Otso, a 19-year-old white tabby cat, is in need of a new home in Berkshire to prevent spending his remaining years in a care facility. He arrived at the Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre in Thatcham in April after his owner could no longer care for him.
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This marks Otso's second stay in care; he was first brought to a local vet practice in 2021 as a long-term stray. He may have lived outdoors for up to 14 years, which is evident from the scars on his crumpled ears. It is believed that he suffered from ear infections and cat flu while on the streets, enduring these ailments without medical treatment. His health challenges have resulted in his distinctive 'cauliflower ears'.
Otso is among the oldest cats under the care of Cats Protection, with only three other cats his age at the charity’s nationwide sites. Currently, the organization is caring for over 4,300 cats.
The charity celebrates Mature Moggies Day annually to highlight the adoption challenges faced by cats older than 11, who typically wait three times longer for a home compared to younger cats. Karen Clarke, manager of the Berkshire Cat Centre, noted that this year's Mature Moggies Day coincides with Otso’s first microchipping date in 2021, and hopes that this occasion helps him find a permanent home.
Otso has some medical needs typical for a cat of his age, equivalent to 92 in human years. He has early kidney disease manageable with diet, along with arthritis and high blood pressure that can be treated with medication. Clarke describes him as a gentle and affectionate cat, expressing a desire to find him a loving environment.
Known for his deep purring and a tendency to drool when content, Otso could thrive in an adult home, either indoors or with access to a secure garden. He might be compatible with dogs after proper introductions but would prefer to be the only cat in the home.
Daniel Warren-Cummings, the charity's Clinical Animal Behaviourist, emphasizes that older cats offer diverse personalities and behaviours, challenging the stereotype of all mature cats being the same. He encourages potential adopters to consider that many older cats have established personalities, making it easier to know what to expect before adoption.
Anyone interested in adopting Otso or learning more about the Berkshire Cat Centre can visit www.cats.org.uk/berkshire or call 01635 200 111.