One of my biggest worries...

Isn't there anyone in your senior citizens building that would want them and take care of them? Or, do you have a no kill shelter nearby? Maybe you can make arrangements with them for their care in case something happens. I know my one daughter would take my cat if I had one, even though she already has 3. My other daughter has a large dog so that is out.

I feel sad after reading your post. I love pets and the way you describe your situation touched me. I can feel how you love your pets and how much you are worried if unexpected things happen. But I am sure you can ask your kids to keep them for the meantime- or maybe call pet houses (if there's any) to take care of them.

You are very kind hearted person till you care more about your cat instead of your health. I think it will be their luck if you are not around with them anymore. They will try their best to get food for themselves. You don't need to worry about them. Otherwise, you can sent them to the animal care center to take care of them when you going to hospital for long medical treatment. When you out, you can take them back. Actually I see there's a problem with cat when we use to feed them with cat's food sold at the market. They will only prefer to eat this food instead of other things. So, if we don't have the food we use to feed them, they won't eat other food. So, here the cat became nonindependent. If we use to give them fish and meat or anything that we eat, then this cat will be able to eat anything and it can be independent when we are not around them.

For a hospital stay, your kids should be able to care for the cats for the duration. In the event of your demise, however, you really need to find someone who is willing to take them on and can be trusted to give them a forever home; it would be good to do that now and spell things out in your will. Perhaps, you have a neighbor you are friendly with? Or, if you own your home and one of your children is inheriting it, there wouldn't be an issue with keeping the cats? If all else fails, there are animal sanctuaries that do keep animals for the duration of their lives. However, you really must vet the places well, and it would be good to include the sanctuary in your will--leaving a portion of your estate to help the sanctuary continue operating.

I think this is a valid concern and while some may find it a bit shallow, we pet owners know that this is something to be taken seriously. You should probably seriously consider talking to someone who would be willing to take your pets in case such an event happened. But if it's a hospital stay for a short period, you can also board them. Though it can get expensive if it's a long time. Some however do give discounts. I suggest you talk to your kids about this again and go through what options you have. You can also talk to your vet as him sure he or she will have some good recommendations on what to do.

I feel for you because I have a cat too, I've taken care of him since he was very little. He's actually my sister in-law's pet but I don't know why he keeps on going to me more than to my sister in-law (we lived with her before). It was as if he was telling me that he prefers to be with me. So he was given to me and I took care of him since then. Time came when me and my husband moved to another house and left him to my sister in-law. She called after a few days telling us that the cat won't eat anything it's as if he was on hunger strike. My sister in-law was worried he would die of hunger so we decided to get him back. He started eating when he saw us again. That's how attached he is to us. I understand your worry, the cats will surely miss you when that happens. Even when you find a shelter or another person to take care of them it won't be the same for them. They're like our children too you know..

I have one cat. Shes very sweet and lazy. The main problem with her is she claws wood. When I was dating the last guy I told him if something happened to me he needed to take my cat because he adored her. He said he would. We arent together anymore so I dont know what will happen to my cat if something should happen to me. Being a widow though I worry about my kids a lot more then my cat.

Hi cyryhnny, I too sometimes worry about my two cats as I have also spoiled them as well. I can understand your concern, since there is no one to care for them. Is there an SPCA in your area? Blessings.

Could you hire someone to come in once a day to clean the letterbox and refresh their food and water. It would be nice if that person likes cats and would give them some affection. Actually, cats are usually pretty independent. They'll get along fine for a few days. Be prepared to be snubbed for a day or two when you return. They'll get over it.

Hi Ctryhnny. Why worry when you are sick or passed on? God has control of all aspects of this world! Does the fowls of the earth wonder where their next meal will come from? No and why is that? God feeds them! I am sure that one of your children will step in and do what they can for your precious cats. When you pass on believe me this world and the things in this world will be the last thing you will be thinking of! When you are standing at Heaven's gates you will not be thinking of what you have left behind on this earth. Leave all your problems in Gods hands HE will lead you and direct you in the right direction.

Quite a few years ago I read of a place here in Western Ma. or northern Ct. that will take care of your cat if you die. It was a very nice place but rather expensive. You have to make provisions in your will leaving them X amount of money, depending on how many cats, if they have medical issues, etc. They would, they said, abide by your wishes to either keep the cat for life or try to adopt it out. If there was more than one they could stay together, or not. Whatever you wished. I can't remember what the name of it was. They were located in a rural area, I seem to remember woods and a facility for cats that were sick, to keep them separate from the healthy ones. It was quite interesting but, like I said , expensive. California has the National Cat Protection Society. They take in owner-relinquished cats from everywhere. Their site is www.natcat.org but I can't locate the one in Ma/Ct. The Humane Society offers a free kit to help you evaluate your pets' future should you die. Here's a site that provides a link to information: http://www.catster.com/answers/question/what_to_do_with_your_cat_when_you_die-38325 As for you becoming ill/hospitalized, I would call local no-kill shelters and see if they could recommend a reputable person to look after them. When my mother went in the nursing home I took care of her cat at her house and while I was there I turned him into an indoors only cat. Then, when it became obvious that she wouldn't be going home again, I brought him to my house. I couldn't keep him with my other cats but I live in a finished Cape style house so I keep him on the second floor. He has windows and everything he needs and is very happy. He's quite old, but very healthy. We don't know how old though. He was a stray when she took him in years ago. My fear is that when he passes on I will lose the last connection I have with my mother.

I had the same thing with my little dog.. when I had a heart attack last year. I had a friend come over and take care of my little tootsie. maybe you can train a kid who lives near you. Once they get to know your animals they can take car eof them for you... incase of an emergency or trip. Good luck there.