Tears As 15-Year-Old Cat in Shelter Over Thanksgiving, an...

By Liz O'Connell

Pets Reporter

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While many celebrate the holidays at home with family, a senior cat is waiting for hers, and has been since before Thanksgiving.

Kathryn Custer, an animal shelter volunteer, shared a clip on her TikTok account, @brandnewkathryn, featuring Gumball, a 15-year-old toothless cat brought to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, New Jersey, by animal control on November 13. Custer told Newsweek that Gumball arrived in “rough shape,” explaining that without teeth, she was unable to fend for herself while living outside.

"She is very calm and quiet and has had to deal with a lingering upper respiratory infection that she's been struggling to kick because of being at the shelter," she said.

Now, Gumball is spending her second major holiday waiting in an animal shelter for a family of her own.

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In the December 22 clip, Custer opened the cat's kennel to offer her love and affection. The senior feline appears hesitant at first, avoiding Custer’s fingers as she adjusts her position, before giving in and accepting the head scratches. She even asked for more by rubbing her head against Custer's hands when she stopped.

"[She's] an overall sweet cat who clearly wants attention when she realizes you're willing to give it," Custer said.

Gumball’s wait reflects a broader trend playing out in shelters nationwide. While overall cat adoptions have remained steady this year compared to last year, juvenile cats saw a six percent increase in adoptions, according to Shelter Animals Count. At the same time, adult and senior cats experienced seven percent declines each, underscoring how much harder it can be for older felines to find homes.

An article from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that misconceptions about senior cats—they're less healthy, less friendly and harder to train—often prevent them from being adopted. In reality, senior cats often bring predictable personalities, tend to settle more quickly, require less constant monitoring and are still capable of forming strong new bonds.

Heartbroken about Gumball's condition, TikTok users commented words of encouragement, hopeful the engagement would land on a potential adopter's page.

"Sweet lil angel. I hope the right person sees this post," said one, while another begged: "Please adopt this baby."

Those interested in adopting Gumball or another animal should email [email protected] or visit the website for more information.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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