since you're talking about a gently used cat, you have to realize that as they get older they do go deaf, so if you come home and don't see your cat(s) immediately, don't assume that they escaped or died. they're probably sleeping in a new and wonderful place that they discovered and haven't realized you're home yet. they're great little hiders. just close the windows on the bottoms.
i'm 69 and i wouldn't consider a cat any younger than 11. if i outlive another cat, i'd rather do that than the other way around. the cat would have a good end-of-life. if i was still healthy, i'd go again, with a 15 - 16 year old cat. i know my dd or ddil would take in any cat i leave behind. especially if they're named after them. sondra and elizabeth, the sweet kitties. hehe. :mrgreen: