Senior Cat Daisy Seeks New Home After Viral TikTok Raises Awareness

A 17-year-old cat named Daisy, suffering from kidney disease, is seeking a new home at the P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park animal shelter in Illinois. Daisy has faced the hardship of being surrendered twice, first when her original family moved away and again when her subsequent owner fell ill.

Daisy's plight has attracted significant attention thanks to a viral TikTok video shared by the shelter. The video, highlighting the importance of senior pet adoption, has received over 368,100 views and 55,300 likes. Viewers have expressed their sympathy and outrage over Daisy's situation, emphasizing the need for a loving home for her remaining years.

Daisy, a 17 1/2-year-old declawed cat, is described as calm, sweet, and loving. She requires a prescription diet to manage her chronic kidney disease (CKD), a common ailment in aging cats. CKD symptoms include increased drinking and urination, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy.

Why this matters: This story highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for awareness about senior pet adoption, which can help reduce euthanasia rates in shelters. If more people consider adopting senior pets, it can lead to a significant decrease in the number of animals being euthanized each year.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually, with around 920,000 surrendered animals being euthanized each year. Older pets, especially those with health conditions, often face lower adoption rates and a higher risk of spending their final days in shelters.

Public reaction to Daisy's story has been overwhelming. TikTok users have shared their thoughts, with one user, Amanda, stating, "I don't understand this...if I move my pets come with me period." Another user, Melissa Brewerton, commented, "My boy just turned 17 back in March. I can't even imagine him having to spend his last days in a shelter. Someone please give this sweet girl a home for however long she has!"

The shelter is urging people to think about giving a loving home to senior pets like Daisy, who deserve one in their golden years. Many older cats with health conditions are often overlooked for adoption, but with proper care and a loving environment, they can still lead fulfilling lives.

Daisy's story emphasizes the challenges faced by older pets in finding new homes and highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership. As shelters work to minimize euthanasia rates through adoption campaigns and other initiatives, the hope is that more senior pets like Daisy will find the loving homes they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• Daisy, a 17-year-old cat with kidney disease, needs a new home after being surrendered twice.
• A viral TikTok video highlighting senior pet adoption has received over 368,100 views and 55,300 likes.
• Daisy requires a prescription diet to manage her chronic kidney disease.
• Senior pets like Daisy face lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia risks in shelters.
• Responsible pet ownership and senior pet adoption can reduce euthanasia rates in shelters.