What would happen to your cats if something happened to you?
Do you have a plan for your cats in case they outlive you? JSCR’s Feline Legacy Program gives you peace of mind should you not be able to care for your cat, or if your cat outlives you.
We have developed a comprehensive Feline Legacy Program for people who cherish their cats but want to ensure they are well cared for in the event of their owner’s death. If you’ve struggled with the question of what would happen to your cat if something unfortunate happened to you, this may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Read on to learn about our program.
We have years of animal rescue experience and have seen first-hand the shortcomings of traditional shelters and how cats, especially older ones, don’t do well at the shelter and struggle with their new life.
We specifically developed our Feline Legacy Program with these cats in mind. We also have years of experience helping cats transition to new homes after losing their beloved owner. Each cat will have all the time he or she needs to adapt to these changes, including gradual introductions to other cats already in our care.
Proper introductions are key to a lasting relationship with multiple cats who reside together. We also understand how elderly cats can take much longer to adjust to their new environment. We are prepared to support them along in their grieving process.
How does the program work?
June’s Senior Cat Rescue is a senior cat rescue organization dedicated to providing loving care and comfort to our senior cats in their golden years.
Each cat who enters our organization gets a prompt veterinarian exam to assess the cat’s overall health and well-being. Some cats, such as those who are very elderly or need specialized care or medications, may live out their days in our main foster home, Hannah’s House. Others may do better in a private home and will be carefully placed through our long-term foster program. While some cats in this program may live in a private home, JSCR retains ownership of the cat, monitors their well-being, and provides all veterinary care for life.
To be eligible for our program, you must complete the Feline Legacy Program application.
Once accepted, there is no enrollment fee or upfront costs.
We do, however, ask that you maintain a monthly or yearly donation, in any amount you choose, to show your support for JSCR’s mission of helping senior cats. In addition, you must make provision for an unrestricted bequest, donation, or make JSCR the beneficiary to a financial account in an amount reasonably sufficient to cover the estimated cost of lifetime care for your cat, bearing in mind the average lifespan of an indoor cat is now 15-17 years old.
Be sure to talk to your financial advisor as the money must come with the cat. Leaving the money as part of probate takes too long, and sometimes we never see the money. The typical bequest ranges from $1500 to $5000 per cat.
Keep in mind that requests for the care of bonded groups of cats who must remain together, or cats with chronic conditions requiring special diets, medications or extraordinary veterinary care, may require financial provisions that exceed the typical bequest ranges.
In other situations, we may be willing to enroll a cat whose owner does not have the means to fully fund a bequest, such as those in hospice care. In either case, we are happy to discuss your cat’s needs with the hope we may still be able to help you. However, please understand we have the right to decline any application we believe may:
- Create a financial hardship for our organization
- Not be the best fit for your cat or other cats in our care
- Not align with our mission
Once accepted, a Feline Legacy Agreement form must be completed.
This formal document spells out our commitment to you and your cat when enrolled in our Feline Legacy Program. Please take the time to review both the program application and the agreement forms and see if this is the right program for you and your cat. If so, contact us to discuss your cat and your needs. We are happy to answer all your questions and give you a private tour of our group home and facilities.