A decade or so ago, the life expectancy of a cat was around 13 years, But thanks to continuing improvements in veterinary treatment, they are now living much longer. Countless cats in Cats Protecion's care survive to their late teens and even their early twenties in remarkedly good health

This is fantastic news for cat lovers, but there is a sad flipside  to the wonders of modern medicine as vast numbers of older felines - aged ten and above - are overlooked and remain without a permanent home. it is not uncommon for mature cats to stay in adoption centres for months or even a year, placing a burden on expenses and leaving other needy cats on the waiting list, but they have so much to offer the right owners

With their inherent 'ah factor', kittens will always be more popular, but if you are looking for a quiet life then a mature cat should be at the top of your list. While mischeivous youngsters are entertaining, there is also a destructive side to their frolics. Older cats, however, are more likely to catch forty winks on the upholstery than to use it as a scatching post, and they need less supervision

With their wandering, hunting and chasing days behind them, they tend to turn their attention to being more sociable, seeking human contact and becoming more of a lap cat. Also, people sometimes worry when adopting a cat that they don't know what kind of character he will develop, but when taking on an older cat, his carers are more likely to know all about his behaviour and temperament

Despite the fact that they have so much to recommend themselves by and don't need much to keep them happy, mature cats are still being overlooked. Could you adopt one of our lvoing and distinguish seniors?