When deciding to make a cat a part of your life, dear human, there are several costs to plan for.
Some of you will be lucky, and a smart cat like me will show up on your doorstep. But regardless of whether you are adopted by a cat or have to purchase your cat, you will need to budget for a variety of food and health care items. For example, in US dollars [1,3]:
- A water bowl, food bowl, litter box, and litter. Depending on where you get these items, they may cost up to $50.
- A vet exam and the cost of initial vaccinations. During the exam, the vet will check for health problems based on the condition of cats’ teeth, coat, eyes, ears and nose, and examine their bones and muscles for injuries or abnormal lumps. The cost could cost between $70 and $200, depending on where you live.
- If the cat is not spayed or neutered, you will need to have this done. The cost of surgery is typically around $200, but again this can vary widely.
- Other vital supplies include a cat carrier (starting at $16 US dollars), scratching post (starting at $20), and brush or “deshedding glove” (~$10).
- If you rent an apartment, you may have to pay a pet deposit, which can cost up to $1,000, depending on the where you live.
Additionally, the ongoing costs of owning a cat include [1,2]:
5. Food may cost between $100 and $300 a year per cat.
6. Litter can cost between $100 and $200 a year per cat.
7. Yearly basic vet exams and vaccinations will cost between $100 and $300.
8. If your cat gets sick or injured, additional vet visits and surgeries can be expensive.
9. Flea treatment and flea/tick prevention may cost $100 to $200 per year.
10. Plus toys and treats!
So, at minimum, expect to spend $400 per year and more if your cat gets sick.
The good news, dear human, is that many of our favorite toys are free. Trail a string or shoe lace around the floor for us to attack, or make a ‘fort’ by draping a towel or blanket over a chair or small table. And I will NEVER tire of a nice, new box.
If you are unable to manage these costs, remember dear human, there are many ways to support cats without adopting one. Consider volunteering at a humane shelter, or learn about foster care. When you are able to afford a cat, pay a visit to the many adorable fur babies in the humane shelter. I bet one will be just waiting for you and a forever home! – Love, Ginger
😸😽🐈
We Agree with Celinne there is so many feral and stray and abandon cats out there
who have no food no water no love no care no human parent to be there for them
its hard for them to fend for themselfs and you know they are sad and broken hearted
they are cold in the winter no shelter when it rains and when its too hot out they can
burn their paws please don’t throw them away like garbage if you can’t keep them or
care for them find a no kill shelter to take care of them they are precius Gifts from
God treat them like your family show them love and Adopt Don’t Shop but be sure
you can care for them like Ginger Girl has listed above 10 Questions great job Ginger x o
We Agree with Celinne there is so many feral and stray and abandon cats out there
who have no food no water no love no care no human parent to be there for them
its hard for them to fend for themselfs and you know they are sad and broken hearted
they are cold in the winter no shelter when it rains and when its too hot out they can
burn their paws please don’t throw them away like garbage if you can’t keep them or
care for them find a no kill shelter to take care of them they are precius Gifts from
God treat them like your family show them love and Adopt Don’t Shop but be sure
you can care for them like Ginger Girl has listed above 10 Questions great job Ginger x o
hugs blessings much love to you All !!
We Agree with Celinne there is so many feral and stray and abandon cats out there
who have no food no water no love no care no human parent to be there for them
its hard for them to fend for themselfs and you know they are sad and broken hearted
they are cold in the winter no shelter when it rains and when its too hot out they can
burn their paws please don’t throw them away like garbage if you can’t keep them or
care for them find a no kill shelter to take care of them they are precius Gifts from
God treat them like your family show them love and Adopt Don’t Shop but be sure
you can care for them like Ginger Girl has listed above 10 Questions great job Ginger x o
hugs blessings much love to you All !!
Thank you for posting this very important article. Too many folks have good intentions and are eager to adopt but sadly many cats and dogs end up being abandoned because their humans don’t have the ongoing financial means to take care of them. The worse part is when the little ones are not even taken to a humane society. They are simply turned loose to fend for themselves in the streets or left in abandoned homes. It is heartbreaking. If we plan carefully or are realistic about our financial situation, such situations will not occur. For the beautiful hearts who love animals but can’t afford to take care of one at home, please visit the shelters and volunteer. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling and you will be making a big difference without stressing out yourself.