Taking Care of Animals in Your Will

Dear Professor Murphy:
I've made arrangements in my will for my cats so they don't end up in a shelter if anything should happen to me - and I'm in the best of health! How important is it to make provisions for your kitties so when/if something happens to you, they will be cared for? - Concerned Parent

Dear Concerned:
Mr. Murphy can see you're a smart cookie, and he hopes everyone will follow your lead, no matter their age or their cat's age, so their cat doesn't end up alone, shuddering in a scary shelter if something unexpected should happen to you. People often think that someone will take care of their cat but, believe me, most of the time they end up in a shelter and are put to death. More than 500,000 pets are killed in shelters and veterinary offices each year after their owners die. If everyone was as smart as you, they'll plan ahead and their cat will be well cared for. Mr. Murphy is none too
happy to know that some people mistakenly think cats can easily cope with being alone because they are normally not high maintenance animals. Mr. Murphy says: “Bull kitty!” Cats become very attached to their parents and revel in the affection they come to rely upon for their security and happiness. Cats suddenly left without their attached humans suffer, becoming despondent and in some cases they stop eating and drinking water because they are so sad, disoriented and, of course, miserable in the frightening environment of a shelter. Mr. Murphy recommends you put together a “Cat Care Kit” in addition to making sure your cat is provided for in your will, specifically stating who should care for him or her. This would include things like:

- Emergency contact person
- Inoculation records
- Recurring medical conditions
- Medications to be taken regularly
- Spay/neuter certificate
- Favorite food, amounts
- Clothing with your smell on it the cat can sleep with

And please be sure your cats are microchipped!! Moms and Dads, a good idea even would be to carry cards in your wallets right behind your drivers license stating how many pets are at your address and listing phone numbers for two emergency contact persons. (P.S. The Humane Society of the U.S. offers a free kit that helps you evaluate your cat's future without you. It includes a 6-page fact sheet, caregiver forms and more. Contact them at (202) 452-1100 or via email at petsinwillsrp@hsus.org.)