Couple Adopts Two 21-Year-Old Cats With Hope To Provide Their Best Golden Years

Emma Ackerman
Oct 11, 2023
Oct 11, 2023

Cats live life differently than we do. When we're 20, it's just the start of our adventure, but for cats, it's like the final chapter. Growing old can be tough on our furry friends, and they need love and care more than ever during this time. Sadly, not all senior cats get the comfort they deserve. Some wander the streets, and others end up in shelters when their owners can't care for them anymore. But life has a way of surprising us, and there are always kind souls ready to help these animals.

Meet the Smiths, a loving family from San Diego, CA, and their wonderful story of adoption.

Source: Camellia the Cat

Amanda Smith is a wonderful cat owner. She has already opened her home to Camellia, a 16-year-old blind and deaf cat. She always empathized with the plight of cats, who are abandoned at an old age.

“They are yet another example of what happens when an owner does not have a plan for their pets should something happen to them. It’s a story shelters hear time after time.”

However, little did they know that their decision to help aging cats would bring not one but two 21-year-old bonded cats into their lives.

Source: Camellia the Cat

When a shelter volunteer approached Amanda and her husband about adopting the bonded senior pair, they couldn't resist. This couple of senior cats are Pepa and Meli. They found themselves at a local shelter after their owner passed away, a situation all too common for senior cats.

Understanding how challenging it is with the lives of these poor cats, despite challenges, the Smiths started their journey right away to LA to provide Pepa and Meli with a loving forever home.

Upon hearing their plea, Amanda’s heart swelled with empathy.

Source: Camellia the Cat

Amanda shared: “A bonded pair of super seniors. I think we all know what the odds are there. To make matters worse, Meli had been moved off the adoption floor due to fearful and aggressive behavior. Being guardian to a previously terrified girl, I knew I had to get them both out of there.”

Pepa and Meli gradually changed, and Amanda knew that they were true and decided to adopt them.

Source: Camellia the Cat

Pepa, despite her emaciation and health issues, was the friendliest, bravest, and most loving cat Amanda had ever known. Every time they return home, Pepa eagerly rushes to the door to greet them, a testament to her loving nature.

Source: Camellia the Cat

On the other hand, Meli was initially fearful. She found comfort with time and patience. Nearly three months later, she emerged as an affectionate kitty who adores head scratches.

“Though it’s so easy to want instant results, we know that scared cats take time and patience. We are giving her both. Slowly, little by little, we are seeing her begin to become comfortable. We will give her all the time she needs. That’s what family does.”

The Smiths have always been committed to saving senior cats, giving them a chance at a better life in their golden years.

Source: Camellia the Cat

Giving elderly cats a chance at a better life in their golden years has always been the Smith family's mission. Their family's big dream is to open a special sanctuary for senior cats once her husband leaves the Navy. They aim to give more older cats a cozy, loving place to enjoy their twilight years. Amanda shared her family's mission and future plans:

“No matter how long they are in our care, we can say with confidence when the time comes that we have loved them the best we could every single day they were with us. We gave them a new end to their story. Instead of dying alone, scared, and abandoned in a shelter, they pass in a comfortable home surrounded by love.”

If you love Pepa and Meli, don't forget to share their story with your family and friends. For more amazing stories of the animal kingdom, visit our site now!

Share this article