Senior cat trades sunbeams for snowflakes

Stickers strutted into Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Cat World with the confidence of a cat who had seen it all. A distinguished black-and-white gentleman, he carried himself with a bounce in his step, as if he had places to be and important naps to take (naps are always important). But beneath that lively exterior, Stickers needed some help.

The senior kitty faced the double whammy of kidney disease and severe dental issues — a painful combo that can lead to weight loss, inflammation, and infections. Stickers could have become a statistic when he landed at a nearby shelter, but luckily the shelter is one that has partnerships with other organizations, such as Best Friends. That’s one of the most important ways that shelters across the country have reached no-kill — by working together to save pets like Stickers who need a little time or extra care.

The Best Friends veterinary team got to work to help Stickers feel better. He needed 21 of his teeth removed, and with plenty of fluids and top-notch TLC Stickers was feeling much better. He settled into his home-between-homes in Cat World, charming everyone with his sweet, affectionate nature.

[Cat celebrates sweet 16 in loving home]

“He demanded attention as soon as you walked into the room and just wanted to sit in your lap,” says caregiver Christa Bruno. He also loved leisurely walks in a special kitty stroller and sleepovers with volunteers, and he always found the best sunspots for afternoon naps. The only question remaining was whether anyone would adopt him, given that he’s an older cat who needs fluids administered and some other additional care to keep him comfortable.

Enter adopters Allison and Allen King.

“They’re actually first-time cat adopters,” says Grayson Myers, who works in Cat World. “But they were so ready to learn and take on his meds and fluids. Just super sweet adopters.”

It takes a special kind of person to open their home to a senior cat with extra needs, and Stickers’ new family was more than up for the challenge. They saw beyond the medications and vet visits and instead saw a loving, gentle cat who deserved a soft place to land. “We are so happy to give Stickers a home,” says Allison. “He’s a blessing to us. He is just the best, and we love him so much.”

Now, Stickers is living out his golden years exactly as he deserves: pampered, adored, and undoubtedly in charge. He’s traded the warm sunbeams of Utah for the cozy comforts of an Alaskan home, where he enjoys watching snowflakes drift past the window from his favorite perch. He’s even warming up to the couple’s two extra-large, extra-floofy Newfoundland dogs.

[Senior cat keeps on truckin’]

“He’s settled in and is living his best life now,” says Allison. “He’s recently started showing interest in playing when we bring out his wand toys. He still has some ‘kitten’ in that senior body of his. We smile and laugh so hard watching him have fun and just be a cat.”

When he’s not playing, Stickers makes his need for affection perfectly clear. He follows Allison and Allen around, meowing to announce that it’s time for lap snuggles. At night, he curls up beside them in bed, content and loved.

Because if there’s one thing a senior cat knows, it’s how to appreciate life’s sweetest moments. And Stickers? He’s a pro.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.