New York Woman Meets 15-Year-Old Deaf Cat Everyone Gave Up On, Then Watches Her Age Backwards
Polly was a 15-year-old deaf cat with bad teeth and a heartbreaking past. When Sarah met her at the shelter, she knew this senior underdog deserved a second chance at a beautiful retirement.
A Heartbreaking Past
She was withdrawn, shy, and completely deaf. At 15 years old, the scrawny feline had already lived a long and difficult life.
Rescued from a hoarder house, she carried the physical and emotional scars of her past. She had likely had multiple litters of kittens over the years, and her demeanor was simply sad.
It seemed like the world had forgotten about her. But her story was about to take a beautiful turn.
Medically Fragile
When Sarah first came across the senior cat at The Patricia Ladew Foundation, the extent of her neglect was apparent.
Incredibly, at 15 years old, she hadn’t even been spayed yet. The rescue team made the unusual decision to perform the procedure on such an older cat to ensure her future health.
She was also suffering from severe dental issues. Her mouth was in a lot of pain, requiring dental surgery to remove some of her bad teeth.
Looking For An Underdog
Given her age and medical history, the shelter staff didn’t have high hopes for an adoption. Who would want to take on a medically fragile, 15-year-old deaf cat?
But Sarah saw something incredibly special in those tired eyes. She fell in love with the sweet feline immediately.
Sarah wasn’t looking for an easy pet. She specifically wanted a cat that was an underdog, and this senior girl was the perfect match.
Defying All Expectations
At first, the cat maintained her shy and quiet demeanor. Sarah assumed she would just be a sleepy "old lady cat" who wouldn’t do much around the house.
But once she realized she was safe, she proved everyone wrong. The once-scared cat began to build a deep trust with Sarah.
Any attention she received left her absolutely over the moon. She started exploring her new home and playing with a renewed sense of joy.
Learning A New Language
Caring for a deaf cat requires a few special adjustments. Sarah quickly learned how to communicate with her new best friend without using sound.
To get her attention, Sarah makes sure to step in front of her so she can be seen. She waves her hand or uses gentle visual motions to avoid startling her.
This thoughtful approach helped the senior cat feel secure in her silent world.
The Queen Of The House
As she settled in, her true personality began to shine through. To Sarah’s complete surprise, the timid rescue transformed into an alpha female.
She confidently claimed her title as the queen of the house. Despite her bold new attitude, she still enjoys snuggling with the other cats in the home.
She also developed a unique, loud vocalization that sounds like "Oh, woo," often leaving Sarah’s coworkers perplexed and wondering if there is a baby in the room.
A Name With A Dad Joke
At the shelter, she was given the name Polly. The name was a nod to her being a polydactyl cat, boasting seven toes on each of her front paws.
Those big, unique paws quickly became a defining part of her charming personality.
When Sarah adopted her, her dad decided to give the cat a middle name: Esther. Now, her full name is Polyester—a classic dad joke that the family loves.
The Ultimate Retirement
Sarah and Polly are now approaching their three-year adoption anniversary. At nearly 18 years old, Polly is thriving in a way no one thought possible.
To celebrate, Sarah is throwing her a cheese-themed party, honoring Polly’s absolute favorite treat in the world.
When Sarah first brought Polly home, she promised to give her the spoiled retirement she always deserved. Looking at the happy, healed, and deeply loved cat today, it’s safe to say it was mission accomplished.
