I am terminally ill... what should happen to m cat when I die?

Question

My cat, lovely as she is, seems to be very negative towards everyone else. She is very timid. Family and friends have said she wouldn't survive my death and she would have to be put down. This seems rather wrong, its not her fault that I'm ill. Mum wants her to be buried with me, I want her to live her natural life. What is your view?

Thankyou for those that have answered. I live in Brisbane Australia,and any answer from "elsewhere" is still very much appreciated, especially those who were wantin to adopt her. Cat lovers are very special people.

Answer 1

I am so sorry that you are terminally ill but what a beautiful person you are to be so concerned about your loved one. I am disgusted that anyone would think to put down your cat just because you have passed on. Would they put down your husband, child or loved one if they had difficulty in dealing with your passing??? I think not. I am not sure where you are located but I will assume it is America, I live in Australia here we have the RSPCA, which is an organisation similar to one you have there (I think its called the SPCA), you can leave an amount of money in your will that will make your pet a legacy pet I am not sure of the amount. However your cat will live at a special house and be with other pets in a similar situation and most importantly it will be loved and live out its natural life with people who understand the grieving process that our pets go through. There are also numerous cat societies who can probably offer you guidance and assistance. I wish you well for what remains of your life and I am sure you will do the right thing by your beloved cat.

Answer 2

Sorry to hear of your ill-health. I believe that your cat is very protective of you because she knows you are not well, which is probably the reason for her apparent negativity to others.
I would try and find someone who would want to give her a loving home after you pass on and have that person interact with you and the cat as much as possible so the cat is re-assured that you agree with this person.
If you don't want your cat put down and buried with you, then don't, I just urge you to be sure the cat won't be abused by your family or anyone else if you insist the cat lives.
Stay positive and I would also like to suggest a book for you to read called "The Journey" by Brandon Bays, it may help with your illness.

Answer 3

I am so sorry to hear about your illness. It is important, especially to you, that your cat be taken care of. If there is a way, try to find someone, hopefully friend or family member(someone who is willing to take your cat in), who can come and stay with you for a few hours a day, let your cat get used to them. Keep this up, if you have to you might have to let this person take the cat before you pass on. In any case make sure that there are plenty of your things that will go with the cat to his/her new home. Cats are territorial, not like dogs (dogs are people animals, they go where their people go, cats prefer to stay in their own territory). So the more things of yours that can go with the cat the better. I wish you the best of luck and hope that you can find someone. It will ease your mind knowing that your cat will be taken care of after you're gone.
One more thing. In all the years that I have had cats as companions, they have all been rescues and have had their "issues", but after a while they all adapted, I'm sure yours will too.
Blessings to you.

Answer 4

I am sorry to hear you are terminally ill! I too, think your cat deserves to continue with her life. Perhaps, since you also live in Australia, you should e mail Princess Kitty, and get more info on the RSPCA there. I am sure that knowing our cat will be well taken care of will put your mind at ease on that score. It is wonderful that, given your condition, you are so concerned about your kitties eventual fate. I am sure you already have a number of people praying for you, but maybe an extra prayer from South Africa won't come amiss. God Bless you.

Answer 5

My view is that if it's anyone's choice it's yours.

I have spoken to a couple of people in your position who insist that their cat is buried with them because s/he can't possibly survive with another owner. I can't really say too much to them given the circumstances, but it does make me angry that a healthy animal has to die.

Although I can't lay claim to knowing the animal in question, cats are generally independent and will manage with another owner. Of course may do experience depression after the loss of a companion, cat or human, but I don't think that's any reason for them to die.

I'm with you on this one. If your mum doesn't want to look after the cat when you're gone I suppose that's fair enough, but perhaps other arrangements can be made? Anyway, it's your choice. I hope you can come to an arrangement that you both feel happy with.

God bless,
Chalice

Answer 6

First of all, I'm sorry to hear that you are so ill. But it's sweet that you are concerned about your cat's life after your own death. I wouldn't have the cat put to death or buried when I died...rather, I'd let her stay with a friend or family member who had a large yard in the country, if at all possible. That way, even if she didn't like the company, she'd have plenty of space to wander and play.

Answer 7

So sorry about your illness!
I live in Australia too (SA)
My best suggestion if no family will take her...is to put her into a forever cat home. The animal welfare over here have a cat retirement home for animals where the owner cant look after them any more. They have to be 8 years + i think...

http://www.animalwelfare.com.au/Services/Catretirement/tabid/68/Default.aspx

How old is your cat?

There must be other places like this around!!

People underestimate animals all the time...she probably would be fine! if someone is willing to have her when you pass the best idea is to have them be more involved in her life, so that it won't be such a big shock.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I am sorry to hear your horribile news, God be with you. I think that your cat will adjust to a family member that understands her or him. It will take maybe a month at most. the cat must be kept inside. I think it should always be nside. It is like a wild cat caught, they will trust one person after time. Not kids., God Bless you. I pray that a miracle for you will happen and you won't be ill anymore. Mother Mary give you this please. Amen. P.S. I live on the southern tip of lake Michigan, In America, If I could care for your baby, I would, because I understand your baby.Talk to the vet because sometimes they get and feel for their patients, the amimals, and sometimes take them in or find a suitabile home for them. Let your baby live. God bless you, Felix, you will be in my prayers and many others prayers too as I ask and tell them about your concern.

Answer 9

I am in Australia.
I really think you should speak with Cat Rescue Qld. They are a cat shelter with a no-kill policy - very good people. They could help as a last resort but it might be a better idea to start speaking with them now so they can give you the assurance you need now, get to know your cat and have plenty of time to find the perfect match with your approval.

Go here: http://www.catrescue-qld.com

I hope they can help. You cat does deserve to live and be given the chance to love for the rest of its natural life.

Answer 10

I'm really sorry you are ill. Nobody has the right to decide she must die when you pass, I think that's just wrong, and am sure someone would be willing to let her live out her years. I'm with you on this totally, your mum clearly is not thinking straight. Negative behaviours by your cat to other people can be overcome.