Estate Planning for Your Pet
Too many cats are surrendered to local shelters when their owner is unable to care for them. These once well loved pets, become society's outcasts through no fault of their own. With a little careful planning, your cat can be assured of a long, healthy and happy life.
- Talk to your family. Do not assume that simply because you love your cats, that your family feel the same.
- Set up an emergency fund for your cat. Many family members or friends simply cannot accept the responsibilty due to financial hardship. Money is the number one reason people refuse to take on the responsibility.
- If you have medical insurance on your cat, ensure that there is enough money to continue the upkeep of the policy and that the policy information is accessable.
- Keep your cat's medical information up to date and organized. Make sure that this information if kept in a file along with other important documents.
- If you have a will, ensure that the person or persons who have agreed to care for your cat at mentioned.
- Do not simply assume that because you have endowed someone with the care of your cat, that they are eager or willing to take on the task. Discuss this with them before the need arises.
- If you have multiple cats, be realistic. It may not be possible to keep them all together. There may come a time when, in order to provide each and every one of them a good and loving home, they may need to be divided among several people. Again, make sure you have fully discussed this with the people involved.
- If your inability to care for your cat is temporary (i.e. illness or hospitalization) make sure you have a responsible neighbour, friend, family member or cat sitter who can come and care for your cat at a moment's notice. This person should have enough information to care for your cat properly and access to your home in case of emergency.
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