Our Very Elder Feline Statesmen: Syvlester
By Helen Morrison and Krista Tunstall
It is always amazing to hear of a cat that makes it to 25 years old. That is the case with Sylvester, a sweet elderly long-haired tuxedo boy. We got a call in late September from a woman who had taken in this old boy when his owner passed away. She felt that he wasn’t doing well in her home. Her other cat bothered Sylvester, as did the young children that visited frequently, and he was quite stressed out. Sylvester needed to be able to relax in the sun, undisturbed, or quietly explore, or snuggle up to some gentle humans in his very own home.
Just at the right moment, Kingdom Animal Shelter had welcomed a new volunteer, Krista, who had had a lot of experience with her own elderly cats who had since passed away. Krista and her husband, Sebastian, welcomed Sylvester into their home, to spend his end time being the sole focus of these two wonderful human beings.
Here is Sylvester, through Krista’s eyes:
October 4th 2025:
After a couple of slow days, Sylvester is back to acting like he's a spring chicken! When he's feeling really good, I truly question his age because he is FAST and on the move and very much knows what he wants and where he wants to go.
Just at the right moment, Kingdom Animal Shelter had welcomed a new volunteer, Krista, who had had a lot of experience with her own elderly cats who had since passed away. Krista and her husband, Sebastian, welcomed Sylvester into their home, to spend his end time being the sole focus of these two wonderful human beings.
Here is Sylvester, through Krista’s eyes:
October 4th 2025:
After a couple of slow days, Sylvester is back to acting like he's a spring chicken! When he's feeling really good, I truly question his age because he is FAST and on the move and very much knows what he wants and where he wants to go.
We had a scare Tuesday night when he suddenly developed a limp that turned into a dead leg with lots of hissing and growling in pain. He really musters an abundance of energy to warn you when he's angry which tells me....we have more in common than I thought.
Our Wednesday morning vet visit confirmed he was in a very bad arthritis flare up with a possible minor leg sprain from all the new movement and exercise he's been getting. Despite his space to roam being very limited, we don't think he's used to moving as much as he has been.
He has spent most of his time sleeping and limiting his legs use since the vet, enjoying lots of naps on my chest while I massaged his legs and created some heat to the area with blankets. His leg function is improving more and more thanks to the pain management shot Dr. Sally gave him.
Our Wednesday morning vet visit confirmed he was in a very bad arthritis flare up with a possible minor leg sprain from all the new movement and exercise he's been getting. Despite his space to roam being very limited, we don't think he's used to moving as much as he has been.
He has spent most of his time sleeping and limiting his legs use since the vet, enjoying lots of naps on my chest while I massaged his legs and created some heat to the area with blankets. His leg function is improving more and more thanks to the pain management shot Dr. Sally gave him.
Last night and today, his leg function and walking is showing that you would never know he was having an issue just a few days ago.
Our favorite thing that we are really cherishing is despite his age, despite his history and despite us being told he's a grumpy old man, Sylvester is very very young at heart. He is so smart, curious and determined. He has a personality, he loves connection and bonding to his people. He loves to explore and he loves re-learning love! He head-boops, he sleeps 10 times better if he's next to you, he's felt safe enough recently to lay on his side and allow belly rubs.
He enjoys forehead kisses and also touching his forehead to mine before he naps when I lie on the floor with him. He enjoys stalking Sebastian when he's in the bathroom which if for nothing else, is great amusement. We are thrilled that though he's not here for a long time, he's clearly here for a good time!
Our favorite thing that we are really cherishing is despite his age, despite his history and despite us being told he's a grumpy old man, Sylvester is very very young at heart. He is so smart, curious and determined. He has a personality, he loves connection and bonding to his people. He loves to explore and he loves re-learning love! He head-boops, he sleeps 10 times better if he's next to you, he's felt safe enough recently to lay on his side and allow belly rubs.
He enjoys forehead kisses and also touching his forehead to mine before he naps when I lie on the floor with him. He enjoys stalking Sebastian when he's in the bathroom which if for nothing else, is great amusement. We are thrilled that though he's not here for a long time, he's clearly here for a good time!