The average age for a domestic cat is around 15 years, so when one cat ended up at an animal shelter at the ripe old age of 26, workers were concerned that no one would ever adopt him. Thomas was full of special needs, and his owners could no longer care for him so they surrendered him to the shelter in hopes he would find a home that could give him the care he needed.

He was given to the Baltimore County Animal Shelter who immediately took to Facebook to draw attention to the senior cat. They explained Thomas’ special situation, and knew it would be a miracle if someone chose to adopt him.

When Laura Cassidy read the post about Thomas, she knew immediately how hard it would be for him to find a home. Cassidy works with the Animal Allies Rescue Foundation and sees people pass up older or less attractive animals for the younger, more spirited and pretty cats and dogs.

Cassidy says she knew right away that she was not going to leave Thomas in the shelter. She wanted to adopt him and give him the life he deserved no matter how much time he had left on this earth. She says the ones that get left behind and go unadopted have just as much love to give. However, they sadly get passed up due to their age or special needs.

Knowing that at Thomas’ age he needed stability and love in his life, Cassidy welcomed him into her home with the other six rescue cats she has. He suffers from severe dental disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and an abnormal liver. To say he needs a little bit of extra care would be an understatement.

The veterinarian also discovered a mass on Thomas that could be a cancerous tumor. Although Cassidy isn’t sure how much time she has left with Thomas, she’s determined to be sure that he lives out his last days comfortable and being loved.

Although Thomas wasn’t too sure about his new surroundings to start with, he has settled into Cassidy’s home very well. Even with all of his health issues, he’s a spry, lovable cat that seems to enjoy his life. She says he loves to purr and cuddle.

Cassidy wishes that other people would consider adopting a senior pet too. She says they are often times some of the most loveable, cuddling pets out there. Who doesn’t love to cuddle with a cat or dog?