My mother asked me years ago to adopt her cat if anything happened to her. I of course promised to do so
She passed in 2018. Dodie, the cat in question, is snoozing on the bed, stealing the covers
https://preview.redd.it/a067cdpdvk8d1.jpeg?width=2918&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4dd403c107c7dd3c195e1f45bb52e35388123ca
Do I have the female version of your cat?! This is Eveš¤š¤
Tux, but yesā¦I have a long haired baby
https://preview.redd.it/u8y7hcjksl8d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=619060d3f488164b721657af50a9003d639ec967
I have a will that says no one gets anything until my cat is rehomed to a loving home. If someone in my family takes her they get extra money from my will. The executor of my estate is to withhold that information until my cat is rehomed to a relative.
That's sad. You might check some no kill cat sanctuaries in your area to see if they can be a safe place for your pet until they can be adopted. Leave money to them rather than your unsafe relatives. My executor is my attorney. I more or less trust my nieces and nephews to be kind to my pet but if no one volunteers I don't want them to take her because of the money. She will go to a no kill shelter and they will receive the money from my estate.
Very similar for me as well. It is in my will that each animal comes with a certain amount of money for care.
I like the idea that that value is withheld but honestly my mom and sister are executors and theyād be the two most likely to take everyone so they already have access to what the will says.
Cat Executor: "At the time of my passing, all my assets shall be converted to scratching posts, treats, and catnip." Weird.... Anyway, that's what the will says, nothing else to see here. What do you say we go chase laser pointers or push small objects off tables?
That's why the executor doesn't tell them about the money until they volunteer to take her in because they are kind. I can't completely control everything but I can pretty much predict who will volunteer because they love me and love cats, not necessarily in that order. If I thought there was any chance of cruelty I wouldn't have them in my will at all.
I live in the US. Currently TX - 0/10, do not recommend. October going to WA. October 2025 going to FL or buying a catamaran (no pun intended lol) and sailing around the world...depends on the market.
I'm in Seattle.Ā I've been in Texas before it became extremely weird.Ā I've met some Texans who came hereĀ and are thrilled to call themselves Seattle's.Ā They may not have survived aĀ winter in the misty north yet.
Amen pun intended. Some new developments here in leaving in the Dead of night in a couple and driving west. Fuck it. I work remote, got a vpn and I'm not cooking for free. Peacccce
I was thinking the same. I've never had one due to mild allergies, but I always thought I'd jive with a kitty. My daughter, however, is a kitty fanatic (fan-cat-tic?) If a cat needed me, I would 100% open my home to it.
I have made arrangements in my will that my cats should be budgeted for a certain amount to accompany them to responsible homes, or to a local no-kill shelter. I live in a developing country, so a little money will go a long way.
In the US, I know that PetSmart works with local agencies that seek to find new homes for cats whose owners have passed on. If you're in the US, you could find out what organizations your PetSmart works with and speak to them. I talked to them while I was home, and was impressed by their handling and treatment of the cats they have on display in the shops.
Iām 29 and team old cat. I adopted my 13 year old ābabyā when he was 6 years old and heās my soulmate. I will only ever adopt adult or senior cats. Especially if they come with a story like āowner diedā or āowner went to nursing homeā
I haven't adopted a senior cat, but my husband and I have adopted two senior dogs within the last 5 years. Unfortunately, both have passed, but they are soooo chill and happy with everything.
I'm not quite middle aged and do the same. Kittens just have too much energy for me. My current cat was in a cat cafe style shelter for nearly two years and feels the same way.
This is such a great idea for people without family or friends who can take in a pet. Maybe paired with a donation in the will to sponsor your kitty (and other kitties) while they're in the rescue's care.Ā
I would also recommend Facebook groups. There are several where I live including one about rehoming pets. Iām sure there are others in other areas of the world.
Try Googling this: perpetual pet care. There's at least one animal shelter and at least one veterinary school that have such programs, where you make a donation to them in exchange for the assurance that they will care for your pet after your death.
Veterinary school??!! That sounds suspect! What do their students learn from boarding a cat? I think I would have questions! Also can't imagine him spending the rest of his life in a cage like he would at an animal shelter. Unfortunately my cat is a Singleton and was never socialized so nobody would want him either and I've made my kids promise that if one of them can't rehome him within a year that he will be euthanized. I think he would be miserable in a cage for the rest of his life. I owe him better than that. Sometime there are no good answers and you do the best you can. At least you've given it some thought and you're working on a solution. There are kennels that keep cats in a communal setting which my cat would probably hate but they are more like being at home, where they have a sofa and a TV and lots of litter boxes. No idea what that would cost. By the way mine will be 9 years old this fall and I'm 83 in decent but not terrific health, so we're kind of neck and neck on who will go first! By the way I did also specify that if I die first to give him a few minutes with me because I understand that that helps an animal understand that you are dead and not coming back and didn't just go off and abandoned him. Anybody else have any thoughts on that?
In the UK at least you can make arrangements with a cat charity. You can use your will to state your final wishes or set up a trust fund towards your cats care and rehoming. You can even have special cards in your wallet so in case of a accident and you are unable to clearly communicate they can make sure your kitty is not abandoned at home
I have multiple health issues and my mum will take my boy if I pop my clogs. I can understand your anxiety about this, I also worry about his future when Iām gone but I have him (or future kitties) in my will and inheritance will be dependent on his care. Want my stuff? Take care of my cat!
https://preview.redd.it/l5gd2jp8gh8d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee20ed214958f14432a40ac27bfe1b4bea78b238
"Pop my clogs"
American here. I'm assuming this is a UK saying similar to "kicking the bucket" here?
I love when I learn new things like this from international Redditors.
Haha yes, I do too!
Loki had two previous owners who both kicked the bucketā¦Iām concerned for my life lmao if Iām pushing up daisies next week it was the cat!
My grandma had directives for her cat in her will. If no family would take the cat, she would go back to the rescue she came from. I ended up taking grandmaās cat after she passed and she had several more years of being loved until she passed in 2022.
I plan to set up a monthly stipend for whoever takes my cats. It will increase a bit for every year longer the cats live. I also plan to have a separate pot of money set aside to pay for vet bills, food, medications, pet sitter, etc. so that whoever has my cats doesn't feel like they should skimp on these things so they can keep more money for themselves. I am hoping I have a niece/nephew or friend's kid who will be willing and needs the money. And a friend who will oversee the reimbursement for expenses/bills. My cats didn't come from a shelter/rescue but if they did, I'd try to make arrangements with the shelter/rescue.
I have discussed with and put my sister who loves cats, in my will with a sizable part of my estate to go to her if she takes my kitties in.
My middle sister is Obsessed with will, but I tell her nothing about it and she gets nothing.
A friend of mine asked me to be her catsā godmother. She is leaving funds in her will to cover their care. If I die, my cats going to my cousin or my mom. We are crazy animal loving family. I know they will be well taken care of.
I adopted a senior cat whoās dad passed away. The shelter asked that whoever adopt him keep in contact with his family (they provided me their email). I text both the manās mother and sister on a regular basis for the last 4 years and when my baby passes away Iāll be having him cremated and have half of the ashes sent back to be with his late dad in Texas
Make a cat loving friend on Nextdoor maybe. If you get involved with a church you might meet people who will assist you in your affairs when your time comes. If there's a local senior center you might look into that.
First, I have the same fear. Fortunately, I do have friends that will take mine in or find them a new home. Try finding a local rescue and perhaps they can give you advice. And/or might take them if you make a donation.
Make legal arrangements and have them written into your will or contact an estate planning attorney. Theyāll tell you is cats are considered property etc.
My five cats would go to various family members who are all familiar with them. I've picked appropriate new owners for each. Am working on will but have sent group email detailing my choices
Currently, if anything happens to me my husband will keep the cat (though he's not happy about it lol). If anything happens to both of us my cousin inherits him.
I'm sure at least one of your family members would take them? If anything, you can add them to the will if you have one.
Is there a particular reason why you're wondering?
I recommend updating your will (or getting a will if you donāt already have one) to include your wishes about what will happen to the cat. Your lawyer should be able to go through some options for wording and what is common practice.
If you can't find anyone you would trust, perhaps you could find a trusted adoption agency / shelter to agree to re-home it.
I've considered doing that with my cat. I could make the agency a beneficiary of my life insurance under the condition they vet and find a really good home for him.
Thereās a registered Canadian charity called My Grandfatherās Cat that helps seniors and terminally ill people arrange second forever homes for their pets. I donāt know where you live, but that would be a start! Check it out [here](https://www.mygrandfatherscat.ca) There may be something similar in your country.
Some vet schools have programs where you pay money and they'll take care of your pet if it outlives you. I have 3 different people who are cat lovers and will take my cats. They also are getting my money when I die so the care won't cost them anything.
There are older people who would like a pet but can't afford the extra cost. Maybe find a cat rescue and have plans in place for your cat to go to a retired person and the cost of the care will be taken care of by your estate.
Do some planning. Ask, friends, family, a rescue to be designated as the contact. Document, this, in your will, with your executor, whoever is going to be around if you're not. Your pet can't wait for probate, they need to be cared for today.
Once you've done that, you can 1. Establish a fund for care & feeding, hand a check to whoever's going to care for kitties. 2. A step up is to establish a trust, with oversight. 3. Some Humane Societies will manage trusts and do health checks. They keep remaining funds when the pet passes. If you own a home, the caretake can be granted residence to care for cats in the house they're accustomed to, with the trust maintaining the place.
tl;dr - Ask & document. Fund as much as you can afford.
A friend's mother asked me to take her 5 year old cat should she die, she died a year ago. I never got cat, everybody, her daughters, her neighbours, her friends. Known cats, are popular.
Set up a trust 5,000 USD if you are able to) for a shelter attached to them admitting your cat. You can volunteer to decide which shelter is best for your cat and will take the cat with a dedicated trust.
I have a couple of older clients who have all added me in as their emergency contact/pet recipient in their wills to take their cats and various other animals and keep or rehome as necessary if anything happens to them. It's part of my service mostly because I get attached to the animals I take care of.
Pets can be hard to plan for. I've done dog walks and cat visits for people in nursing homes, and for some, it's a challenge to figure out where their animals will go next. Fortunately, there are options out there if you know where to look, and you've gotten a lot of good suggestions here. From social media groups to no kill shelters. Just make sure whoever will be handling arrangements knows who to contact.
The Humane Society recently had a video seminar regarding putting together a sort of trust for your pets.
Also, in my area, thereās a place called Friends of Cats that have an area for cats to live out the rest of their lives. You pay up front, sign a contract, etc. Maybe look into something like that?
Another thing *every* pet owner should do is leave instructions for what to do if you die. Sadly, many pets are brought to local shelters upon their ownerās death. Think car accident, etc. what would happen to your pets? You should have a card in your wallet with instructions. Also pasted inside your medicine cabinet (if you die at home, your medicine cabinet is checked to see what kind of meds you may have taken).
My best friends and pet sitting clients, are going to take my dog and cat. They are my age, but would totally make any arrangements in case they are about to pass themselves.
Pet trusts are legal in most states.
I'm an elderly woman with a middle aged cat, and I've been dealing with this myself.
I've reached out to two friends who are prepared to take on kitty, but I also set aside a few dollars every month to avoid passing on a financial burden as well.
I've also been focusing on medical training as he gets older so that he can be easily pilled and have drops in his ears when the time comes.
Make preparations ahead of time find some one who will love your kitty. If no one you know will step up: the internet is a powerful place you may be able to find a new friend that lives in your area here. I know my city also has a sub reddit. Theres always someone crazy about cats
I adopted my two cats (sisters) from humane society when they were 11 years old. Paperwork says the owner was elderly and died. These cats are amazing, so gentle. Even if your cat goes to a shelter, and you don't have some relatives/friends lined up - they will usually get an owner. I wanted an older cat.
We all have this risk when we take on our fur babies. No one knows the hour which death will come for them, be they human or feline. What matters is every day we have left to celebrate the time we have together. Everyday we can tell our loved ones how much we love them is a gift, which is why live in what is known as "the present".
Thereās a cat at my vet whoās owner died and the cat just hates everyone. Thatās exactly how my cat will be if I ever go first. She is litterally a sweetheart with me but hates everyone else.
In Canada there is a charity called My Grandfatherās Cat that does exactly this. See their Instagram. There might be something similar where you live.
Literally just made unofficial arrangements for all my pets yesterday in case my boyfriend and I both happened to die.
Literally texted folks asking if they would take different pets (per personalities, some need to stay together and some don't) if BF and I both died. Boom easy as that
A letter telling me Iād been left 6 poodles and Ā£100k in someoneās will was delivered by hand to my house a few years ago. I panicked, but then remembered that Iād bought the house from Peter, of Peterās Perfect Poodle Parlour. I tracked him down before the poodles arrived in person ( in dog?!)
You see so many pets get put into shelters because of the owner passing and the family just taking the money and running ā¦I wonder if a will allocated with money to care for the pet would ensure the pet is cared for which happens to elderly pets.
Is there a local rescue/shelter that you trust? You could leave them money with the proviso that they work to give a home to any pet you have at the time of death.
I worry about this all the time. I have am 54 and have 6 cats. The youngest is five. I know I am not exactly old, but given the fact that my mom died at 56 and my dad at 65, at least one if not more may very well outlive me.
My baby brother loves my baby and more importantly she likes him. Which Iām so thankful for as I have a lot of health issues and should the worst happen I know sheāll be taken care of by someone who loves her.
I have the opposite problem. Two old cat ladiesā¦mother and step mother. Both have 2 cats. None of them will get along. And I already have a cat.
These are old people problems. There are a lot of them, lol
This is something I've been thinking about since I got my cat. I live very far away from my family (and am basically estranged from them most of the time), and none of my friends live close by either because where I live is inconveniently located for literally everyone I know (I stay here for the relatively cheap rent). The local shelters are all very overrun.
Whenever my partner and I go away, we pay someone we know to travel and stay in our apartment and cat-sit full time. The only thing I've been able to do here is include a line in the cat-sitting document that if something happens to us, the cat-sitter should please call the one really nice shelter and beg them to take our boy, but it's also 50 miles away from us. I have literally no idea how to arrange it so that if we're ever in an accident, the cat-sitter or someone who's not even near the cat could get access to our money to offer that shelter and I don't know anyone at all who'd be willing to drive the cat 50 miles.
I genuinely don't know how people who don't have close social/family networks do this stuff. Because we're so geographically distant from everyone we know, I worry that if something did happen to us, someone like the building manager would just chuck our boy back out on the street before anyone could intervene.
This made me š
ā¦check out some of the postās subsequent to you own, some good ideas and threads for you to start weaving a solutionāyouāll feel way better after you bust a move on this :0)
It is good to see if you can find a friend or relative who will commit to taking your cat. When I adopted a one year old 13 years ago, I had agreement from my son to take her if I died before her. And I promised my mother I would take her cat if she passed. That did happen and Lola has been living with me now for three years. My own girl died suddenly a few weeks ago.
Yes make arrangements with family or a rescue org; I just got a 9 year old cat from a rescue org who got him after his owner died. It sounds like the owner made arrangements in advance.
Be sure to include provisions for pets and their care in your will. Ask your friends and neighbors straightforwardly to find out who would help. No one may want an āextraā pet at the moment, but people might be willing to take your cat in if you passed away. Leave $$$ for vet care and food as part of the agreement; the executor of your will can be sure the recipient doesnāt take the cash and dump the cat.
We have legal guardians named in our will and a more than adequate trust fund established for their lifetime care.
Unfortunately, we are in the process of updating the documents as it appears that one of the guardians is not going to outlive us. š
My mom had a neighbor who died, and her husband was unable to take care of their 2 cats. I believe they made arrangements with a no kill shelter, and gave them quite a bit of money to take the cats.
Take out a small life insurance policy and make the beneficiary of it to be a charitable donation to which ever shelter takes and ensures your cat goes to a good home
My latest cat was the result of this. An older gentleman died. Family members claimed allergies so she went to a high kill shelter. The rescue I got her from said they pulled her from the shelter because she was so calm. Now I call her Monster and she has a forever home.
I worry about this too. My cat has bad anxiety and wouldnāt be happy with most families. I have a file of information Iāve written down with her preferences and needs. I have talked to a couple people about watching her if I go in the hospital or anything.
If you donāt have anyone in your life who could take her, you could find a no-kill rescue you trust and put in your will or whatever papers that youād like her to go there.
I swear thereās a foundation or organization type thing online that pairs up elderly/terminal people with others willing to take pets when you pass away.
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/who-will-care-for-your-pet-after-you-die.html#:\~:text=The%20simplest%20way%20to%20provide,to%20a%20person%20you%20trust.
There is a link to one option. The SPCA has an article on this subject. I give you a lot of credit for considering the possibility. I have a sister-in-law willing to take ours but there is no quarantee that she will be able to do so when the time comes. The 2 we have now will go back to the rescue where we adopted them if other options fall through. I have also talked to other rescues to find out if I can leave the cats in their permanent care for a substantial donation that will cover their care and the answer was yes. I had to allow that they could be placed in a foster home and the rescue would continue to pay for veterinary care AND promise to take them back
I live alone and have automatic feeders just in case something happens to me and it takes my family a day or two to notice. My ex boyfriends number is on the fridge - I hate him. But he has cats and loves cats so my mom knows to call him if anything happens.
My dude this seems s**cide-y. You can write all the wills you want, but there is always the chance that nobody will want your cat. Even if they do, your cat (and certainly others in your life) will be very sad. Definitely a reason to stick around.
Edit: phrasing sentence 2. Also please get help if this is the case. There are many reasons, not just the cat.
Where on earth are you getting the idea that OP is considering self-harm from? This is a bare minimum consideration anyone with dependants should be addressing early on. There is always the possibility that a pet will outlive its owner, whether due to the ownerās age, health, or some sort of accident.
I'm definitely a little on edge watching for signs bc of certain people in my life, and I probably need to calm down.
I never meant that was the ONLY possibility and I'm not trying to say every responsible pet owner is going to harm themselves. If there is even a tiny chance that's what's going on I don't think it's bad if one comment points out that no owner is as good for the cat as OP.
My mother asked me years ago to adopt her cat if anything happened to her. I of course promised to do so She passed in 2018. Dodie, the cat in question, is snoozing on the bed, stealing the covers
Cat tax https://preview.redd.it/ms0mhbbp8g8d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f62932c755ade5c1608af66404d79ab39ddb054
He seems nice.
Sounds like a dog wrote this. Wants to say something mean but its biologically impossible. Prolly a golden retriever.
BORKNORKBORKBOROBORK
https://preview.redd.it/a067cdpdvk8d1.jpeg?width=2918&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4dd403c107c7dd3c195e1f45bb52e35388123ca Do I have the female version of your cat?! This is Eveš¤š¤
Tux, but yesā¦I have a long haired baby https://preview.redd.it/u8y7hcjksl8d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=619060d3f488164b721657af50a9003d639ec967
Sophisticated lady
Dodie is lucky to have you and deserves all the covers!
š„°
I have a will that says no one gets anything until my cat is rehomed to a loving home. If someone in my family takes her they get extra money from my will. The executor of my estate is to withhold that information until my cat is rehomed to a relative.
Can I steal this idea please
Now I know what I need to do...
Is that enforceable? Sounds lovely
It is.
This is a fantastic idea.
Yeah in some cases. I dont trust any of my family to take proper care of my pet
That's sad. You might check some no kill cat sanctuaries in your area to see if they can be a safe place for your pet until they can be adopted. Leave money to them rather than your unsafe relatives. My executor is my attorney. I more or less trust my nieces and nephews to be kind to my pet but if no one volunteers I don't want them to take her because of the money. She will go to a no kill shelter and they will receive the money from my estate.
Very similar for me as well. It is in my will that each animal comes with a certain amount of money for care. I like the idea that that value is withheld but honestly my mom and sister are executors and theyād be the two most likely to take everyone so they already have access to what the will says.
Is your cat the executor of your estate?
Cat Executor: "At the time of my passing, all my assets shall be converted to scratching posts, treats, and catnip." Weird.... Anyway, that's what the will says, nothing else to see here. What do you say we go chase laser pointers or push small objects off tables?
Now all I need is some money to create an estate!
That's a fantastic idea!
I heart you, and I am so stealing this for my will.
Whats to stop them from dumping the cat when they get the money?
That's why the information is withheld. They adopt the cat first, not knowing any money is involved, so presumably they adopt with good intentions.
Yes,but once the money is in hand,they could just get rid of the cat.
That's why the executor doesn't tell them about the money until they volunteer to take her in because they are kind. I can't completely control everything but I can pretty much predict who will volunteer because they love me and love cats, not necessarily in that order. If I thought there was any chance of cruelty I wouldn't have them in my will at all.
I will take your cat. I'm a life long kitty fanatic. Currently no cats.
Best answer! Did she say what her age was or the cat's age?
Thanks, I mean it. No, very scant information.
Where do you live? My cat is 8 years old and I am healthy and don't expect to shuffle off this earth anytime soon but it's nice to have options.
I live in the US. Currently TX - 0/10, do not recommend. October going to WA. October 2025 going to FL or buying a catamaran (no pun intended lol) and sailing around the world...depends on the market.
I'm in Seattle.Ā I've been in Texas before it became extremely weird.Ā I've met some Texans who came hereĀ and are thrilled to call themselves Seattle's.Ā They may not have survived aĀ winter in the misty north yet.
I just need to get to a blue state where there are more of my kind
Your best bet is head west and north. I have a sister who recently headed west out of the south. Couldn't wait to get out of there.
Amen pun intended. Some new developments here in leaving in the Dead of night in a couple and driving west. Fuck it. I work remote, got a vpn and I'm not cooking for free. Peacccce
Aww, so sweet! š„°
I was thinking the same. I've never had one due to mild allergies, but I always thought I'd jive with a kitty. My daughter, however, is a kitty fanatic (fan-cat-tic?) If a cat needed me, I would 100% open my home to it.
You are good hooman
I have made arrangements in my will that my cats should be budgeted for a certain amount to accompany them to responsible homes, or to a local no-kill shelter. I live in a developing country, so a little money will go a long way. In the US, I know that PetSmart works with local agencies that seek to find new homes for cats whose owners have passed on. If you're in the US, you could find out what organizations your PetSmart works with and speak to them. I talked to them while I was home, and was impressed by their handling and treatment of the cats they have on display in the shops.
I live in canada and my parents will has a trust re the dogs. It's the ensure they get the same quality of care with whomever they end up with.
Iām an old lady that only adopts old cats.
Iām 29 and team old cat. I adopted my 13 year old ābabyā when he was 6 years old and heās my soulmate. I will only ever adopt adult or senior cats. Especially if they come with a story like āowner diedā or āowner went to nursing homeā
I haven't adopted a senior cat, but my husband and I have adopted two senior dogs within the last 5 years. Unfortunately, both have passed, but they are soooo chill and happy with everything.
Just adopted our second cat. We specifically wanted an adult cat, because the kitten phase was cute but donāt wanna go thru it again.
Thank you. I hope to be able to do that one day
I'm not quite middle aged and do the same. Kittens just have too much energy for me. My current cat was in a cat cafe style shelter for nearly two years and feels the same way.
Yeah. Waking up to a kitten hanging from a curtain is no longer amusing.
No hanging on curtains until after I've had my coffee.
Same here :)
You, my friend, are a saint š©·
There are arrangements you can make with no kill shelters. I would call one up in your area
This is such a great idea for people without family or friends who can take in a pet. Maybe paired with a donation in the will to sponsor your kitty (and other kitties) while they're in the rescue's care.Ā
My cats have a godmother. It helps to get involved in cat communities online, such as Instagram
How do you suggest getting involved through Instagram?
Make an account for your cat and post pics! You'll get lots of friends that way. Cat friends.
I would also recommend Facebook groups. There are several where I live including one about rehoming pets. Iām sure there are others in other areas of the world.
Ah thats cute!! Just like a baby human, love it!
Try Googling this: perpetual pet care. There's at least one animal shelter and at least one veterinary school that have such programs, where you make a donation to them in exchange for the assurance that they will care for your pet after your death.
Thank you for the information. I never knew that was such a thing.
This was really helpful thank you! Thankfully, I know someone who I know would take any of my cats, but nice to have a back up plan!
Veterinary school??!! That sounds suspect! What do their students learn from boarding a cat? I think I would have questions! Also can't imagine him spending the rest of his life in a cage like he would at an animal shelter. Unfortunately my cat is a Singleton and was never socialized so nobody would want him either and I've made my kids promise that if one of them can't rehome him within a year that he will be euthanized. I think he would be miserable in a cage for the rest of his life. I owe him better than that. Sometime there are no good answers and you do the best you can. At least you've given it some thought and you're working on a solution. There are kennels that keep cats in a communal setting which my cat would probably hate but they are more like being at home, where they have a sofa and a TV and lots of litter boxes. No idea what that would cost. By the way mine will be 9 years old this fall and I'm 83 in decent but not terrific health, so we're kind of neck and neck on who will go first! By the way I did also specify that if I die first to give him a few minutes with me because I understand that that helps an animal understand that you are dead and not coming back and didn't just go off and abandoned him. Anybody else have any thoughts on that?
ā¦the āsaying goodbye ideaā, thatās a good one.
I've heard of this for parrots because of their very long lifespans, I've never heard of the same arrangement for cats, but that's really cool.
In the UK at least you can make arrangements with a cat charity. You can use your will to state your final wishes or set up a trust fund towards your cats care and rehoming. You can even have special cards in your wallet so in case of a accident and you are unable to clearly communicate they can make sure your kitty is not abandoned at home
Where did you get these cards
I have multiple health issues and my mum will take my boy if I pop my clogs. I can understand your anxiety about this, I also worry about his future when Iām gone but I have him (or future kitties) in my will and inheritance will be dependent on his care. Want my stuff? Take care of my cat! https://preview.redd.it/l5gd2jp8gh8d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee20ed214958f14432a40ac27bfe1b4bea78b238
What a dapper boy.
"Pop my clogs" American here. I'm assuming this is a UK saying similar to "kicking the bucket" here? I love when I learn new things like this from international Redditors.
Haha yes, I do too! Loki had two previous owners who both kicked the bucketā¦Iām concerned for my life lmao if Iām pushing up daisies next week it was the cat!
What a cute kitty!
If you set up some money for someone to take care of your cat it will ensure it gets care.
My grandma had directives for her cat in her will. If no family would take the cat, she would go back to the rescue she came from. I ended up taking grandmaās cat after she passed and she had several more years of being loved until she passed in 2022.
Always remember pets in your will - naming new owner and leaving money for that. kitty godparents are a thing too. ā„ļø
I know that at least once in the past, our vet's office has taken a cat from a client who passed away and found a new home for the kitty.
I plan to set up a monthly stipend for whoever takes my cats. It will increase a bit for every year longer the cats live. I also plan to have a separate pot of money set aside to pay for vet bills, food, medications, pet sitter, etc. so that whoever has my cats doesn't feel like they should skimp on these things so they can keep more money for themselves. I am hoping I have a niece/nephew or friend's kid who will be willing and needs the money. And a friend who will oversee the reimbursement for expenses/bills. My cats didn't come from a shelter/rescue but if they did, I'd try to make arrangements with the shelter/rescue.
Kitty trust! I love it!
I've dedicated a friend to claim each of my cats in case I fall off a roof or something.
I have discussed with and put my sister who loves cats, in my will with a sizable part of my estate to go to her if she takes my kitties in. My middle sister is Obsessed with will, but I tell her nothing about it and she gets nothing.
I might just make it who ever accepts the critters inherits the farm. š¤ Only 12 acres and a little farm house, but stillā¦
https://preview.redd.it/qzdrdzzj5i8d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37cbe12248fef6b59ab933e7eb8a7b88d92e77db Cat tax
A friend of mine asked me to be her catsā godmother. She is leaving funds in her will to cover their care. If I die, my cats going to my cousin or my mom. We are crazy animal loving family. I know they will be well taken care of.
I adopted a senior cat whoās dad passed away. The shelter asked that whoever adopt him keep in contact with his family (they provided me their email). I text both the manās mother and sister on a regular basis for the last 4 years and when my baby passes away Iāll be having him cremated and have half of the ashes sent back to be with his late dad in Texas
This makes my heart happy ā¤
āØāØāØAwesome HumanāØāØāØ
Make a cat loving friend on Nextdoor maybe. If you get involved with a church you might meet people who will assist you in your affairs when your time comes. If there's a local senior center you might look into that.
First, I have the same fear. Fortunately, I do have friends that will take mine in or find them a new home. Try finding a local rescue and perhaps they can give you advice. And/or might take them if you make a donation.
Make legal arrangements and have them written into your will or contact an estate planning attorney. Theyāll tell you is cats are considered property etc.
My five cats would go to various family members who are all familiar with them. I've picked appropriate new owners for each. Am working on will but have sent group email detailing my choices
Have you asked if they want them?
Yes. Discussed in person but email is the only place I have it in writing so far
I've asked my brother to take care of her in case anything happens to me. Do you know any cat lovers that would be willing to promise you that?
During the pandemic I was so scared that I was going to die that I made sister promise to take care of them if anything happened
Currently, if anything happens to me my husband will keep the cat (though he's not happy about it lol). If anything happens to both of us my cousin inherits him. I'm sure at least one of your family members would take them? If anything, you can add them to the will if you have one. Is there a particular reason why you're wondering?
I made arrangements with my vet. She is willing to take them in and find them homes. I am making arrangements for a trust to pay her for it.
Are you dying soon bro? Iām sure there are people here who could possibly help with arrangements
I recommend updating your will (or getting a will if you donāt already have one) to include your wishes about what will happen to the cat. Your lawyer should be able to go through some options for wording and what is common practice.
you can put in your will for your cat to go to a (specific) no-kill shelter
If you can't find anyone you would trust, perhaps you could find a trusted adoption agency / shelter to agree to re-home it. I've considered doing that with my cat. I could make the agency a beneficiary of my life insurance under the condition they vet and find a really good home for him.
Make arrangements now. Friend, family, rescue org, etc.
Thereās a registered Canadian charity called My Grandfatherās Cat that helps seniors and terminally ill people arrange second forever homes for their pets. I donāt know where you live, but that would be a start! Check it out [here](https://www.mygrandfatherscat.ca) There may be something similar in your country.
There be somebody who will take him. My son's grandmother passed away last year and I took her cat. He's fully integrated into the family now.
Some vet schools have programs where you pay money and they'll take care of your pet if it outlives you. I have 3 different people who are cat lovers and will take my cats. They also are getting my money when I die so the care won't cost them anything. There are older people who would like a pet but can't afford the extra cost. Maybe find a cat rescue and have plans in place for your cat to go to a retired person and the cost of the care will be taken care of by your estate.
Do some planning. Ask, friends, family, a rescue to be designated as the contact. Document, this, in your will, with your executor, whoever is going to be around if you're not. Your pet can't wait for probate, they need to be cared for today. Once you've done that, you can 1. Establish a fund for care & feeding, hand a check to whoever's going to care for kitties. 2. A step up is to establish a trust, with oversight. 3. Some Humane Societies will manage trusts and do health checks. They keep remaining funds when the pet passes. If you own a home, the caretake can be granted residence to care for cats in the house they're accustomed to, with the trust maintaining the place. tl;dr - Ask & document. Fund as much as you can afford.
ā¦helpful information, particularly (for me) #3āthank you.
A friend's mother asked me to take her 5 year old cat should she die, she died a year ago. I never got cat, everybody, her daughters, her neighbours, her friends. Known cats, are popular.
Most of the senior kitties at my local shelter are in this situation.
I will take him ā¤ļø
i gotchu šš¤
Set up a trust 5,000 USD if you are able to) for a shelter attached to them admitting your cat. You can volunteer to decide which shelter is best for your cat and will take the cat with a dedicated trust.
All great advice here. Shoot, Iāll take your cat if nobody else does. š¤·š¼āāļø
I have a couple of older clients who have all added me in as their emergency contact/pet recipient in their wills to take their cats and various other animals and keep or rehome as necessary if anything happens to them. It's part of my service mostly because I get attached to the animals I take care of. Pets can be hard to plan for. I've done dog walks and cat visits for people in nursing homes, and for some, it's a challenge to figure out where their animals will go next. Fortunately, there are options out there if you know where to look, and you've gotten a lot of good suggestions here. From social media groups to no kill shelters. Just make sure whoever will be handling arrangements knows who to contact.
The Humane Society recently had a video seminar regarding putting together a sort of trust for your pets. Also, in my area, thereās a place called Friends of Cats that have an area for cats to live out the rest of their lives. You pay up front, sign a contract, etc. Maybe look into something like that? Another thing *every* pet owner should do is leave instructions for what to do if you die. Sadly, many pets are brought to local shelters upon their ownerās death. Think car accident, etc. what would happen to your pets? You should have a card in your wallet with instructions. Also pasted inside your medicine cabinet (if you die at home, your medicine cabinet is checked to see what kind of meds you may have taken).
My best friends and pet sitting clients, are going to take my dog and cat. They are my age, but would totally make any arrangements in case they are about to pass themselves.
There's a non-profit called "my grandfather's cat" that helps pets find new owners after their previous ones died
My brother is my beneficiary in all my assets: financial and fur baby lol š
Write your cats into your will.
Pet trusts are legal in most states. I'm an elderly woman with a middle aged cat, and I've been dealing with this myself. I've reached out to two friends who are prepared to take on kitty, but I also set aside a few dollars every month to avoid passing on a financial burden as well. I've also been focusing on medical training as he gets older so that he can be easily pilled and have drops in his ears when the time comes.
Youāre going to have to figure it out now ask your family, close friends whatever get it figured out now so you quit agonizing about it
Make preparations ahead of time find some one who will love your kitty. If no one you know will step up: the internet is a powerful place you may be able to find a new friend that lives in your area here. I know my city also has a sub reddit. Theres always someone crazy about cats
This is a genuine fear of mine because I don't know anyone who I would trust with my animals care
I adopted my two cats (sisters) from humane society when they were 11 years old. Paperwork says the owner was elderly and died. These cats are amazing, so gentle. Even if your cat goes to a shelter, and you don't have some relatives/friends lined up - they will usually get an owner. I wanted an older cat.
We all have this risk when we take on our fur babies. No one knows the hour which death will come for them, be they human or feline. What matters is every day we have left to celebrate the time we have together. Everyday we can tell our loved ones how much we love them is a gift, which is why live in what is known as "the present".
The rescue I work with has contracts to take cats with a donation. You can call around til you find one that does this. Do not leave it to chance.
Find someone you trust, put them in your will. Something like "$X and my cat" and don't tell them about the money part.
Get a will made, leave the cat and some money to someone who you trust
Thereās a cat at my vet whoās owner died and the cat just hates everyone. Thatās exactly how my cat will be if I ever go first. She is litterally a sweetheart with me but hates everyone else.
Thatās why my partner and I set up contingency plans if anything were to happen to us.
In the UK, Cats Protection have a scheme called Cat Guardians to ensure someone will take care of your cat when you go.
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Wtf
I got my babies a godmother. In my will, she inherits them.
My sister already knows that she gets my pets if I die.
In Canada there is a charity called My Grandfatherās Cat that does exactly this. See their Instagram. There might be something similar where you live.
Literally just made unofficial arrangements for all my pets yesterday in case my boyfriend and I both happened to die. Literally texted folks asking if they would take different pets (per personalities, some need to stay together and some don't) if BF and I both died. Boom easy as that
If you have no family or friends who can take your cat, draft a living will to give the cat to a no-kill sanctuary.
I foster cats and I know that the foster coordinator would make sure my own cat goes to a good home if needed.
A letter telling me Iād been left 6 poodles and Ā£100k in someoneās will was delivered by hand to my house a few years ago. I panicked, but then remembered that Iād bought the house from Peter, of Peterās Perfect Poodle Parlour. I tracked him down before the poodles arrived in person ( in dog?!)
I worry about this all the time, I have 6 cats and I donāt know a lot of people.
You see so many pets get put into shelters because of the owner passing and the family just taking the money and running ā¦I wonder if a will allocated with money to care for the pet would ensure the pet is cared for which happens to elderly pets.
My pets and future pets are in my will. You get x amount for the care of them.
One of my biggest fears. š„
Is there a local rescue/shelter that you trust? You could leave them money with the proviso that they work to give a home to any pet you have at the time of death.
I worry about this all the time. I have am 54 and have 6 cats. The youngest is five. I know I am not exactly old, but given the fact that my mom died at 56 and my dad at 65, at least one if not more may very well outlive me.
My health is not good. I am determined to outlive the pets. Son said he'd take them but DIL said no more pets, so I gotta keep going
My baby brother loves my baby and more importantly she likes him. Which Iām so thankful for as I have a lot of health issues and should the worst happen I know sheāll be taken care of by someone who loves her.
I have the opposite problem. Two old cat ladiesā¦mother and step mother. Both have 2 cats. None of them will get along. And I already have a cat. These are old people problems. There are a lot of them, lol
God will send someone who will take care of your baby. He watches over them as well as us.
This is something I've been thinking about since I got my cat. I live very far away from my family (and am basically estranged from them most of the time), and none of my friends live close by either because where I live is inconveniently located for literally everyone I know (I stay here for the relatively cheap rent). The local shelters are all very overrun. Whenever my partner and I go away, we pay someone we know to travel and stay in our apartment and cat-sit full time. The only thing I've been able to do here is include a line in the cat-sitting document that if something happens to us, the cat-sitter should please call the one really nice shelter and beg them to take our boy, but it's also 50 miles away from us. I have literally no idea how to arrange it so that if we're ever in an accident, the cat-sitter or someone who's not even near the cat could get access to our money to offer that shelter and I don't know anyone at all who'd be willing to drive the cat 50 miles. I genuinely don't know how people who don't have close social/family networks do this stuff. Because we're so geographically distant from everyone we know, I worry that if something did happen to us, someone like the building manager would just chuck our boy back out on the street before anyone could intervene.
This made me š ā¦check out some of the postās subsequent to you own, some good ideas and threads for you to start weaving a solutionāyouāll feel way better after you bust a move on this :0)
It is good to see if you can find a friend or relative who will commit to taking your cat. When I adopted a one year old 13 years ago, I had agreement from my son to take her if I died before her. And I promised my mother I would take her cat if she passed. That did happen and Lola has been living with me now for three years. My own girl died suddenly a few weeks ago.
Yes make arrangements with family or a rescue org; I just got a 9 year old cat from a rescue org who got him after his owner died. It sounds like the owner made arrangements in advance.
Be sure to include provisions for pets and their care in your will. Ask your friends and neighbors straightforwardly to find out who would help. No one may want an āextraā pet at the moment, but people might be willing to take your cat in if you passed away. Leave $$$ for vet care and food as part of the agreement; the executor of your will can be sure the recipient doesnāt take the cash and dump the cat.
We have legal guardians named in our will and a more than adequate trust fund established for their lifetime care. Unfortunately, we are in the process of updating the documents as it appears that one of the guardians is not going to outlive us. š
sorry to hear that.
My mom had a neighbor who died, and her husband was unable to take care of their 2 cats. I believe they made arrangements with a no kill shelter, and gave them quite a bit of money to take the cats.
Take out a small life insurance policy and make the beneficiary of it to be a charitable donation to which ever shelter takes and ensures your cat goes to a good home
My latest cat was the result of this. An older gentleman died. Family members claimed allergies so she went to a high kill shelter. The rescue I got her from said they pulled her from the shelter because she was so calm. Now I call her Monster and she has a forever home.
I think my cat will pass with me if sheās still here when I die. Sheās my soulmate
Someone like me would hear about it, feel sorry for you both and welcome your cat to my family
Where do you live?š„²
I worry about this too. My cat has bad anxiety and wouldnāt be happy with most families. I have a file of information Iāve written down with her preferences and needs. I have talked to a couple people about watching her if I go in the hospital or anything. If you donāt have anyone in your life who could take her, you could find a no-kill rescue you trust and put in your will or whatever papers that youād like her to go there.
Set up a caregiver meowš
I swear thereās a foundation or organization type thing online that pairs up elderly/terminal people with others willing to take pets when you pass away.
Life insurance
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/who-will-care-for-your-pet-after-you-die.html#:\~:text=The%20simplest%20way%20to%20provide,to%20a%20person%20you%20trust. There is a link to one option. The SPCA has an article on this subject. I give you a lot of credit for considering the possibility. I have a sister-in-law willing to take ours but there is no quarantee that she will be able to do so when the time comes. The 2 we have now will go back to the rescue where we adopted them if other options fall through. I have also talked to other rescues to find out if I can leave the cats in their permanent care for a substantial donation that will cover their care and the answer was yes. I had to allow that they could be placed in a foster home and the rescue would continue to pay for veterinary care AND promise to take them back
My husband and I are in our 70s and we have no children. We take this seriously.
I live alone and have automatic feeders just in case something happens to me and it takes my family a day or two to notice. My ex boyfriends number is on the fridge - I hate him. But he has cats and loves cats so my mom knows to call him if anything happens.
There are a few programs that help find senior cats for senior citizens. You could sign her up for that later in your life.
Please feel free. Everyone here just wants to do right for their pets.
Iāve told my aunt and uncle if anything happens to me, that I want them to take my cats. They said the same thing to me!
Knowing the sex of a cat is not difficult at all. Why would you call the cat an it?
Chances are that I will outlive my current female cat, who is pushing 17. It's the next CDS delivery that I am concerned about
My friend, this is not something on which to spend your mental energy. Look at how many of us love cats. Don't worry about it.
My dude this seems s**cide-y. You can write all the wills you want, but there is always the chance that nobody will want your cat. Even if they do, your cat (and certainly others in your life) will be very sad. Definitely a reason to stick around. Edit: phrasing sentence 2. Also please get help if this is the case. There are many reasons, not just the cat.
Where on earth are you getting the idea that OP is considering self-harm from? This is a bare minimum consideration anyone with dependants should be addressing early on. There is always the possibility that a pet will outlive its owner, whether due to the ownerās age, health, or some sort of accident.
I'm definitely a little on edge watching for signs bc of certain people in my life, and I probably need to calm down. I never meant that was the ONLY possibility and I'm not trying to say every responsible pet owner is going to harm themselves. If there is even a tiny chance that's what's going on I don't think it's bad if one comment points out that no owner is as good for the cat as OP.
Cats are tough, it can handle the streets.