A woman’s decision to adopt a senior bonded pair of cats has left internet users in tears.
Kendal (@kendal.rg) introduced her new orange-and-white cats—named Bart and Lisa—after adopting them from a shelter, with the moment, racking up more than 243,000 views on Threads.
“You guys we just adopted a senior bonded pair from the shelter. THEY’RE 10,” Kendal wrote.
Experts at VCA Animal Hospitals say that bonded pairs are cats that have formed a close emotional attachment and are typically adopted together because separating them can cause stress or anxiety. According to veterinary experts, bonded cats often rely on one another for comfort, security and companionship, and shelters actively work to keep them together to support their well-being. These pairs are frequently siblings, though unrelated felines can also form strong bonds after spending significant time together in foster care or shelters.
View on Threads
Shelter workers and animal-welfare organizations often highlight that bonded pairs—particularly older ones—can be harder to place, despite the fact that adopting two felines who are already comfortable together can ease the transition into a new home.
Senior cats, generally defined as those aged 7 or older, are also among the most-overlooked animals in shelters. Yet PetMD experts say these felines can make ideal companions, as they tend to be calmer, already litter-trained and have fully developed personalities. Many shelters also offer reduced adoption fees for seniors in an effort to encourage people to give older animals a second chance.
Kendal’s post quickly filled with emotional responses from fellow pet owners, with many sharing their own experiences of adopting older or bonded cats.
“They will love being in your Homer,” shared one user.
“I adopted a bonded pair of siblings who were also 10 at the time. Lt. Dan and Jenny. Sadly, we lost Dan last year but Jenny is still thriving at 16,” shared another.
“Our senior bonded pair; adopted at 10, they’re 14 now, going strong,” said Jennifer.
“I can tell you without a doubt that you made the week of everyone who works/volunteers at that shelter!” shared Erin Harty.
“Senior cats ARE the best. My girl Bebe will be 20 this year. My son adopted her from the shelter 10 years ago; I have her now because my grandson is allergic. When my son was going to adopt 10 years ago, he asked me what should I choose? I told him, get a senior because they are always the last to be adopted. I raised that boy right,” shared Louise Bowes.
“Awesome, thank you for doing that for them. And my almost-18-year-old kitty says they’re still plenty young—those little whippersnappers have lots of years of lovin left! Enjoy every minute!” shared Diane Sullivan Morgan.
“Bonded pairs are the best!! Penny and Parker were 8 years old when we adopted them in 2020,” shared Danielle.
Newsweek reached out to @kendal.rg for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
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