B.C. SPCA urges pet owners to put animals in their will

The B.C. SPCA were called in to rescue seven cats after their owner died - now the organization is urging pet owners to include animals in their estate planning.

The B.C. SPCA is encouraging pet owners to consider who will look after their furry companions once they have passed on, after seven cats were recently taken in by rescuers after their owner died.

The cats, comprising three seniors and four adults, had been placed in the care of another guardian while their owner was in hospital, says Eileen Drever, B.C. SPCA spokesperson.

Drever stresses the owner did “everything right” while they were in hospital to ensure the group of cats were taken care of but, sadly, the owner didn’t make it home.

“The seven cats became the responsibility of the person who had been caring for them, as no next of kin could be located,” she says.

The person who had been standing in to care for the cats contacted the SPCA to hand them over, likely unable to take on the unexpected responsibility. It is a situation the organization faces regularly, says Drever.

“These kinds of surrenders happen more often than people realize,” she said.

“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 says she understands it is a “sad and confusing time” for pets when their owners pass and they are forced to relocate, but the organization is “so happy” to be able to step in, “give them the care and love they deserve” and find them a new, forever home.

As for the rescued septet, reports from the animal centre where they are being housed and cared for state that they are “loving all the attention and pets” they are getting from staff, said the SPCA.

Despite their recent loss and relocation, the cats were unexpectedly friendly and warm as they were brought into the facility, said Drever, making a nice change for rescuers and staff who often deal with nervous and frightened pets.

“Everyone expected the cats to be fearful when they came in,” says Drever.

Instead, one purred during the entire intake process, even while it was getting vaccinated and its nails clipped. Another meowed in his crate until staff opened his door, upon which he “immediately strutted out” and “flopped over for pets,” said Drever.

“You can tell from their behaviours that they got lots of love when their person was around,” she said, adding how some of the group were even a tad overweight when they were brought in – a rarity for rescued pets.

After some dental cleaning - four of the seven cats have some dental disease – the cats will be placed on the SPCA’s website and made available for adoption.