Claremont, New Hampshire - After 15 years of companionship, this elderly cat owner surrendered her pet to the Humane Society in New Hampshire – but not before making a request that broke shelter workers' hearts.

Last month, the Sullivan County Humane Society accepted a cat named Starkist, who had been with his owner for 15 years.

Sherry Bell, intake and foster care coordinator at the animal shelter, told Newsweek that Starkist's human could no longer care for him.

Then came a shocking question: the owner asked if Starkist could be euthanized.

Cats Super clingy cat has Instagram in tears: "I wanted a cat. I got a follower."

Thankfully, the staff refused.

"We take in all cats, and will not euthanize unless there is a non-treatable medical condition... He saw our vet yesterday and appears to be a healthy boy. His next step, he will be getting neutered next week and finishing up his quarantine time – and placed up for adoption."

While Starkist is healthy and ready for a new home, this senior cat did have to go through a surprising ordeal: a neutering!

Facebook users were shocked that 15-year-old feline still needed to be neutered.

"Even older men, like 83-year-old Al Pacino, are not necessarily infertile! Starkist was therefore neutered both for his own good and to prevent offspring," the shelter workers wrote on Facebook.

This senior cat is now ready for a new home. He's got a clean bill of health and a microchip. Now he just needs a new family to love him!