The BC SPCA is reminding the public about the importance of estate planning for your pets after the Society took seven cats into care when their owner passed away.
“The guardian of these cats did everything right while they were in the hospital to ensure the animals were taken care of,” says Eileen Drever, BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholder relations. “Sadly, the guardian did not come home, 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 caring for the cats reached out to the BC SPCA to surrender them. “These kinds of surrenders happen more often than people realize,” says 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.”
Drever adds, “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 are that they are loving the attention and all the pets they are getting. “Everyone expected the cats to be fearful when they came in,” says 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 they opened the door and then he immediately strutted out and flopped over for pets. “He is always checking in on the other cats in the group,” says 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,” says 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.