Senior Pets Make Life Golden #HillsTransformingLives

This post is sponsored by Hill’s® Science Diet® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Adopt A Senior Pet Month and ‘Mission Adoptable’ Campaign, but Mochas, Mysteries and Meows only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

I've lived the majority of my adult life with senior cats, and the years of love they gave me left memories that will last a lifetime.

It all started when I was 16 years old and my family rescued a neighbor's cat that had been abandoned. Sebastian was 12 and had lived the majority of his life outside, covered in snow during cruel Vermont winters. Finally my mother had enough and when it was obvious the new neighbors he'd been pawned off onto didn't care any more about him than his original owners did, he "disappeared" into our house. He was only with us for a few years before succumbing to kidney disease, but there's not a doubt in my mind that those were the 3 happiest years of his life.

The first cat I adopted as an adult was Sashi. I'll never forget the shelter telling me how many people had commented on what a beautiful cat she was, then saw that she was 9 years old and walked away. Their loss was my gain because we had 9 wonderful years together. Even at an advanced age she never lost her playfulness, with one of her favorite games being to catch my pen with her paws or teeth while I was writing. (These were the days before computers!)

Next came Tara. She was 7 and while she was plagued with more than her fair share of health issues, I can't help but think she was meant to be with me because far too many people would have given up on her.

I'll be 100% honest and admit that by the time Tara passed away I was emotionally exhausted. Her last two years were incredibly stressful, and I decided that for my peace of mind I needed to adopt a young cat for once, one that I wouldn't need to worry about every minute, one that I could look forward to spending the next 15 years of my life with.

I had Truffles for exactly 1 year, 10 months and 17 days.

Animals are just like people - age is just a number - and regardless of their age we have absolutely no control over how long we're going to have with them, so why do we allow so many amazing animals with so much love to give sit unloved and unwanted in shelters? Of course kittens are irresistible; there's no denying that. But I can tell you from experience that adopting a senior pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you know what you're getting as far as size and personality, they require less exercise and training, and since older cats are among the hardest to find homes for, when you adopt one you are truly saving a life. They know they've been rescued too, and they show their love and gratitude every single day resulting in a bond like no other.

As cats age their nutritional requirements change, and the right food along with veterinary care can play a key part in helping keep older cats active, healthy and happy, allowing them to live their life to the fullest. Hill's® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality has been scientifically developed for a seven and older pet's biology and incorporate ingredients that support:

• Brain function, which is involved in supporting the desire for family interaction
• Energy and vitality to help a pet get moving and have an interest in activity and playing
• Healthy immune system
• Healthy digestive system
• Luxurious coat with increased shininess and softness

Hill’s Pet Nutrition wanted to help increase older cat adoptions so they partnered with Animal Planet to launch a new exciting web series called “Mission Adoptable”.  Filmed in collaboration with the SPCA of Texas in Dallas, “Mission Adoptable” focuses on the plight of older shelter pets that face a difficult time getting adopted because of changes in their appearance or behavior due to the aging process. Viewers follow the journey of each senior pet, as their lives and prospects for adoption are transformed through the power of the right nutrition and loving shelter care. Each episode ends in high drama, as two families vie for the privilege of welcoming their new family member home.

Are you ready to join us in celebrating senior cats? Here's what you can do!

1. Visit a local shelter and consider adopting a senior pet during Adopt a Senior Pet Month.

2. Help your new family member and/or your senior pet fight the effects of aging by trying Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality, specifically designed for pets of age 7 and up.

3. Watch the "Mission Adoptable" webisodes and get inspired to share with your family and friends.

To learn more about Hill’s products and their nutritional philosophy visit HillsPet.com or Hill’s Pet Nutrition on Facebook.

Have you ever adopted a senior cat? 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill's. The opinions and text are all mine.