Meet Pops, Britain's oldest rescue cat always overlooked because of 'terrifying' eyes

Visitors constantly put off giving new home to Pops the cat, whose striking eyes give ghoulish appearance that puts off potential suitors

Pops the cat, aged 19, photographed where she is being cared for in Midsomer Norton, Somerset Photo: SWNS

By Agency

14 Jul 2015

Britain's oldest rescue cat is struggling to find a home because potential suitors are put off by its "terrifying" eyes.

Pops was found dazed and stumbling by the side of the road two months ago. The 19-year-old was rushed to the vet by a concerned member of the public, only to be told she was simply suffering from old age.

Pops has slightly matted ginger fur, struggles to walk and is almost blind in both eyes - giving her a ghoulish appearance. It is thought her owner might have been an elderly person who passed away - with family members forgetting about Pops.

She was later taken in by the Cats Protection's Midsomer Norton and Radstock branch near Bath, Somerset.

But visitors are put off by its striking eyes and lack of mobility, so Pops - who is 93 in cat years - is being constantly overlooked. It is thought it is the oldest cat currently looking for a home in a rescue centre.

^{Pops' appearance may put off some potential owners (SWNS)}
 
Belinda Dark, a volunteer at the charity, said: "I think because of her sight and health problems, she isn't everyone's first choice. Her appearance isn't as favourable as some of the younger kittens. I think people are put off my eyes or how frail she is.

"It would be lovely to see her go to a loving family. We think she may have been abandoned after an elderly owner became unable to look after her.

"She was very confused when she came to us, her sight is very poor and she is a weak old cat, but she loves being close to you and being petted - she's incredibly friendly and doing well for her age.
"Pops is certainly the oldest cat we are aware of in our care. We've had a 14-year-old before, but never one as old as her."

Figures from across Cats Protection's 31 adoption centres show currently nearly 10 per cent of cats in care are 11 years old and older.

On average, older cats take around five times longer than kittens to be adopted. However, during kitten season - which runs between April and September - older cats take six and a half times longer to be rehomed than kittens.

Despite more than 500 people engaging with Pops' story on Facebook in the last two months, as well as being advertised on Animal Search UK, no one has yet come forward to either claim or offer her a home.

Ms Dark added: "During the spring/summer months, we see a dramatic rise in kittens being adopted instead of older cats, it can be horribly sad to see them left behind.

"I think often older cats can get a little overlooked, much like second-hand items, but ultimately there is just as much joy in rehoming an older cat as there is a kitten.

"Life in a pen is no substitute for a permanent home so we would urge people to consider adopting an older cat. Pops is a loving, adorable cat who loves to be petted. If only cats could talk I feel Pops probably has a very sad story to tell - it would be lovely to give her the happy ending she deserves."

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