PRESS RELEASE: What people get wrong about senior cats (and what they get right)

Senior cats are often overlooked in shelters, but they’re some of the most loving, low-maintenance companions, and experts say it’s time to challenge the myths holding them back.
AUGUST 2025: AUSTRALIA – They’re too stuck in their ways. They’ll just get sick. They won’t bond with you. These are just some of the misconceptions that keep senior cats waiting longer in shelters, even though they often make the best companions.
This August, Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and Breeder’s Choice are working to shift that thinking through their Purrfect Match campaign. It’s an awareness campaign that focuses on rehoming senior cats and educating the public about what older cats are really like and why they deserve a second chance.
“People assume older cats come with too many problems,” says Melissa Penn Managing Director at Sydney Dogs & Cats Home. “But the truth is, most of our senior cats are healthy, low-maintenance and incredibly affectionate. They settle in quickly and are happy just being near you.”
Senior cats at the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home are fully vet-checked, desexed, litter-trained and often more suited to a quiet home than energetic kittens. Many are surrendered through no fault of their own, due to the owner’s illness, relocation, or changes in housing circumstances.
“People think they’re doing a good deed by adopting a senior cat. And they are!” Melissa continues. “But what often surprises them is how much they get in return. These cats form deep bonds. They’re calm, they’re incredibly grateful, and there’s a maturity and sweetness to them that’s hard to describe until you experience it.”
“This campaign is about more than just rehoming senior cats,” comments Managing Director of Breeder’s Choice, Steve Adams. “It’s about showing what real care looks like. We believe every cat deserves comfort, dignity and a fresh start.”
Breeder’s Choice also donates 800 bags of litter annually to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, helping to maintain clean, comfortable conditions, especially for older cats who may be managing arthritis or other age-related needs.
Melissa says the right litter makes a big difference: “Soft, absorbent litter like Breeder’s Choice is ideal for senior cats. It’s gentle on their paws, helps us keep the space hygienic, and makes them more confident using the tray – especially if they have mobility issues.”
So, what do people get right about senior cats?
“They make amazing companions,” Melissa says. “They’re gentle, predictable, loving and they don’t care how old you are either. They just want someone to curl up with and call their own.”
To meet a senior cat or follow the Purrfect Match stories, visit sydneydogsandcatshome.org or follow @breederschoicecats and @sydneydogsandcatshome on Instagram.
Media Contact:
Missy Mischief PR & Creative, Amanda Kuhn, [email protected], 0410 570 993