Rich Kitty

When one thinks of the life goals of a cat visions of simple comforts are usually summoned, such as a soft beds, sunny windows, warm laps, tasty treats, and nurturing companionship. This is typical of the cats I know (ok, with some good hunting opportunities tossed in the mix too).  But, being a millionaire is not something one would think a cat would aspire to.  Which was why I was intrigued to read that Tommaso, a 4-year-old stray cat rescued off the streets of Rome, recently inherited a $13 million fortune.

In some ways Tommaso is the homeless cat’s hero.  The news is giving much for the cats and I here at Second Chance Humane Society to talk about.  Tommaso went from being abandoned and homeless, much like many of us, to the most sought after cat in the world (who wouldn’t want to adopt a cat with $13 million dollars attached to it?)!  Way to go! 

Tommaso was rescued by a wealthy widow of an Italian property tycoon who felt that her beloved cat deserved financial stability.  Before her recent death at the age of 94, Maria Assunta, who had no children, wanted to make sure that Tommaso would be properly cared for, so she bequeathed her entire estate him.  The feline's newfound riches include cash, as well as properties in Rome, Milan and land in Calabria. 

Now some may think this is ridiculous – I mean, how much caviar can a cat eat and why would a cat want property?  But we have to give Assunta credit for planning for Tommaso’s future - as many pet parents do not make any arrangements in the case of their death or illness and their pets often end up in shelters or out on the streets.  So now Tommaso, a feline friend, and Assunta’s former nurse, who Assunta named as the caretaker of Tommaso, are all happily living outside Rome at an undisclosed address (to avoid potential catnappers and/or those that are suddenly recognizing Tommaso as their “long-lost kitty”).

The windfall for Tommaso places him No.3 on the list of wealthy pets, behind Kalu the chimp, whose parent left him $80 million dollars, and top dog Gunther IV, a German shepherd who inherited $372 million dollars from his father. 

So I am not recommending all pet parents take another job or start playing the lottery so that you can increase the fortune that you leave for your pets – but planning on who will care for your pets and how is an important responsibility of all pet parents.  Second Chance Humane Society can help you with your planning if you do not know how to begin – with the goal of making sure that your pet does not become homeless should they outlive you.

My name is Audrie and I am looking for a loving family, you don’t have to be wealthy just loving and responsible – I don’t want to have to go through this homelessness thing again…

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Photos by Real Life Photographs.