Woman Leaves $13M Fortune to Pet Cat

ABC News ^ | December 12, 2011 | Kevin Dolak

[decimon]

A 4-year-old stray cat that was rescued from the streets of Rome has inherited a $13 million fortune from its owner, the wealthy widow of an Italian property tycoon.

Maria Assunta left the fortune to her beloved kitty Tommaso when she died two weeks ago at the age of 94. The feline's newfound riches include cash, as well as properties in Rome, Milan and land in Calabria.

As her health began to fail two years ago, Assunta, who had no children, began to seek out a way to see that Tommaso was properly cared for after she died. In November 2009, she bequeathed her entire estate to the alley cat that she'd rescued.

Initially, Assunta had instructed her attorneys to "identify an animal welfare association or group to which to leave the estate and the commitment of looking after Tommaso," according to the Daily Telegraph.

Unable to find a satisfactory association to see to it that Tommaso was loved and cared for, Assunta decided to leave all her money to the cat via her nurse, Stefania, who cared for her until her dying day. Her last name has not been disclosed.

[decimon]

Felicitous ping.

[mmichaels1970]

The potential for dirty joke material is off the charts here.

[Slings and Arrows]

I pinged an earlier posting of this one, thanks.

[Jukeman]

Fascist feline.

[From The Deer Stand]

Oh oh, the cat will now be the subject of protesters by the Occupiers as it’s in the “one percent.”

[mamelukesabre]

I hope the cat gets rabies.

[mamelukesabre]

but seriously, what kind of sicko leaves a fortune to their pet? Virtually an unlimited number of ways to leave money in a will and this stupid old hag leaves it to a cat. I would piss on her grave.

[BenLurkin]

[Sir Napsalot]

Even with all her money, the cat probably gave her the most love. Unconditionally.

Well done, kitty.

[randomhero97]

It's her money shouldn't she be able to do what she wants with it?

Your post sounds like something a 99%er would say.

[NativeSon]

um, Meow?

[BenLurkin]

[Nepeta]

but seriously, what kind of sicko leaves a fortune to their pet? Virtually an unlimited number of ways to leave money in a will and this stupid old hag leaves it to a cat. I would piss on her grave.

I would. The only relative I have worth having doesn't need my money--she has a lot more than I do.

Over the years, I've known a lot of animals I'd rather have around than most people. One of my cats has been with me for 16 years--he deserves better than abandonment if something happens to me.

The "cat" isn't going to be spending the money. Someone will be spending it on paying for the cat's care and needs, making a contribution to the Italian economy.

[ronnyquest]

Well, she’s a moron, but it is her money with which to be moronic.

[Oztrich Boy]

[blueunicorn6]

Oh!!!! That’s my cat Whiskers that I lost in Rome! I want him back! I miss him so money, er, I mean, much.

[TigersEye]

LOL Rich cat don't care!

Unable to find a satisfactory association to see to it that Tommaso was loved and cared for, Assunta decided to leave all her money to the cat via her nurse, Stefania, who cared for her until her dying day.

So, in reality she gave it to the nurse who took care of her. Good for her. Good for the nurse too.

[goat granny]

I am an old nurse meow....

[TigersEye]

Looking back up the thread I think I’d rather be Happy Cat than Rich Cat but I guess I’ll be satisfied with just being Alive Cat. hehehe