How You Can Care for Your Cat After You're Gone

It's something that many people don't like to think about: what will happen to your cat if the worst should happen to you?

Even though it may be a bit uncomfortable to think about, you will probably find that setting something up for your cat in case you die or become unable to care for her will ease your mind so you can live more worry free.

Steps for Ensuring Your Cat Will Be Cared for After You're Gone

• The first thing to do when considering plans for your cat if you become unable to care for her is to think about your family and friends. Is there anyone who already has a close relationship with your cat and who you think might wish to care for her? You should do your best to think objectively about this. After all, you want your cat to end up with someone who will love and care for her rather than be annoyed or feel burdened by her.

• It is even more crucial that you have a plan in place for your older cat or one that has medical needs. If you don't, your cat might be at risk of being euthanized at a shelter due to the low odds of adoption and the costs of caring for her.

  If you don't have someone in your life who you think would want to or could care well for your cat, you should consider others in your life. Think about neighbors, your own caregivers if you have any, people you know from your veterinary office, and others from your life. If your cat is a member of a certain breed, you can contact breed-related groups to inquire about guardians.
• The next step is to talk with the person you've tentatively chosen. Be sure to approach them without expectations and be understanding if they let you know they don't wish to be your cat's guardian.

• You may wish to appoint a temporary guardian for your cat as well as a permanent one. This person would care for your cat in the interim if you became unable to care for her but your permanent guardian is on vacation or otherwise temporarily unavailable.

  Leave money in your will to care for your cat, so the guardian will not need to use his own funds.
• Make your intentions known as clearly as possible. Not only should your appointed guardian(s) be listed in your will, but you should also let your veterinary office, groomer, and kennel know about it. You should consider an external ID tag for your cat that lists your information as well as your appointed guardian's.

It's never easy to think about someone other than you caring for your cat. However, once you have everything set up, you will be able to rest easier and thoroughly enjoy life with your kitty.

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