Jeffrey M. and his girlfriend Daphne didn’t intend on adopting an older cat when they recently decided their home could use a friendly furry face.

“We weren’t picky—we had wanted to adopt a cat for a while,” says Jeff. “Both of us are cat people—I grew up with cats and Daphne loves cats—and since we are home more than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt the time was right.”

Browsing the ASPCA website, they spotted a 12-year-old, long-haired calico beauty named Fedora.

“We have a mellow, quiet household,” explains Jeff, describing the couple’s apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “We thought an older cat would be perfect for us and our environment. Daphne also has a soft spot for fluffy cats, so Fedora fit the bill.”

We arranged a Zoom call with Fedora’s foster family so Jeff and Daphne could learn more about her background and personality.

“She seemed very easy-going,” says Jeff appreciatively. The couple officially adopted Fedora October 8.

Fedora’s Home Run

Before Jeff and Daphne found Fedora, the tri-colored cat had been a pet in two other households. Found as a stray when she was a kitten, her first owner relinquished her to the ASPCA because he was moving. Soon after, Fedora was adopted in 2009 by a woman who had her for 11 years but sadly relinquished her back to the ASPCA last August due to health challenges.

“Any senior cat or dog is lucky to live their entire life with one family,” says Joel Lopez, Vice President of the ASPCA Adoption Center . “More often than not, adopters of senior pets are one of several links in the chain of people who provide that pet with safety and companionship over the animal’s lifetime. It’s our job as a community to open our doors to these pets to ensure they don’t become homeless.”

Stacey Rozell, an ASPCA Matchmaker, recalls that Fedora was stressed when she arrived in August. 

“She was shut down and didn’t want to be bothered,” Stacey recalls. “It made me sad, but I was happy she got another chance.”

A Promise to Fedora

Jeff, who works in the finance industry, is back at his office, but still works from home occasionally due to the pandemic. Daphne, a second-year NYU Law School student, attends classes virtually, enabling her to spend time with Fedora.

“This was a good time to adopt,” says Jeff. “It’s given us an opportunity to bond with Fedora, and she hangs around us all day when we work.” 

Jeff reports that Fedora adjusted quickly.

“Within a couple of days, she seemed to be right at home. She even comes when we call her, because she knows she’ll get a treat” he says. “I guess you can teach an old cat new tricks.”

Fedora is very fortunate to have been at the Adoption Center for only two months between homes, but Jeff is the one who feels fortunate.

“I’ve thought a lot about Fedora’s previous owners; it seems they took really good care of her,” Jeff says. “Daphne and I made a promise to give Fedora the best home we can for the remainder of her life. We want to do her justice.”