How to Care for a Cat When Their Owner Dies

When their owner dies, a pet deals with the same grief everyone else does. Only unlike everyone else, they can't tell you about it. While a small percentage of animals are provided for in case of death in their owner's will, the majority are not. These animals will end up in a shelter unless someone will step in and claim them. While it can be difficult taking in a cat who's despondent and depressed by the loss of their owner, you can help them. You can love them and keep them from ending up alone and scared in a shelter.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food
• Litter box
• Toys
• Treats

How to Bring the Cat Home

1. If it's a situation where you knew the person who died, try to contact someone who will let you take the cat out of the person's home as soon as possible. This may sound obvious, but sometimes animals are alone for some time a week after their owner was taken to the hospital. People stop in to feed them and clean their litter box, but other than that, they are by themselves.

2. Be gentle getting the cat into a carrier and give the cat a chance to sniff you and get used to your presence before attempting to put her in the carrier. Treats are always a good way to help gain the affection of a cat.

3. 

   Make sure you have everything you need; litter box, litter, food and toys before putting the cat into the carrier. Once the cat is in the carrier you want to get her home as quickly as possible. Don't dawdle while you have a nervous, confused cat waiting for you in your car.

How to Get the Cat Used to Her New Home

4. When you arrive home, let her out of the carrier immediately. You can go back out to get what you need after she's in your home.

5. Let him find you. He will want to hide when he's out of the carrier and he will be confused about his new surroundings and his new owner. Make sure he has everything he needs to be comfortable and know that he will come out of hiding to find you eventually.

6. Be available to your new cat. This means being home as much as possible for the first week after you've brought her home. She will still be grieving for her previous owner and be wary of you. Feed her, play with her and do whatever you can to show her that she can trust you.

7. 

   After the first week has passed, things will start to get easier. He's now getting used to his new home and starting to accept you in his life. There will, of course, still be some grief and confusion for the owner who is gone and his old home. But he will come around and love you back.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you're in the best of health, make plans for your pets in your will.
• Ask at your local shelter about the older cats who have come there because their owners have died.

[lilaclady]

on 1/25/2008 Good advice there, the cat I have at the moment is one that was left but luckily it was a neighbours and the cat adopted me.

[grouch]

on 1/4/2008 Oh just the title made me sad to think of it. No one realizes that the crazy cat depends and loves the crazy cat lady as she does it. Thanks for the great ideas for getting these little critters through the tough spots.