There are many aspects to consider when determining how much to spend on cat care. While you will need to invest in veterinary care, cat food, and a litter box, there are also several optional items you can purchase. The ASPCA estimates the total capital cost of owning a cat to be $365, but the cost will vary depending on which items you choose. Litter boxes, for example, can cost a few hundred dollars or thousands of dollars, depending on whether they have an automatic or self-cleaning feature. You may want to consider purchasing multiple boxes if you have multiple floors in your home.
Adoption fees are cheaper than buying a pet
Adoption fees are significantly cheaper than the cost of purchasing a new cat or dog, and the fees vary based on the state in which you live. Fees can range from less than $20 for a kitten or cat in Minnesota to as much as $325 for a young puppy in western Pennsylvania. However, on average, the fees for adopting a cat or dog from a shelter are less than $100.
While many people are impulsive when it comes to adopting a cat or dog, they should also consider the costs of owning the pet. Having a pet will add several new expenses to your budget, including medical and training costs. Also, animal ownership is expensive, and the costs are often higher with older pets, especially those with pre-existing health issues. Some breeds of dogs, for example, are at risk of developing hip dysplasia, which can be expensive. As a result, it’s vital to learn more about the annual costs of owning a pet and establish a pet emergency fund.
Veterinary bills can be expensive
The cost of cat care can be expensive, especially if you must take your cat to the veterinarian often. However, the bill can be reduced by finding a cheaper vet. Often, vets in small towns and suburbs charge much lower prices than their counterparts in large cities. If you live in a metro area, call around to different veterinarians in neighboring cities or suburbs. You can also find low-cost pet care at animal welfare groups. These organizations offer procedures such as deworming and spaying at lower prices.
Emergency animal care can cost you up to $1,000. The amount depends on what services are required and the type of care your pet needs. An online emergency vet finder can help you estimate costs for consultations, blood tests, X-rays, wound treatments, and surgery.
Cost of cattery
Operating a cattery is a big responsibility and the expenses are not cheap. You may not realize how much it costs to have a cattery and how much money it will take to maintain it, but the costs involved are very substantial. You should approach running a cattery as a business and plan your expenses accordingly.
Starting a cattery can cost as much as ten thousand dollars. However, that figure does not include recurring expenses or surprise expenses. We will discuss recurring costs in podcast episode four.
Cost of cat food
The cost of cat food will vary depending on how old your cat is, its weight, and if it has any medical conditions. Some types of cat food can cost as little as $10 per day, and others can cost as much as $80 per month. There are hundreds of different brands of cat food to choose from, and the prices will vary as well.
The more expensive brands contain more meat and fewer fillers. Higher quality ingredients will be healthier for your cat. While this may mean paying more per month, it may save you from countless vet visits and costly treatments. Considering these things, a higher-priced brand may be right for you.
Cost of dental care
Professional cleaning of your cat’s teeth is essential to maintain good oral health. These cleanings typically include thorough examinations of your cat’s teeth, gums, and tongue, as well as an x-ray if necessary. X-rays are often required to determine whether your cat is developing a disease in his mouth. The cost of cat dental care can range from $200 to $800. The cost depends on your pet’s age, dental needs, and veterinarian’s fees.
Not cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly can lead to oral diseases like gingivitis and abscesses, which can be painful and cause tooth loss. Unlike humans, cats are masters at hiding pain, and if their teeth and gums are sore, they won’t show it. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to systemic infection in the lungs, bones, or bloodstream. This is not only unpleasant for your cat but also extremely costly.
