Legacies

Almost every intake list that gets sent out to the foster homes has a cat on it whose owner has passed away. Often they are older cats, many with health issues.

Percy and Pete are two of the very lucky ones; and Percy only by the skin of his teeth. Percy has a great home and Pete, if not adopted, will be safe and cared for by TCR for as long as necessary. Many, many cats whose owners pass away aren’t so lucky.

So who takes care of your pet if something happens to you? No one likes to think about it, but you can never know. I’m very lucky. One of my sisters knows I’ll haunt her if she doesn’t take care of my boys. (Of course it helps that she — and her husband — know and like them.)

TCR will, of course, take back cats they’ve adopted out whose owner has passed away. Assuming someone contacts us! But wouldn’t you rather choose where your cat goes? Talk to someone. Put it in writing. A friend of mine (who lives in another city) asked me if I’d be guardian to her two cats. It was in her will! Likely it will never happen; she’s young(ish) and healthy. And in a couple more years her son will be finished university and would be able to give them a stable home — and would want to! But for the interim, she wanted to make sure they’d be taken care of. She has LOTS of friends. Probably some who would happily look after them. But she wanted to be sure. And she knew I couldn’t say no! (When this first came up I had three cats; my sister informed me in no uncertain terms that my friend and I could never travel together. She was NOT taking on five more cats. 😉  )

If your family can’t or won’t look after them specify a rescue so your family knows your wishes — and leave some money to the rescue if you can.

Speaking of which, don’t forget legacy donations for rescues! Most are happy for even small amounts.

On a happier note, I saw at least two weddings on Facebook this summer where the happy couple donated to a cat rescue instead of having wedding favours. One asked for donations to their chosen rescue instead of gifts! There are plenty of ways to help out your local rescue.