet adult cats like these two Golden Girls available at a shelter near you right now.