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Cat Forum / General Topics / July 2003What to do with my babies when gone (Permanently).
I have never seen this subject discussed in these groups but it is a subject that is on my mind and was just wondering what other people opinions were. I am 59 and have 2 babies that I took in. I have one that was a stray and now is a one person cat (Mine) that will associate with no one else. She is about 4 / 5 years old. The other one is about 10 months old (Margie) that I got from the Humane Society as company for Kitty. I worry about what will become of them when I am no longer here or able to care for them. I have them so spoiled that they can basically do what they want, when there want, where they want as long as the stay off the stove (Which they have learned - do not want them to get burned). Margie even likes to jump into the frig and lay when I open it on these hot days and I try to keep a bare spot for her. My four kids said they will not take them and my ex said she will but she is the same age as me and is not real wild about cats. The last one she had was lucky to get it's litter box cleaned once a week and I usually did it when I went over there (She did not have time to according to her). Anyway what I am strongly thinking about is putting in my will or whatever that they be put to sleep when I go. I know that may sound awful but I do not want the kids to end up taking them to the dog pound even though it is called the Animal Care Center here (HUH). Even if my ex takes them when she is not here then what will become of them. Believe it or not this is on my mind a lot lately because I have been having a few health problems lately. One last note: The humane society will take Margie back anytime since I got her there but they have so many cats that they have been putting most of them down because they can not get rid of them. Opinion please? Post to the news groups please. TIA | I have never seen this subject discussed in these groups but it is a | subject that is on my mind and was just wondering what other people [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] | | Opinion please? Post to the news groups please. First off...you are only 59. Average age for humans is now 80! Average age for cats is only 16. That give you about another 20 or more years to worry about two cats who will probably not live that long. Secondly...if you are experiencing health problems that make you worry about your mortality, have you seen a doctor? Get yourself checked out. It may be something that is treatable and curable. You did not specify what the health problems are.... Your kids will not take the cats and your ex is not crazy about them. What about friends or other family members? There must be someone else who can and will be happy to take your kitties in the unfortunate instance of your early passing. If your health is that much of a concern, then I would start looking around now for someone who is willing to step in and adopt these kitties. I see no need to put down happy, healthy and well-adjusted cats. Find someone who will come in once or twice a week to be with them and get to know them. Your cats can and will get accustomed to another human presence. They will learn that there are more people in the world to trust than just one. Whatever your health problems are, I wish you the best. I hope you can find the help that you need, both for your health issues and for your kitties. -- Hugs, Lynn sewfinefashions@shawCLOTHES.ca *strip CLOTHES to reply* >First off...you are only 59. Average age for humans is now 80! Average age for cats is >only 16. That give you about another 20 or more years to worry about two cats who will >probably not live that long. But then I have a 17 year old male, he is going to set the record for the oldest cat on earth. >Secondly...if you are experiencing health problems that make you worry about your >mortality, have you seen a doctor? Get yourself checked out. It may be something that is >treatable and curable. You did not specify what the health problems are.... And you can be in pefect health and get hit by a bus tomorrow and die. >Whatever your health problems are, I wish you the best. I hope you can find the help that >you need, both for your health issues and for your kitties. I would point out health is a relative thing. At my age i've known too many people who have already died. Death and taxes are inevitable. I've known too many who never smoked or drank a day in their lives and were dead in their 40s. On the other hand I've known people who drank and smoked alot and lived into their 90s. As far as pets, so far none of them had pets to take care of when they died. BTW, my cats are going to be all set anyways because when I die Duncan McLeod is going to appear and reassure them that their owner is immortal..... -------------------------------------------- To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. >My four kids said they will not take them and my ex said she will but >she is the same age as me and is not real wild about cats. The last >one she had was lucky to get it's litter box cleaned once a week and I >usually did it when I went over there (She did not have time to >according to her). My wife and I put something in our wills leaving a portion of our estate for the care of our cats and that the cats be allowed to reamain in the house for the duration of their lives. As far as who would feed them, love them, etc. we are still trying to figure that part out. This came about because a number of years ago my nephew was compaining about people who left their estate to their pets. So guess what? My wife and I made sure to do just that. The bulk of the estate goes to a our neices/nephews who are now about 1 years old, a portion is set aside for the cats. When I die (lets face facts, we are all going to die, it's just a question of when) I'm not going to put any of my cats to sleep. -------------------------------------------- To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. > When I die (lets face facts, we are all going to > die, it's just a question of when) I'm not going to > put any of my cats to sleep. Me neither! Not meaning to be maudlin however, I have outlived one cat, and expect I'll outlive a number more. They'll all be creamated, and I expect to be as well. I don't want to sound crazy, but I'd like to have their ashes mixed with mine. Ok, I'm crazy, I don't care! :P Is there any kind of law in the US that would prevent this from happening? Dee >Me neither! Not meaning to be maudlin however, I have outlived one cat, >and expect I'll outlive a number more. They'll all be creamated, and I >expect to be as well. I don't want to sound crazy, but I'd like to have >their ashes mixed with mine. Ok, I'm crazy, I don't care! :P Is there any >kind of law in the US that would prevent this from happening? My understanding is that when they creamate you they do a number of bodies at one time and that you actually don't know whose ashes you really have. As far as having your ashes mixed, if the funeral home won't do it you could always have a family member bring the ashes home and do it there. Any law against it? You would have to ask a lawyer. I'm not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV. -------------------------------------------- To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. > My understanding is that when they creamate you they do > a number of bodies at one time and that you actually don't > know whose ashes you really have. LOL! Who is this "they" that's creamating bunches of people together?? Dee >LOL! Who is this "they" that's creamating bunches of people together?? My understanding is they only fire up the crematorium when there are a few bodies to do. -------------------------------------------- To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. >I'd like to have >their ashes mixed with mine. Ok, >I'm crazy, I don't care! :P Is there any >kind of law in the US that would prevent this from happening? I can't vouch for the ethics of any particular funeral home/crematorium, but I don't believe they will cremate cats & people together. As a former vet assistant, I can tell you that an owner can request individual cremation or the cheaper group cremation for their cats. I don't know if there are facilities who will return ashes to the owner. If so, then a designated person could, perhaps, mix the two. > >I'd like to have > >their ashes mixed with mine. Ok, >I'm crazy, I don't care! :P Is there any > >kind of law in the US that would prevent this from happening? > > I can't vouch for the ethics of any particular funeral home/crematorium, but I > don't believe they will cremate cats & people together. Oh noooooo! I wouldn't think so either, and I don't expect any cats I might have at the time to pile up and die of grief when I do :) As well, I expect to outlive the majority of them as, they sadly enough, don't have the life span that I expect may be left to me. As a former vet > assistant, I can tell you that an owner can request individual cremation or the > cheaper group cremation for their cats. Exactly what I'm speaking of. My Sunny was cremated individually, and so will any other cats who pass in my keeping be. > I don't know if there are facilities who will return ashes to the owner. Sure. That's why you pay extra to have the cat cremated individually, because you want his or her ashes back. Every veterinarian facility I've ever dealt with provides this service. If so, then a designated person could, perhaps, mix the two. That's the plan! Dee <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> <blockquote TYPE=CITE>>I can't vouch for the ethics of any particular funeral home/crematorium, but I <br>don't believe they will cremate cats & people together. As a former vet <br>assistant, I can tell you that an owner can request individual cremation or the <br>cheaper group cremation for their cats. I don't know if there are facilities <br>who will return ashes to the owner. If so, then a designated person could, <br>perhaps, mix the two.</blockquote> I paid the extra bucks to have the individual cremation for Victor and Issac. <br>They are both sitting on top of my TV. Once you have the ashes in your <br>possesion you can pretty much do what you want with them as long <br>as you don't break any littering or pollution laws. <p>Steve <br> <p>-- <br>To Reply take out the NO NO's <br> </html <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> <blockquote TYPE=CITE>On Wed, 25 Jun 2003, NickKnight wrote: <p>> When I die (lets face facts, we are all going to <br>> die, it's just a question of when) I'm not going to <br>> put any of my cats to sleep. <p>Me neither! Not meaning to be maudlin however, I have outlived one cat, <br>and expect I'll outlive a number more. They'll all be creamated, and I <br>expect to be as well. I don't want to sound crazy, but I'd like to have <br>their ashes mixed with mine. Ok, I'm crazy, I don't care! :P Is there any <br>kind of law in the US that would prevent this from happening? <p>Dee</blockquote> "Damn! The cat just knocked over the table that had the urns <br>of Aunt Dee and h0p's ashes in them! Get the vacuum, we've <br>got to clean this mess up." :-0 <p>Steve <p>-- <br>To Reply take out the NO NO's <br> </html Sorry to hear about you not being too well, and I do feel with you about your concern. I have had these feelings too. Can you write in your will where you want to have them (a good place of course) and also leave the money for them to be looked after? It's hard, but I think you have to come to terms with the fact that these have to be your last pets. And a word of encouragement: It usually takes *years* to pass away, so I guess you will be able to have many more good hours with your cats left. Enjoy them! And... look after yourself! Carola | I have never seen this subject discussed in these groups but it is a | subject that is on my mind and was just wondering what other people [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] | | TIA > It's hard, but I think you have to come to terms with the fact that these > have to be your last pets. Why? I don't recall that the original poster said he was ill. He's only 59! I intend to have animal companions with me 'til I keel over, and will obviously make arrangements in advance for their care afterwards. Dee >It's hard, but I think you have to come to terms with the fact that these >have to be your last pets. Not necessarily. My uncle said that when he was in his 50s, he is now 84. They've also found one of the best therapies for elderly who are ill is to have a pet. >And a word of encouragement: It usually takes *years* to pass away, so I >guess you will be able to have many more good hours with your cats left. >Enjoy them! And... look after yourself! And you could be hit by a bus tomorrow and die. Or they could say you have a terminal illiness and give you six months to live, and you end up living 20 years. When it comes to when you will die, it's all a guessing game. Too much depends on your will to live and ohter factors. I've had relatives who were given less than a yaer, but they decide, "Dog gone it....i'm going to stick around to see my Grandson graduate from Hight school in 7 years" and by golly they do. Death is not an exact science, the only thing certain, you will die. It's just a question of when. -------------------------------------------- To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. >I have never seen this subject discussed in these groups but it is a >subject that is on my mind and was just wondering what other people [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >I worry about what will become of them when I am no longer here or >able to care for them. I think that's a valid concern and you are wise to address it. One elderly gentleman who adopted from us actually made arrangements with someone suitable who loved the cat to agree to adopt it when he passed. He also left $10,000 in a trust fund to be dispersed for the cats expenses and care, I believe it was over a 10 year period. Sherry > I have never seen this subject discussed in these groups but it is a > subject that is on my mind and was just wondering what other people [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > My four kids said they will not take them That's pretty shitty, IMO. >and my ex said she will but > she is the same age as me and is not real wild about cats. The last [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Anyway what I am strongly thinking about is putting in my will or > whatever that they be put to sleep when I go. Oh, God, please don't. At least let them have a chance at being rehomed. >I know that may sound > awful but I do not want the kids to end up taking them to the dog > pound even though it is called the Animal Care Center here (HUH). There is something seriously wrong with your kids if they would take your beloved pets to the pound after your death. I hope to God you don't leave them a freaking penny, if that's their attitude. > Even if my ex takes them when she is not here then what will become of > them. Believe it or not this is on my mind a lot lately because I [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Opinion please? Post to the news groups please. Well, you asked. Please make arrangements for your cats to be rehomed after your death - NOW - and don't leave the issue up to your children. My Mom died suddenly and she had four cats - one of whom was semi-feral. We rehomed all four successfully - two with strangers (even the feral) and two with family members. It can be done, regardless of how poorly you suspect your cat will adapt. Cats are more resilient than you think. I'm only 40, and I have a will that has specific arrangements for all of my pets. My husband is allergic to cats, so they must be rehomed elsewhere, or he will need to hire help to care for them. While the thought of them ending up in a strange home alarms me (my cats are 11 and 12), it is certainly better than death in a shelter. -L. >I have never seen this subject discussed in these groups but it is a >subject that is on my mind and was just wondering what other people >opinions were. > >I am 59 and have 2 babies that I took in. <snip> I have a bigger and more pressing problem: I'm 60 and in poor health. And twelve cats, most quite young. The current plan is to find a new wife - the current candidate is in much better health and is known to like cats (she has three). The backup plan is to set up a trust in my will that would allow someone selected by the trustee to live in my home rent free as long as any of the cats lived, and would provide for their food and vet bills, and pay the taxes and insurance. Of course, I own my home and 6+ acres outright, and rental property to provide the income to pay the bills. The only problem I see with this is if I wind up in a nursing home long enough to deplete my liquid assets and require selling the rental property. T.E.D. (tdavis@gearbox.maem.umr.edu - e-mail must contain "T.E.D." or my .sig in the body) Ted Davis <tdavis@gearbox.maem.umr.edu> wrote in message > I have a bigger and more pressing problem: I'm 60 and in poor health. > And twelve cats, most quite young. > > The current plan is to find a new wife - the current candidate is in > much better health and is known to like cats (she has three). LOL However, I can see how it would work for the cats, finding a person equally committed to them, and being in a position to provide the financial wherewithall to see to it the cats can be provided for properly. The > backup plan is to set up a trust in my will that would allow someone > selected by the trustee to live in my home rent free as long as any of > the cats lived, and would provide for their food and vet bills, and > pay the taxes and insurance. Nice to be able to do that, though------------ you do have to have someone truly committed, and caring, to find a truly appropriate person to give the type of care you expect, as opposed to a "scam". Everyone has to evaluate their own situations. What is truly available to them. And, consider the nature of the cats we are talking about. Mine, have lived a sheltered life, with me, and at age 12, they are terrible candidates for adoption. They wouldn't be adopted where I live, and I would NEVER put them in a position to be in a shelter -- even a "no-kill" if it was (which it isn't in this area) available. If something happened to me, the best thing that could be for them, would be that they be taken to the vet, and allowed to join me. We would be happy for eternity together. Leaving them without that provision would leave them to the hell that they might, even accidentally, be released, to an outdoors that is only FRIGHTENING to them, or that they would be taken to a shelter where they would be petrified, etc..... We don't have enough homes where I am for kits, or I would never have had the 6 I've had.... For each person, circumstances are different. And, different cats adapt to change differently. I know mine. You know yours. And we all make our plans as is in their best interest. >If something happened to me, the best thing that could >be for them, would be that they be taken to the vet, [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >them, or that they would be taken to a shelter where >they would be petrified, etc..... Mine have their own lives to lead, and since they are completely free, they lead them mostly outdoors, at least in good weather - they are not feral, but they are free. T.E.D. (tdavis@gearbox.maem.umr.edu) SPAM filter: Messages to this address *must* contain "T.E.D." somewhere in the body or they will be automatically rejected. tdavis@gearboxmaem.umr.edu has this (silly thing) to say: >Mine have their own lives to lead, and since they are completely free, >they lead them mostly outdoors, at least in good weather - they are >not feral, but they are free. Did you educate yourself at all in the matter of what happens to pets who are allowed to roam outdoors? Unless you live away from any dangers, there are: cars that can run them over (injuring/killing them), dogs/wild animals (injuring/maiming/killing them), leaking car antifreeze/coolant or other poisons (causing an agonizing death), cruel people (who can abduct/injure/kill them). Almost every "Emergency Vets"/Animal Planet program shows one or more injured cats who were allowed to roam outside...some die. Cats can't determine the difference between red & green lights nor do they look both ways before crossing. Cats don't carry mace or handguns to defend themselves either. > tdavis@gearboxmaem.umr.edu has this (silly thing) to say: > >Mine have their own lives to lead, and since they are completely free, [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > the difference between red & green lights nor do they look both ways before > crossing. Cats don't carry mace or handguns to defend themselves either. Did you miss the bit about 6+ acres? If you choose to keep YOUR pets indoors that's YOUR choice. Others shouldn't be jumped on for having differing views from your own. Life isn't safe, it isn't perfect...for any living being. I don't carry mace or a handgun to defend myself. >Did you miss the bit about 6+ acres? If you choose to keep YOUR >pets indoors that's YOUR choice. Others >shouldn't be jumped on for having differing views >from your own. Life isn't safe, it isn't perfect...for any living being. I >don't carry mace or a handgun to defend myself. Comparing yourself to a cat/dog now? Most people, not all, can: read & write, deduce the safety/danger of crossing the street, discern the difference between red & green lights, call 911 or look for a policeman if danger is near, etc. As I posted more than 50 times before (along w/scores of others)...every single episode of Emergency Vets on Animal Planet shows an injured or dying cat who was allowed to roam outdoors and who encountered a car, poison and/or a wild animal. The prevailing attitude in the USA is to keep animal inside, especially in cities..outside of the USA, the opinion is to allow the cat to roam outdoors. > >Did you miss the bit about 6+ acres? If you choose to keep YOUR >pets indoors > that's YOUR choice. Others >shouldn't be jumped on for having differing views > >from your own. Life isn't safe, it isn't perfect...for any living being. I > >don't carry mace or a handgun to defend myself. > > Comparing yourself to a cat/dog now? No, I'm not but I didn't bring it up first. Where *I* live the main danger to a cat would be getting hit by a car. Carrying mace or a handgun wouldn't help a cat or a human, would it? Most people, not all, can: read & write, Can you? You still haven't addressed the issue of 6+ acres. deduce the safety/danger of crossing the street, discern the difference between > red & green lights, call 911 or look for a policeman if danger is near, etc. > As I posted more than 50 times before (along w/scores of others)...every single [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > especially in cities..outside of the USA, the opinion is to allow the cat to > roam outdoors. I don't live in the US, I don't live in a city, I don't live in the country, I live in a town. I live on a residential housing estate. I'm not saying that there aren't any dangers because there are, just like there are dangers present in your home. Some people put themselves and their pets at a greater risk of perishing in a fire because they live in a high rise block. That risk is much less for the person on the ground floor who has a catflap and windows to jump out of. Life is risky..for everyone and everything. Have your opinions and beliefs, but do you hear me pushing my beliefs down your throat? I just asked what I thought was a simple qestion about my babies and look what it has led too!!! May I suggest a trip to the library and a few books on positive thinking? Ye gods! you are only 59. I'll predict a long, long life and many cats for you. MLB > I just asked what I thought was a simple qestion about my babies and > look what it has led too!!! >As I posted more than 50 times before (along w/scores of others)...every single >episode of Emergency Vets on Animal Planet shows an injured or dying cat who >was allowed to roam outdoors and who encountered a car, poison and/or a wild >animal. I would point out that for all the dangers outside there are dangers inside too. Several years ago I took a cat in on an emergency basis when it's former owner somehow broke the cats rear legs. The cat was an indoor cat and we still to this day have no idea how he did it. Maybe he dropped a table on the cat? -------------------------------------------- To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. >tdavis@gearboxmaem.umr.edu has this (silly thing) to say: >>Mine have their own lives to lead, and since they are completely free, [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >the difference between red & green lights nor do they look both ways before >crossing. Cats don't carry mace or handguns to defend themselves either. My $0.02 <rant on/> My cats are also indoor/outdoor cats. They go out in the morning come in late in the afternoon when its hot. They do not wander far from home(They know where the best deal is). I will take my chances with the traffic since they do not go out the front door on the street. They are happier and, I believe healthier because of the exercise they get outside( climbing trees, getting on my neighbor's roof to chase birds, climbing up and down the stairs to get a drink of water, etc.) As for defense they have their sharp claws and teeth. They also stick up for each other. <rant off/ >tdavis@gearboxmaem.umr.edu has this (silly thing) to say: >>Mine have their own lives to lead, and since they are completely free, [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >the difference between red & green lights nor do they look both ways before >crossing. Cats don't carry mace or handguns to defend themselves either. Ted, like me, lives in a very rural setting. He's described it and posted enough photos, there is no need for you to "assume" it's unsafe for his cats. Save your lectures, please. Sherry > >If something happened to me, the best thing that could > >be for them, would be that they be taken to the vet, > >and allowed to join me. I'll tell you, I can't possibly believe that that's true for a couple of reasons. 1. I have been *extremely* ill in the past and never wanted to die. I can't believe that, given the ability to comprehend the option, your cats would choose to die just because you had. 2. I've seen cats adapt to *alot* of different situations. Sure, it might take a while, but they will adapt...and probably would be happy to be with their own kind, as is natural for cats. Dee <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> <blockquote TYPE=CITE>> >If something happened to me, the best thing that could <br>> >be for them, would be that they be taken to the vet, <br>> >and allowed to join me. <p>I'll tell you, I can't possibly believe that that's true for a couple of <br>reasons. 1. I have been *extremely* ill in the past and never wanted to <br>die. I can't believe that, given the ability to comprehend the option, <br>your cats would choose to die just because you had. 2. I've seen cats <br>adapt to *alot* of different situations. Sure, it might take a while, but <br>they will adapt...and probably would be happy to be with their own kind, <br>as is natural for cats. <p>Dee</blockquote> <p><br>Preach on Sister! When my Dad passed away my Mom didn't take <br>my sisters and I to the doctor and have us put to sleep! You don't <br>punish the cats because the Grim Reaper comes knocking on your <br>door! The cats will greve just as humans do. But, like humans, they <br>will get over it and be happy in another home. Sheesh! <p>I am now turning off my bitch mode. <p>Steve <br> <p>-- <br>To Reply take out the NO NO's <br> </html They ARE with their "own kind" -- there are six of them, well 4 now, after losing 2 to cancer. And they think *I* am their "own kind". *I've* taken care of them for 12 years, and *I* know how they respond, what makes them happy, what scares them. *I* know what is, and isn't available for them were something to happen to me. NO, I would never leave them unprovided for. And what I've chosen is right for THEM. > > >If something happened to me, the best thing that could > > >be for them, would be that they be taken to the vet, [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Dee >NO, I would never leave them >unprovided for. Since you plan on having them killed there really isn't anything to provide other than a lethal injection is there? >And what I've chosen is right for THEM. This is the biggest crock of sh.t I've heard in awhile. The *right* choice for them would be to make provisions ahead of time so they will be found a good home in case of your demise. This is really about you and you wanting to satisfy your own selfish desires. If you truly had the cat's best interest at heart you wouldn't have them killed. You just can't bear to think that anyone else could take care of your cats as well as you can or that your cats would adjust well to a new life, which they would. The reality is that there are people out there that can take care of them as well or better than you. For you to deny your cats life because of your own selfish desires is more heinous than a.sholes that dump their deceased family member's pets at shelters. Megan  Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray You don't have a clue what you are talking about. It was never anything to do with "my desires" though you are simply to quick to jump to saying such things in search for garbage to spew. The situation was dealt with years ago, as to whether there was, or would be, anyone to care for them. All money dedicated to such care if it had been available. There is nothing for them and I will not have them scared, caged, waiting for nothing. There are no no-kill shelters anywhere in a broad range in my state, not that I would subject them to a shelter. I wouldn't. In case you hadn't noticed there aren't anyplace near enough good homes for the existing cats on the planet. I am on their last years now, and highly unlikely I won't outlive them, but no, I would not leave them to finish their lives scared, not understanding, with no real prospects. I know these cats, and how they respond, you don't. & thanks, but I spent a good 3k fighting one's cancer just last year, & currently am fighting severe asthma with another. They were homeless, with no other prospect when I took them in. They don't "die" -- they go on to life eternal. Yes, I'd allow them that before I'd sentence them to be caged, fearful, only to end up with nothing for it. > >NO, I would never leave them > >unprovided for. [quoted text clipped - 40 lines] > > - W.H. Murray I'm sorry for your prediciment. Although it wasn't necessary, you didn't include the whole story. When you declared that you would end their lives when it was your time, people responded. There are a lot of cat lovers in here, but, being a cat lover doesn't make all people candidate for genius of the year or the most tolerant person of all time. <g> I wish you and your cats the best. > You don't have a clue what you are talking about. > It was never anything to do with "my desires" [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > near enough good homes for the existing cats > on the planet. I'm sure Megan knows this probably better than you do. There may be homes available for your cats - you don't know for sure until you give them the opportunity to find out - the opportunity to continue living. Instead, you deny them that opportunity. > I am on their last years now, and > highly unlikely I won't outlive them, but no, > I would not leave them to finish their lives > scared, not understanding, with no real prospects. Well, if you have already made up your mind, why ask for advice? It really isn't too smart to go into a group of cat lovers and say "I'm planning to kill my cats because I'm too selfish to give them any chance they may have in a shelter." (Which is basically what you said.) Many of us work in shelters - kill and no-kill, and yes, we believe that *any* chance is better than none. The brunt of the rescue I do is finding homes for cats whose people have passed away. You may have someone similar in your area, but you won't know unless you call around and find out who does what, in your local rescue community. > I know these cats, and how they respond, you don't. Cats are basically the same. The worse-case scenario is trying to tame and place an aggressive feral - and many in this newsgroup have done so, many times. Your cats aren't *that* unusual, despite how much you insist that they are. > & thanks, but I spent a good 3k fighting one's > cancer just last year, If you knew your time and his time was limited, why go to extremes? Wouldn't it been more humane to euthanize the cat then, so it didn't suffer through cancer treatment? Either that, or make him as comfortable as possible, and let nature take its course? What was the point of treating the disease if you are going to kill him anyway? > & currently am fighting > severe asthma with another. Cats with health problems can, and do, get placed. Asthma is hardly an issue. >They were homeless, > with no other prospect when I took them in. That's immaterial. That doesn't mean they have any less right to live than a cat who was placed at birth. > They don't "die" -- they go on to life eternal. You really are delusional. They die. You may believe in an afterlife, but that doesn't give you the right to kill them when it is convenient for you to do so. > Yes, I'd allow them that before I'd sentence > them to be caged, fearful, only to end up with > nothing for it. In addition to being delusional, you're also psychic, I see. Your cat may be caged for a few days (which won't kill it, believe me), and then placed in a rescue home with someone who specializes in transitioning elderly cats. It may go to a home with a single person who has recently lost their beloved pet - and could be a blessing to them. It could go a number of places, but you're too self-centered to find out what the possibilities might be. Instead, you appoint yourself, judge, jury and executioner, and expect us to give you a pat on the back for doing so. Sorry, Buddy - you are one selfish creep, and you will gain no support here. -L. > Many of us work in shelters - kill and no-kill, and yes, we believe > that *any* chance is better than none. The brunt of the rescue I do [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > -L. As Lyn said, your cats deserve a chance to live. Many that go to shelters unfortunately have to be euthanized -- but that is what you are planning to do, anyway. The more fortunate ones are adopted into loving homes, and you are depriving your cats of that opportunity. I adopted Duffy in February. He is blind, and he had been kept at the shelter since November. He is an example of a cat that the shelter staff tried to give every chance. It breaks my heart to think that he spent more than 2 months there. On the other hand, he is now in a home (mine) where he is dearly loved -- and I guarantee that he will have a wonderful home for the rest of his life, which should be many more years. Please check now with available resources in your community for a way to care for you cats if they survive you -- friends who would adopt them or take the responsibility of finding homes, your veterinarian, no-kill shelters in the area, etc. MaryL Photos of Duffy and Holly (pictorial history of Duffy's integration into our household): Duffy, Part I: The Introduction -- http://tinyurl.com/8y54 Duffy, Part II: Life at Home -- http://tinyurl.com/8y56 > Well, if you have already made up your mind, why ask for advice? I never asked for advice, and you clearly have a problem reading what is actually written, as your post shows time and again -- amongst other things. It > really isn't too smart to go into a group of cat lovers and say "I'm > planning to kill my cats because I'm too selfish to give them any > chance they may have in a shelter." (Which is basically what you > said.) Again you have serious problem reading what is actually written... > Many of us work in shelters - kill and no-kill, and yes, we believe > that *any* chance is better than none. The brunt of the rescue I do > is finding homes for cats whose people have passed away. You may have > someone similar in your area, but you won't know unless you call > around and find out who does what, in your local rescue community. Again, you clearly didn't bother to read what was written... > If you knew your time and his time was limited, why go to extremes? > Wouldn't it been more humane to euthanize the cat then, so it didn't > suffer through cancer treatment? Either that, or make him as > comfortable as possible, and let nature take its course? What was the > point of treating the disease if you are going to kill him anyway? Uh, where did I say my time was limited? And amongst your more than half-dozen other assumptions where did I say he suffered through his treatment? You're sole interest seems to be in expounding -- without reading, without knowledge of the actual facts, inventing things as you go along. >Asthma is hardly > an issue. It's life-threatening. I certainly consider it "an issue" in her life. Desperate for something to say, you arbitrarily declare it nothing. > > They don't "die" -- they go on to life eternal. > > You really are delusional. They die. LOL *snipped the rest of the nonsense* > > Well, if you have already made up your mind, why ask for advice? > > I never asked for advice, You're correct - my mistake. You clearly "know it all". <rolls eyes> > and you clearly > have a problem reading what is actually [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Again you have serious problem reading what is actually written... You have a serious problem understanding what *you* are planning to do. I paraphrased it pretty well, actually. > > Many of us work in shelters - kill and no-kill, and yes, we believe > > that *any* chance is better than none. The brunt of the rescue I do [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Again, you clearly didn't bother to read what was written... No, you clearly don't care what is in the best interest of your cats. You're going to kill them because you're too selfish to give them a chance. It's sickening. > > If you knew your time and his time was limited, why go to extremes? > > Wouldn't it been more humane to euthanize the cat then, so it didn't [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Uh, where did I say my time was limited? You are planning for your own demise, and the cats' demise at your hands - sounds pretty "limited" to me. You already surmised that you go before your cats do. > And amongst your more than half-dozen other assumptions where did > I say he suffered through his treatment? Cancer treatment isn't painfree, dear....regardless of how much you delude yourself that it is. > You're sole interest seems to be in expounding -- without reading, > without knowledge of the actual facts, inventing things as you go along. Your sole interest is killing your cats. > >Asthma is hardly > > an issue. > > It's life-threatening. Not if it is controlled properly. If your vet is unable to control your cats' asthma, you need to seek treatment from another vet, preferably a feline specialist with experience in feline asthma. > I certainly consider it "an issue" > in her life. Desperate for something to say, you arbitrarily > declare it nothing. No, I apparently understand more about asthma than you do. > > > They don't "die" -- they go on to life eternal. > > > > You really are delusional. They die. > > LOL You may think it's funny, but I'm sure your cats do not. -L. > > > Well, if you have already made up your mind, why ask for advice? > > > > I never asked for advice, > > You're correct - my mistake. You clearly "know it all". <rolls eyes> Foolish statement, vapid attempt to cover your own misinformation. >>I paraphrased it pretty well, actually. Paraphrased nothing, you misrepresented it thoroughly. > > > If you knew your time and his time was limited, why go to extremes? > > > Wouldn't it been more humane to euthanize the cat then, so it didn't [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > hands - sounds pretty "limited" to me. You already surmised that you > go before your cats do. Hardly, I said it was highly unlikely. > > And amongst your more than half-dozen other assumptions where did > > I say he suffered through his treatment? > > Cancer treatment isn't painfree, dear....regardless of how much you > delude yourself that it is. Delusion,, is your making blanket statements (solely because your twisted personality demands you make yourself right, though you can't, and aren't) when you don't know the facts -- i.e. type of cancer, when caught, type of treatment. His surface tumors caused him no pain and were removed while his teeth were cleaned. His few stitches never gave him problems. Later, his spleen was removed and he came home, happy to be home, and bounced back immediately. He had 10.5 months of bouncing around happily before his end which I did not prolong. It was known there would be nothing more to be done for him when he became sick. I prepared myself and did what was best for him when that time came. He was very fortunate, hardly the suffering soul you take the liberty of spinning in your fiction. > Your sole interest is killing your cats. You need to see a psychiatrist. > > >Asthma is hardly > > > an issue. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > No, I apparently understand more about asthma than you do. No, you need to stop making blanket statements when you know nothing of the patient. 1% of cats get asthma, 10% of those don't respond to traditonal prednisone etc based therapy. We are on bronchodiators, various inhaled meds, in a controlled living environment, and if it ceases to be stable, which it can at any time, it can take her life at any time, any given day. There are no other treatments once you have reached the inhaled med stage. You declaring it otherwise is totally unsupported by the reality, and experts. Your blanket statements, non-facts, do a dis-service to others. >They don't "die" -- they go on to life eternal. >Yes, I'd allow them that before I'd sentence >them to be caged, fearful, only to end up with >nothing for it. I didn't know there were any practitioners of ancient Egyptian religion still around: there hasn't been a religion since them that officially taught that cats participate in eternal life after death. At least none that I know of, and I have done a lot of studying of various religions. In any case, it is certain that the cats don't believe in it, but they do believe in survival. T.E.D. (tdavis@gearbox.maem.umr.edu - e-mail must contain "T.E.D." or my .sig in the body) > LOL > However, I can see how it would work for the cats, > finding a person equally committed to them, and > being in a position to provide the financial wherewithall > to see to it the cats can be provided for properly. My boyfriend and I, though no longer living together but together for 15 years, have committed to caring for each other's animals should something happen to either of us. We've each made the other the benificiary of our IRA's to help cover costs. It helps alot that we both love them all very much :) Dee > The current plan is to find a new wife - the current candidate is in > much better health and is known to like cats (she has three). The [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > long enough to deplete my liquid assets and require selling the rental > property. Good plans all T.E.D.! Especially the new wife part :) I'm sorry to hear about your health problems, but I get a vibe that tells me you'll live to a ripe old age! Dee p.s. No, I'm not in the habit of using the word "vibe." >I am 59 and have 2 babies that I took in. I have one that was a stray >and now is a one person cat (Mine) that will associate with no one [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >whatever that they be put to sleep when I go. I >have been having a few health problems lately. I hope that your health improves and that you have a long happy life with your kitties. Since you feel that you want to make contingency plans in case you are no longer able to take care of them (and no one else can take them in), you might want to consider this (instead of having the cats put to sleep)...The Humane Societies of New Jersey (and other facilities in the US) offer lifetime care for ex-pets who would not thrive in another home. If you have any funds to divert to the care of your cat, so much the better. Check into that before doing anything else. Good luck. > I have never seen this subject discussed in these groups but it is a > subject that is on my mind and was just wondering what other people [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > > Opinion please? Post to the news groups please. I want to thank you for bringing this up. There were a lot of really good responses. I am only 44 <g> and in reasonably good health so I honestly never thought about it. I am "god mother" to my fathers cats so if he should be unable to care for them for any reason, I am elected to make sure they find a good home. Probably with me, his cats are cool. But even with this, it didn't occur to me that I should make arrangements now. I mean, you never know. My pop isn't an option. He is caring for an invalid wife and really has enough on his hands. I like the idea of getting Sasha a "god parent". Someone I can trust to see that Sasha is taken care of. Someone who would keep a copy of her records and maybe a "sasha likes, sasha hates list". It could be kind of fun. We could have a little ceremony and everything (read party). Thanks for reminding me I should be prepared for this too. Having a "save my cat" sticker for the fire fighters isn't good enough, have to have an after you save them plan too. AG >My pop isn't an option. He is caring for an invalid wife and really >has enough on his hands. Do they like cats? The doctors are now discovering that having a pet is a wonderful tool in the treatment of many medical problems. So much so that some hospitals even have it set up so that a patient can visit with their pets in another section of the hospital. I was in a hospital last year and they had it set up so that my cats could visit with me on Sundays in the front lobby. With medical science alot comes down to the power of the mind and something like pets can do wonders for helping the mind. -------------------------------------------- To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. |
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