Many people don’t like to think about planning in advance for when they are gone, but the BC SPCA has issued a reminder about the importance of estate planning when it comes to your pets.
The society recently took seven cats into care when their owner passed away. Their guardian had gone into hospital, and Eileen Drever, BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholder relations, said the guardian had done everything right to ensure the cats were taken care of while they were hospitalized.
“Sadly, the guardian did not come home,” said Drever, “and the seven cats became the responsibility of the person who had been caring for them, as no next of kin could be located.”
The person who had been caring for the cats reached out to the BC SPCA to surrender them. “These kinds of surrenders happen more often than people realize,” said Drever. “It makes it easier on everyone — the animals, friends, and family — if you have an existing plan in place in the unfortunate case you can no longer care for your pets.
“We understand that this is a sad and confusing time for these pets, but we are so happy to be able to give them the care and love they deserve and to find them a forever home.”
Reports from the animal centre where the cats are currently being cared for indicate that they are loving the attention and all the fuss they are getting. “Everyone expected the cats to be fearful when they came in,” said Drever. “You can tell from their behaviours that they got lots of love when their person was around.”
One of the cats purred during the entire intake process, including vaccination and nail clipping. Another cat meowed in his crate until the door was opened, then immediately strutted out and flopped over for petting. “He is always checking in on the other cats in the group,” said Drever.
Three of the cats are seniors and four are older adults. “All of the cats have been well-loved, and some are a bit overweight,” said Drever. “Four of the seven cats have some dental disease, and the rest will require dental cleaning in the future.” The cats will be featured on the BC SPCA’s website when they become available for adoption.
If you can help these cats, and other animals in the BC SPCA’s care, please visit spca.bc.ca/donations-emergency-rescues/.
