We hear it all the time: “I wish more people would give senior cats a chance.”

Thankfully, Mercury found an adopter who did. They welcomed this gorgeous boy into their home and will tell you it was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. Mercury was adopted as a handsome 13-year-old gentleman. He also happens to have moderate, but stable, kidney disease—a common diagnosis for cats of his golden age. To some, his age and medical needs might have been a reason to overlook him. But his adopter saw past the numbers and saw the cat: a deeply loving, sweet, and affectionate soul who just needed a chance.

Today, Mercury’s adopter reports that they could not be happier. Every single day, Mercury proves that opening your heart to a senior kitty is worth every ounce of effort.

There is something truly magical about senior cats. They seem to intuitively understand when they have been rescued. When they step into a stable forever home, they show their immense appreciation by showering their humans with unparalleled love, loyalty, and affection. They aren’t worried about bouncing off the walls or scratching the curtains; they just want to be your companion, your napper-in-crime, and your truest friend.

Senior cats are often the hardest to place and spend the longest time waiting in rescue, but the rewards of adopting them are endless.