"Please provide the names and locations of the guardians you've selected," instructed our new estate-planning attorney during a meeting in his small Michigan office. My husband Matt and I, both in our mid-40s, had finally initiated the process of planning for our eventual deaths. However, the guardians we were discussing weren't for children—we are a child-free couple. Instead, we were planning for our two beloved rescue cats.
Meet Alfred and Greta: The Furry Beneficiaries
Our feline family consists of Alfred, a seven-year-old Siamese rescued from Flint, Michigan, by Happy Feet Pet Rescue volunteers. They shared stories of Alfred's survival instincts, including stealing food from aggressive pit bulls. True to his resilient nature, Alfred overcame a cancer scare last year. Less than two years after adopting him, I surprised Matt by bringing home Greta Cannoli, a three-month-old American Shorthair tabby from the Constellation Cat Café in Lansing. This women-owned establishment combines a café with a luxurious foster environment for cats.
Greta's arrival initially strained our household dynamics, but after two years, harmony has been restored. Alfred demonstrates remarkable intelligence, manipulating situations to get what he wants, such as outdoor walks on a leash. Greta, raised with abundant care since before birth, lacks survival skills but excels at pest control and seeking attention through playful antics. Our daily routines include explaining why they can't have chicken snacks for dinner—we call their meals "nummiez"—and maintaining "cat TV" by feeding squirrels outside our windows.
The Motivation Behind Pet Estate Planning
My deep-seated concern for our pets' welfare stems from childhood trauma involving animal abandonment and abuse within my family. This history fuels my determination to ensure Alfred and Greta never face uncertainty. I've conducted late-night Google searches about death probabilities, driven by anxiety over their future. While probate law will handle our assets for nieces and nephews, the thought of our cats being unprotected triggers emotional distress.
Our attorney reassured us that creating a Pet Trust is straightforward and common. He explained that pets are legally considered personal property, and an executor can ensure they reach designated guardians if needed. The key is planning for scenarios where we die simultaneously or before our cats, which is statistically unlikely given our age and health.
Selecting Guardians and Financial Provisions
Choosing guardians proved challenging. We sought dedicated cat people among our dog-loving circle. Ultimately, we asked Zella, a friend whose devotion to cats includes considering chartered pet-friendly flights. Her enthusiastic acceptance brought immense relief. Our veterinarian's family also agreed to serve as backup guardians, familiar with Alfred's medical history and Greta's anxiety.
Our attorney advised estimating our cats' lifetime care costs and doubling the amount—though I opted to triple it as a reward for kindness. Since animals cannot directly inherit money, funds will be allocated to guardians specifically for Alfred and Greta's care, overseen by our executor and legal counsel.
Normalizing Pet Estate Planning
Research revealed we're not alone. A 2014 Securian Financial Group survey found 44% of pet owners made formal or informal plans for their pets' posthumous care. While celebrities like Joan Rivers famously included pets in their wills, this practice extends beyond the wealthy. Still, I acknowledge the privilege of being able to estate-plan for pets—a luxury my working-class childhood didn't afford.
Today, I channel my passion into supporting animal causes, donating to rescues and foster homes. With our Pet Trust in place, I've found peace knowing Alfred and Greta will be cherished regardless of what happens to us. This process has transformed anxiety into proactive care, honoring the joy our pets bring to our lives.
