Senior cats require more medical attention and TLC than younger cats, therefore it’s not uncommon for them to be abandoned on the street or given to shelters when their owners have grown tired of them or can no longer afford their care.
Barnaby, a 15-year-old cat found on the streets of Voorhees, New Jersey, and taken to the popular Voorhees Animal Orphanage, appears to have experienced this.
Barnaby was dirty and emaciated, on the verge of becoming blind, with a half-chewed ear. His appetite was sluggish. His friendly, upbeat demeanor, on the other hand, quickly won over the orphanage workers. They were heartbroken that he could have to spend the rest of his days at an animal shelter since no one wanted to care for him.
Fortunately, Barnaby found the perfect forever home – a veterinarian’s office. Veterinarian Ed Sheehan and his wife, Clare, in nearby Camden run the Sheehan Veterinary Centre.
When they discovered a post about Barnaby on the orphanage’s Facebook page in the spring of 2017, they realized he was a kitty who’d need a lot of care. They offered to take him in, and on May 14, Save a Senior Sunday, they did.
This was the result.
Barnaby has since demonstrated his usefulness in the veterinary clinic. He enjoys head massages and brings his own unique flair to the table. He’s gained about a pound and looks better than he has in a long time, thanks to his new senior food. He’s spoon-fed when he doesn’t want to eat.
Barnaby went from forlorn soul to elder statesman in a matter of months. He’s grown into a really respectable feline. Other homeless senior cats, perhaps, will find their permanent homes soon as well.
