Siobhan, a nearly 19-year-old black cat, is thriving in her foster home with Brett and Christine McIntire near Asheville, enjoying a playful yet mellow lifestyle with plenty of lap time and outdoor leash walks. Her story highlights the challenges many senior cats face, especially when their elderly owners pass away, often leaving these pets homeless and stressed in shelters. Nancy Gavin, president of the foster-based rescue Laps and Naps Home for Senior Cats, emphasizes the urgent need for specialized care for senior cats who can shut down in unfamiliar environments and risk euthanasia if not promptly rehomed.
To address this, Laps and Naps is raising funds to build a sanctuary on a five-acre former horse farm in Marion, designed to provide immediate refuge and medical care for senior cats. The planned 37-square-foot facility will include a vet tech residence and community spaces for educational and therapeutic visits, aiming to improve the lives of senior cats and foster community involvement. The organization is actively seeking donations and sponsors to realize this vision and ensure more senior cats can enjoy happy golden years in a safe, loving environment.
