Youth, it seems, is at a premium not just for humans, but for felines.
People tend to ignore old cats when there are cute kittens around, says SPCA chief executive Bob Kerridge.
"Nine out of 10 times they take one look at the kittens, and say, 'That's that'."
Sadly, thismeans some mature moggies end up spending months at the SPCA's Animal Village in Mangere before finding a home.
Poor old Puss is a classic example. The regal 11-year-old tabby has been sitting in a cage at the far end of the corridor housing cats since September 26.
Feline supervisor Nicole Rushbrook says it's a shame because Puss would "make a great cat for an elderly person".
Because of her advanced age, she is likely to spend more time indoors than out, making her good company for anyone on their own.
Slightly temperamental, she would best suit a home with no children or other pets.
All cats up for adoption at the SPCA have been vaccinated, wormed, sprayed for fleas and de-sexed if necessary.
It costs $75 to adopt a kitten, $55 for a cat, and $30 for senior cats like Puss who are over about 10 years old.
