b.q. What provisions can they make in case the human goes to the hospital, but doesn't die? Who will feed the pets for the time being?
At this point, as an older person, I would be afraid to get a cat, as I would like to do.
sophieb
there are older cats for older senior citizens. When getting a pet when you're older you should not get a kitten because they are way too active. But they suggest that an older pet would be for you, however then you have two elders getting sick simultaneously and a lot of worries. My cats lived between 14 and 18 years. Perhaps you have a grandchild that likes pets, can't have one at home, and enjoys visiting you and a pet so then you'd say they would get the pet if something happened to you (you'd not say that to their face, only to write it in your will).
My elderly neighbor years ago got sick and had two cats, the vet took both cats when she went into the nursing home and, well put one to sleep almost immediately and the other one was still healthy so it stuck around for a while but then the vet went bankrupt and went north to live with her family so sold or put to sleep the animals she had on her farm. She didn't come out and say it but I presume the other cat got put to sleep. All I know is that if a cat has a chip and goes to the animal shelter they try to get it a new owner but for any others it's a luck of the draw. Usually when elders are thinking it's time for a nursing home then they give away their nick nacks and things they feel were important to them because things will get lost in the shuffle after they leave the home. Even in a will everything isn't followed according to their directions. So I'd think you'd gage things on your heredity, like if your parents went into dementia by a certain age then you should not have a pet at that age any longer.
The seniors here have a lunch time program and one guy several years ago asked me if I'd come in and get groceries for him because the county put him on a list after he was in the hospital and he couldn't get food. I noticed he had a large dog and found that his neighbors of long time would take the pet, and people from his church would stop by to see if he's ok, and to make sure his pet was fed. So it kind of "takes a city" as they say to help out someone in need.
Snid
Make arrangements with a friend or family member. Our daughter has our instructions pertaining to our dog.
We have a widowed friend who has no close relatives. He has a cockatoo and he has it in his will where Peaches will go when he dies. It's a pet bird sanctuary. Peaches stays there when our friend has to travel, too.
dadnbob
Ask those that you think would take good care of your animal. Then put it in your will that that is where the animal is to go. Nice to give some funds for their care too since vets can be expensive.
Peggy
A few years ago I was rushed into hospital and a long questionnaire was gone through with me. This included asking who else was at home looking after the house. Were there any pets etc. These things were asked so that the hospital could contact appropriate authorities to sort things out had there been no-one who could do so.
In my case I had a husband and daughter at home and they took care of the pets as well but it was great to know that such a system was in place.
Whether this is the case with you I don't know but it would be good for you to find out BEFORE needing such help so that there will be no panic if this happens. You can write instructions stating what you wish to happen to any animals etc. so that, if you die unexpectedly, your wishes will be found but, if you are taken into hospital and unable to discuss this, your instructions will be found and followed until you are well again.
Just ensure that other people are aware of where you intend to leave those instructions. If they are not found other people will make the decisions which suit them.
Anonymous
A cat is an excellent pet for us seniors as there is no walking first thing in the morning, etc. The provision I have made is that I have a dear friend who adores my cat and is willing to take him on. Also, in a worse case scenario - cats are grazers when it comes to dry food. ALWAYS leave plenty of dry food and plenty of water in case of the worst. I would also suggest adopting a cat from SPCA/shelter that is a bit older and not a baby with many needs.
SPCA/Dumb Friends/shelter will ensure the cat is healthy, social, and up to date on shots, and fixed. They usually can help seniors with any questions and I found some shelters provide a goody bag for the cat to get you started on your new relationship. Best wishes on your new love who I know will love you more than you can guess :).