To encourage the adoption of some of its slightly more senior cats, the Orcas Animal Shelter is offering a “Senior Special” adoption program.

For cats aged eight and older, the shelter will waive the usual adoption fee and provide free routine veterinary care for one year.

Routine care includes an annual check-up, any needed vaccinations and a geriatric blood test. Emergency care for accidents or illness is not included.

“These are some of our most wonderful cats, with great personalities and, most likely, long lives still ahead of them,” said shelter manager Marsha Waunch. “They’ve just got a little more history behind them than the youngsters and kittens do.”

“Some of the animals eligible for this program are “special-needs” cats and have a common thyroid condition that is easily treated with an inexpensive oral medication,” said volunteer Margot Shaw. “The “Adoption Special” for these cats will include a one-year supply of the pills, which are easy to administer—especially when hidden in a tasty treat!”

Like all cats at the Orcas Shelter, those included in the Senior Special are spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, treated for parasites and microchipped. From living in community cat rooms, they have adapted to sharing space with other felines and also are used to a wide variety of visitors.

“If you are interested in providing a home for one of these loving cats, stop by the Animal Shelter and spend time choosing your favorite,” said Shaw. “Shelter staff would be more than happy to provide you with an adoption request form.”

The shelter is open seven days a week from 2 to 5 p.m., located at 84A Hope Lane in Eastsound.