Senior Cat Otto’s Gotcha Day Tips For Celebrating

It’s Otto’s Gotcha Day. I can’t believe it’s been a year. He adjusted so quickly, it feels like he has always been here. He shares creative tips for celebrating any Gotcha Day.

Senior Cat Adoption: Meet Our Otto

Adopting a senior cat can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it does come with some unique considerations. As a cat expert at, I’m often asked about the best way to welcome an older cat into your home. But first, let me share a special story that’s close to my heart. The second part of this post will include everything you need to know about senior cats. Look for it next week.

A Tuxedo Tale: Otto’s Gotcha Day

Exactly a year ago, I celebrated the most memorable Gotcha Day when I adopted Otto, a distinguished 14-year-old tuxedo cat.

There he was at the shelter, sitting regally albeit impatiently in his enclosure, looking dapper in his natural black-and-white suit. While other visitors passed by in search of younger cats, I was drawn to his gentle green eyes and that white spot on his chin that looked like he’d dipped it in whipped cream.

The shelter volunteers warned me that Otto was “feisty and food motivated,” which proved true but there was so much more. From day one, this sophisticated gentleman showed me that senior cats have so much love to give.

Otto made himself at home immediately, claiming all my favorite spots as his throne and teaching me that afternoon tea time is actually afternoon treat time and much more!

He often sits regally on books, magazines or newspapers. What can I say, all my cats have a literary bent. I snapped this series under a large painting of a dog and a cat last night.

 

Now, a year later, Otto still prances around with the energy of a much younger cat, especially when he hears the treat bag rustle! He is a true GPS-collared adventure cat and his minky soft fur is a slinky as ever. Otto is living his best life with his good furriend Odin.

Leopards don’t change their spots and same goes for cats. A cat can experience loss or trauma but the basic nature remains. Otto was confident from day one despite having lost his person.

After the initial adjustment period he has blossomed into the fullness of his personality: confident, demanding and a sometimes a bully. He gets his own way. Odin adores him and they wrestle for top cat status daily no worse for wear.

Otto’s Gotcha Day celebration this month shhhhh will be a secret or he will be hounding me for treats non stop!

 

Here are some fun and creative ways to celebrate your cat’s gotcha day:

– Layered wet food “cake” decorated with treats

– Tuna “cupcakes” made with cat food and catnip sprinkles

– Frozen treats made from low-sodium chicken broth

 

 

2. Set Up a Special Activity Station

– Build a temporary cardboard castle with multiple levels

– Create a “fish pond” with floating toys in a shallow basin

– Make a treat hunt with prizes hidden in paper bags and boxes

 

3. Pet-Friendly Party Setup

– Hang ribbons and cat-safe streamers at cat height

– Create a “ball pit” using ping pong balls in a box

– Set up a new window perch with bird-watching opportunities

 

4. Special Experience Gifts

– Build a new scratching post wrapped in catnip-infused sisal

– Create an indoor garden with cat grass and catnip plants

– Set up a bubble machine with catnip-scented bubbles

 

5. Memory Making Activities

– Have a professional pet photographer session

– Create paw print art with pet-safe paint

– Make a photo album of their year’s adventures

 

6. Spa Day Treatment

– Gentle brushing session with a new brush

– Massage with pet-safe essential oils (just a drop if your cat enjoys it)

– New cozy blanket in their favorite spot

 

 

7. Adventure Time

Consider getting a GPS collar. Otto has one from Jiobit.

– Supervised outdoor exploration in a cat backpack

– Car ride to watch birds at a local park (if they enjoy car rides)

– Set up a new cat tent or outdoor enclosure

 

8. Social Celebration

– “Invite” neighborhood cats to watch through windows if appropriate. We do this in reverse since Otto likes to peek in the window of our neighbor. Thankfully, they have two cats and don’t mind. Yes, he has a thing for Odin’s GF.

– Video call with family members who know your cat

– Share celebration photos on social media

 

9. New Toy Rotation

– Wrap individual toys in catnip scented tissue paper for them to “unwrap”

– Create a toy carousel with different textures

– Set up an automated toy for extended playtime

 

10. Environmental Enrichment

– Rearrange furniture to create new exploration paths. Add a new cardboard box or three.

– Create a sensory garden with different textures and smells. I like moss, pine cones and sea shells .

 

Remember to:

– Keep celebrations calm and stress-free

– Watch for signs your cat is overwhelmed

– Focus on activities your specific cat enjoys

– Take lots of pictures to remember the day

– Make sure all activities and materials are cat-safe. An emergency vet visit would be the ultimate wet blanket.

 

It’s amazing to think some people might have overlooked this wonderful boy because of his age. Every day with Otto reminds me why senior cat adoption is so special.