When Jamie’s owner had to move into a nursing home, she sadly couldn’t take him with her. That’s how the 13-year-old cat ended up in a shelter. Jamie was surrendered to the RSPCA Australia in hopes that he would find a loving home where he could live out his golden years.
When Jamie first arrived at the shelter, he had cat flu, bad teeth and kidney problems. The shelter removed his teeth, treated him for cat flu and put him on a special diet and medication to help treat his kidneys. Jamie was already very old, and the shelter was worried no one would want to take on the senior cat – until Jamie met Sarah Dempsey.
Dempsey went to the RSPCA Australia looking for a cat to keep her company, as she lives alone. She hadn’t been planning on taking home a senior cat, but as soon as she met Jamie, she knew it was meant to be.
“When I first met him, he was asleep, but woke up as I bent down to look at him,” Dempsey told The Dodo. “He clearly wanted some pats so I stuck my hand through the slot of the enclosure and he head-bumped me and purred. Later the staff let him out to see how he was with me and he was so affectionate. I knew he’d rescue me from feeling alone, and I’d do the same for him.”
Dempsey quickly fell in love with Jamie and decided to take him home with her the next day. One might think that a senior cat would have trouble adjusting to a new home, but as soon as Jamie met his new mom, he seemed to know he would be loved for the rest of his life.
“He won’t leave my side,” Dempsey said. “He is extremely affectionate, head-bumping and weaving around my legs. He likes talking to me at night and follows me around my apartment.”
Only a day after adopting Jamie, his new mom realized he wouldn’t nap unless she was holding his paw or tail, because he was that desperate to be near her.
“If I let go he wakes up, meows, and claws my hand back to him,” Dempsey said. “I think we’ve bonded already.”
Jamie absolutely adores his new mom, and never gets tired of being close to her. Dempsey was looking for a cat to help her feel less alone, and Jamie is clearly up for the challenge.
