Sarina, a senior black-and-white cat, has finally found her forever home after being overlooked for over 232 days at the RSPCA West Dorset shelter in Dorchester, U.K. Her journey to adoption highlights the challenges faced by older pets in shelters.
Sarina was originally brought to the shelter along with her four kittens and another adult cat named Leah from a home suffering from severe neglect and a flea infestation. While Leah and the kittens quickly found new homes, Sarina, at seven years old, faced a more difficult path to adoption.
According to Hannah, an animal care assistant at the shelter, Sarina’s age was a significant barrier in her adoption process. “Sarina was at a disadvantage, being an older cat,” Hannah explained to Newsweek. “Unfortunately, many people prefer younger cats or kittens, overlooking the fact that older cats can still have many years of love to give.” Additionally, Sarina’s black-and-white coat contributed to her prolonged stay in the shelter, as such colors are often less popular among potential adopters.
Sarina’s shy nature further complicated her chances of finding a home quickly. “She is a very affectionate and friendly cat,” said Hannah. “However, her initial shyness often meant that potential adopters didn’t get to see her true charm during their visits to the shelter. Confident cats often get adopted quicker.”
The issue of long-term shelter residents is not isolated to the U.K. In 2023, approximately 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, marking a 4 percent increase from 2022, according to Shelter Animals Count. The year ended with 117,000 more dogs and cats in the shelter system compared to the previous year. Furthermore, euthanasia rates have risen, with around 850,000 animals euthanized in 2023—a 15 percent increase from 2022. Shelters continue to combat these numbers with various initiatives, including adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
Fortunately for Sarina, her story ended on a positive note when she finally met her perfect match and was adopted. “She has settled in wonderfully in her new home,” reported Hannah. “Her owner has shared that Sarina enjoys curling up on their lap while they watch TV and follows them from room to room. It’s heartwarming to see her thriving in an environment where she is truly loved and appreciated.”
Sarina’s story is a testament to the resilience of shelter animals and the joy they can bring to their new families. It also underscores the ongoing need for potential pet owners to consider adopting older and shy animals, who often wait the longest for their forever homes.
