RESCUE TAILS: Voodoo (FKA Lucky)

After 2 years in the shelter, this senior cat with kidney disease found her loving family.

After more than two full years in DCSPCA’s shelter, not one person had submitted an adoption application for Lucky. As a senior cat diagnosed with kidney disease, many people balked at the thought of adopting an older pet with health challenges. Lucky was also wary of people at first, but she always had a big heart. She just needed to be given a chance to relax and be herself.

That chance came when Faith arrived at DCSPCA for a job interview. It was the same day that Lucky had come back to the shelter from her foster family. Faith knew immediately that Lucky was the cat for her. She walked out of the shelter with a new job and a new furry family member.

DCSPCA: How did you come to meet Voodoo?

FAITH: The day I had my interview for my current position at the DCSPCA was the same day that Voodoo's foster family brought her back to the shelter, so I was lucky enough to meet her that day.

DCSPCA: What were Voodoo’s challenges in finding a home?

FAITH: Voodoo was surrendered at fifteen years old, which made it tough enough for her. On top of that, she was surrendered with kidney disease, which made her special needs. Adopting out seniors can be tough, and adopting out special needs animals can be tough—adopting out an animal with both handicaps is the toughest of all.

DCSPCA: What inspired you to adopt her?

FAITH: I've always wanted to adopt and care for seniors who had trouble finding a home. When I met her, she had been in the shelter for over two years, and never had any applications in. My partner and I are both huge animal lovers, and we fell in love with her the second we saw her.

DCSPCA: How is she doing now that she’s part of your family?

FAITH: Voodoo is doing wonderful, better than we could have ever hoped for. I've been told she gained a "mean" reputation in the shelter, especially with medical handling. Even when we first brought her home, she took a full three days to come out of her hiding spot, and even then she constantly hissed at us. Now, she spends her days napping in her favorite sunspots, nudging us for head rubs, following us around and meowing for treats, and curling up on our laps. When people come over, they can pet her without worry that she'll hiss or swat.

Medically, she's been doing great! Her kidney disease has actually regressed a bit, and she's gained a bit of weight. No matter what comes, we'll keep her as healthy as we possibly can.

DCSPCA: What are some of her favorite things?

FAITH: Her sunspot on the couch, her nap teepee, head rubs, and chin scratches. Probably head rubs more than anything!

DCSPCA: How has adopting Voodoo changed your life?

FAITH: Voodoo taught us the beauty in adopting senior animals. She taught us how all an animal really needs is someone to see them and believe in them. It's brought us so much joy to watch her blossom into her golden years. We had to earn her trust and her love, and doing so has been a gift. She's the coolest cat we've ever met.

DCSPCA: What would you say to someone who is considering adopting a senior cat who has kidney disease?

FAITH: You never know how an animal will act when they're in a safe, loving home. Senior animals can tell when they've been given a second chance at life. They're so grateful, and they need that one special person to take a chance on them. As far as the kidney disease goes, it can seem daunting thinking about adopting a pet with a chronic disease and the expenses of it all, but most cats only require a special diet to manage the disease. It's so beyond worth it.