My relative "gave" me their 3 dogs in their will, but didn't check with me to see if I wanted three dogs (which I didn't). I think it was $25K/ dog for care, but I would not have seen that $$ until the estate went through probate and I absolutely didn't want their dogs. We had to rehome the dogs. I wish they would have talked to me when they wrote their will so we could have found someone who wanted three dogs. You need to determine who will take your cat and put that in your will.

Does anyone in your family WANT your cat? Because you can give someone your cat and $25K, but there's no guarantee your cat isn't getting rehomed straight away. We heard that a family member was going to give us her dogs in her will and we shut that down immediately. We don't want to deal with her psycho dots.

Just thinking about monthly costs for our dog:

$200 a night for boarding x 3 = $600
$4/can x 30 = $120 for food
Vet bills probably average $100
grooming $100
Dog walking $400
Toys/Bedding/Etc $50

That's close to $1400/month x 12 = $16,440/year

OP here. The cat is currently 5 years old, and has no issues. I'd estimate that I currently spend 1k a year on everything - annual checkup, shots, food, litter, toys, supplies, etc.

So I was thinking of setting aside 30k total. I don't plan on dying any time soon, but you never know. I'd estimate that Cat will remain cheap for a few more years or more, and then of course things get pricier. I'd be fine with upping it to 50k for someone I trust. I don't want the setup to be a burden.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know, but consider including enough for pet insurance or possible emergency care as well.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know, but consider including enough for pet insurance or possible emergency care as well.

+1 While also recognizing that pet insurance has tons of exclusions written into it. We had astronomical vet bills this year for a previously healthy 5 yo cat, so I'm not sure a flat 2K a year would cut it.

$5K a year should be plenty adequate. If that is too much, the excess can be saved. When the pet gets old and needs more advanced care, costs can add up quickly. The saved-up funds will be there to cover bills.

Anonymous wrote:It if were me, I'd do 5K a year, no insurance. Insurance is such a scam. If the pet is elderly and very sick, euthanasia is the best option. Clearly we're not talking about a young cat here, right?

I agree with this.

This all depends entirely on how much money you have, OP, and who else you need to support with that money. If you have plenty and no kids, I'd do $50k. If you have kids, I wouldn't give anything for taking care of the cat. If you don't have $50k to leave, then do less.

It if were me, I'd do 5K a year, no insurance. Insurance is such a scam. If the pet is elderly and very sick, euthanasia is the best option. Clearly we're not talking about a young cat here, right?

A LOT, and an insurance policy.

Talk to someone and have this pre-arranged instead of just covered in your will. I work closely with a dog trainer who is in her 70s with no children and she has made a specific plan with friends for each of her three dogs should they outlive her.

We thought more like 5k a year for older cats.

I don’t know, but consider including enough for pet insurance or possible emergency care as well.

After my rich aunt passed she left her pup to her opportunist relative who I believe put her pup to sleep shortly after. Make sure it's someone you trust.

I'd want someone in my family to take on my cat. I don't particularly care who, but want to set aside money to cover all expenses (food, vet, pet sitter, etc). Is there an amount you would set aside per year? Maybe 2k/year, estimating the cat may live until 20? Or more than that?