A 21-year-old girl, Morag, ends up in a shelter, then becomes an Internet star.
Morag, a charming and lively 21-year-old feline residing in Worcester, UK, unexpectedly gained widespread fame online. People from all around the world, including Australia, the United States, and Japan, offered to give her a forever home. This unique black and white senior female, rumored to be 100 years old, captured the hearts of many when the compassionate individuals at the Worcester branch of the RSPCA made a social media appeal in February. According to BBC News, the appeal was shared 3,000 times.
Morag’s popularity among people worldwide was a tremendous relief for the shelter staff. She arrived at the shelter because her original owner could no longer care for her, and there was concern that her age would deter potential adopters. Being the oldest kitten at the shelter, there were doubts, but those worries quickly disappeared as she found a caring home in Worcester, where this remarkable “golden girl” can spend her retirement years.
Undoubtedly, Morag’s charm is what attracted her fans. The RSPCA stated on Facebook, “Morag is a real golden girl, at an incredible 21 years young! Despite her advanced age, she is remarkably lively and agile. In fact, we had trouble capturing photos of her because she refuses to stay still!”
A video clip showcasing Morag’s lovable and spirited nature further solidified her appeal. In a Facebook post, the shelter mentioned that she appeared a bit ragged and had matted fur, so she underwent shaving to give her a fresh start. They assured everyone that her fluffy coat would grow back soon.
Morag, with her deep yellow eyes, is not only adorable but also very friendly. It’s safe to say that people were more than willing to offer her a home. The rescue organization posted, “Morag is such a loving girl; she absolutely adores receiving visitors to her pen. She longs for the comfort of someone who can provide a warm, loving home, a cozy place to sleep, a secure garden for outdoor adventures and fresh air, good food, and, of course, those cherished head rubs.”
The overwhelming response to this gentle senior kitty was massive. Ned Cotton, the center manager at the RSPCA, expressed how staff members were “absolutely overwhelmed” by the international response. People even sent gifts to Morag, showing their support and affection for the senior feline, as reported by Metro.
Finding a calm and loving home was exactly what Morag needed, and that’s precisely what she found. Her new human parents describe her as someone who loves being hugged. Her favorite pastimes include sleeping, exploring the garden and upstairs, and enjoying her meals.
Ned expressed his delight, stating, “We’re thrilled that she has found a wonderful home to call her own, and we know she will be thoroughly pampered and loved there, just as she deserves.”
RSPCA Worcester has a remarkable track record of successfully rehoming older cats, including Violet (16), Joy (15), Barbara (19), and Bernard (19). Claire Wood, who works at the shelter, emphasized that age is just a number and that rehoming older pets can be incredibly rewarding. Providing them with the best possible life in their twilight years is a testament to their value, and the shelter always strives for a happy ending for every animal in their care, regardless of age.
Tragically, according to the ASPCA, around 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized each year, including 390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats. This is a distressing statistic. While many people prefer adopting kittens and puppies due to their undeniable cuteness, older animals are equally beautiful. They often possess a calmer demeanor, eliminating the early morning chaos or face zoomies. Every older animal deserves a loving home, and it is crucial for us to step up.
Morag, an adorable senior kitty, will spend her days surrounded by comfort and love, receiving everything she could ever need. Shouldn’t all senior animals be deserving of such affection?
