Thomas was given up to a shelter when his owner fell ill and was unable to care for him. The employees at Baltimore County Animal Services started hunting for a rescue to take him in as soon as he arrived. Thomas was 26 years old, so they concluded that he was a bit too much for them to manage.
Since senior cats between the ages of 10 and 13 already have difficulty finding homes, the shelter recognized that Thomas’ prospects of finding one at 26 were extremely limited. Knowing all the medical issues that an elderly cat frequently has, not many people are eager to take on one.
The shelter started advertising about him even though they knew it would be difficult to get a rescue to take him in.
Eventually, the right woman saw him and realized she could help.
Laura Cassiday, webmail administrator and avid foster mom with Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF), saw a post about Thomas and was immediately intrigued, especially since he was around the same age as her. She knew the super senior would have a hard time finding anyone willing to take him, and knew right away what she had to do.
“I was scrolling through my news feed and read ‘26’ and stopped in my tracks,” Cassiday told The Dodo. “I had never even heard of a cat that old. It was a snap decision; I commented that they could stop looking and I’d take him, and we called the shelter to say AARF would pull him. I picked him up the next morning.”
Rather than put him up for adoption through AARF, though, Cassiday took Thomas home with her instead. She didn’t want him to have to wait for a home when he already might not have a lot of time left, so she decided to be his “fospice” mom — meaning she will take care of him for the rest of his life.
“We basically took him on knowing that he’d never get adopted for the sole purpose of saving his life,” Cassiday said.
After being checked over by a vet, it was determined that Thomas has hyperthyroidism and severe dental disease, and he was put on medication for both. Other than that, though, Thomas is actually in very good health for a cat of his age, much to the shock and delight of his new family.
Thomas has been in his new home for around a week now, and he’s still getting used to everything. It’s possible he’d been in his previous home his entire life, and at 26 years old, leaving the only home you’ve ever known is a lot to deal with.
Cassiday is so happy to have him, though, and has already fallen in love with his sweet, old man personality. She has four cats of her own and two other foster cats, all much younger than Thomas, obviously, and he definitely brings a calm energy to the already bustling household.
Cassiday said, “Young cats are a lot of effort. They get into things. Because Juniper unrolls the entire roll at least once every week, I waste a lot of money on toilet paper. Thomas does not annoy anyone while lying in bed all day. He’s the perfect pet. I’m not saying everyone needs to go out and get a 26-year-old cat, but maybe give that 12- or 13-year-old a second look when you’re seeking to adopt. A kitten needs you less than they do.
Cassiday has received a lot of attention for bringing Thomas into her family, and she and her family have been moved by the outpouring of love. While they are totally overwhelmed by all of the love shown to Thomas, who is completely unconcerned by it all, they have received many comments, notes, and money from individuals who wish to help him in his latter years.
Cassiday said, “He is certainly an elderly crotchety man.” He wants to be left alone and despises limelight and notoriety. I suppose I can forgive him. Food is his one genuine love. Since he is 26 and deserves it, I am feeding him as much as he requests.
Although he does like to be caressed and will play with toys occasionally, this elderly man spends much of his time napping and eating.
Cassiday has no clue how long she will be able to spend with Thomas, but whether it’s only a month or a few years, she is really grateful for the time they will have together and is just relieved that she and AARF were able to save his life.
Cassiday said, “I feel like an average person caught at an incredible event. “In my opinion, I acted as any other person would have. When I observed an animal in need and realized I was able to help it, I did so.
