Instructions
Research the different options on how and where to donate your cat's body before it passes away. If the death is sudden, you will need to act quickly to ensure that the body can be used by scientists. By making prior contact with universities, vets and associations, you'll know the procedures in place and have paperwork prepared in advance.
Speak to your local veterinary practice. The practice will have practical advice about whether the cat's body is suitable for donation and provide information about how to proceed. Some programs-- such as the donation program at the University of Wisconsin-- will require a full medical history of your cat be provided, for example.
Call your nearest university, which specializes in veterinary practice.
Enquire as to whether or not they welcome the donation of cats for their study programs. Some colleges have "Willed Body Programs" or "Educational Memorial Programs" whereby animals can be donated. The University of Florida only accepts larger animals such as horses and cows. However, the University of Wisconsin has a program for cats, dogs and other pets.
Contact the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. It is an organization that supports the donation of animals for use within science. It will be able to provide an up-to-date list of universities accepting donations. As of November 2010, Western University, University of Pennsylvania and Ross University have memorial programs in place.
Fill in any necessary paperwork and obtain a medical history of your pet before it passes away. Most centers only accept animals that have died of natural causes or have been euthanized. If euthanized, you'll be able to anticipate your cat's death and fill out documents ahead of time.
Act quickly once the death of your cat has occurred. Decomposition of the body will occur, but the school will want to receive the animal as soon as possible in order to perform tests. Acting swiftly enables the beneficiary to make the best use of the cat's body.
Be emotionally and psychologically prepared for donating your cat's body to science. Although you'll be helping, if you're not adequately prepared to say your final farewell, you could find the grieving process more difficult.
How to Donate a Cat's Body
Cats can become an integral part of a family and neighborhood, so losing one can be a traumatic experience for the owner, children and animal lovers alike. However, you can help alleviate grief by donating your cat's body to science. In doing so, you can be assured that the cat can contribute positively toward the development of medicine. The most important action is to prepare in advance, so that you find a new resting place for your pet before it is deceased.