Domestic Short Hair Cats Available for Adoption

Meet Ilex!

AGE AT ARRIVAL: Approximately 14 years old
ARRIVAL DATE: December 17th, 2025
GENDER: Neutered Male
ADOPTION FEE: $0 - This adoption fee has been covered by a kind donor NOTES:
Ilex was surrendered to Hamilton Animal Services after his owner could no longer look after him. All the shelter staff fell madly in love with Ilex and when they reached out to us for help, we were thankful that a foster home stepped up to take him in.
Ilex had a vet visit shortly after his rescue, and he had a few things going on with his health, which is not a surprise for a cat who is 14 years old. The retina in his left eye has partially detached which has caused some vision loss. The retina detachment was likely caused by high blood pressure, so Ilex has been started on medication. The retina may repair itself over time when blood pressure is lowered, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed for that. Ilex was also suffering from arthritis and he desperately needed a dental cleaning and extractions.

At his next vet visit, Ilex’s blood pressure had mostly evened out, so he was able to have dental surgery. Good riddance to all those rotten teeth! Now that he’s healed from surgery, Ilex is ready to start the search for his forever home.

Here’s a note from his foster family:
“Ilex is an incredibly sweet 14 year old. He was surrendered to Animal Services when his people couldn’t take care of him anymore. He has obviously been well loved- and it shows! Ilex is constantly purring. He adores scratches, playing with his catnip filled toys and sleeping in the sun or on any soft surface.
Ilex’s senior years have definitely made themselves known this winter. He requires a shot for arthritis once a month and is on high blood pressure medication. Ilex isn’t completely blind but he doesn’t have the best vision. He manages to get around quite easily, but a quieter and tidy house would probably be best.
Ilex is being fostered with a senior dog and although they aren’t bff’s, they are content to share the space. A slow introduction to a calm dog and place for Ilex to retreat is recommended.
The one thing that Ilex isn’t a big fan of is closed doors. Leave your door almost closed? Ilex will Kool-Aid man bash his way in. Have a door completely closed? He will scratch at the bottom until you open it. This doesn’t include doors to outside. He has no interest in those.
Give Ilex a soft place to sleep, a head scratch, and resign yourself to no privacy and he will be the happiest boy around.”

Please adopt Ilex!
Visit our website to apply:
https://www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/las1848/

The domestic short hair cat is a popular and diverse breed known for its unique personalities and low maintenance care. These cats come in various colors and patterns, with short, easy to manage coats that require minimal grooming. Domestic short hairs are friendly, adaptable, and make wonderful companions for individuals and families alike. They possess playful and affectionate qualities that endear them to many, making them one of the most beloved and widely adopted cat breeds worldwide.

A donor-funded animal rescue dedicated to improving the welfare of homeless animals in shelters in the Hamilton, Ontario area. Charity#81591...