Cats are one of the most popular pets in households today. Whether you have a cat that is fully grown or a kitty, it’s important to know how much do cats cost.
How Much Do Cats Cost to Own?
For starters, just like other pets, cats need food, water, litter boxes, and vet visits to live a healthy and happy life. Some cats may also require toys for entertainment purposes, which can add to your expenses, as well. Therefore, it is important to know what type of lifestyle a pet will lead before bringing them into your home so that you can plan accordingly for any additional costs that might arise.
Here are some things to consider if you are planning on adding a furry member to your family.
Planning for a New Cat
There are many reasons to make a cat or kitten your next furry friend. But before you get too excited, it’s important to plan for what comes with welcoming a new family member into your home.
For example, how much does a cat cost? The answer to that question depends on various factors like the age & breed of the cat, as well as if they need any training or medical attention.
Adopting A Cat
The cost of a cat can vary, depending on the age and breed. However, adopt one is much less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder or store. Adopting an animal also helps reduce pet overpopulation, as well as provides you with a new furry friend.
Be sure to research your options thoroughly before making any decision though. Shelters that offer cats for adoption may also cover spaying, neutering and health exams costs, which can make adoption much more economical.
Cost of Buying a Pedigree Cat
The cost of buying a pedigree cat is not as high as you might think. It would be easy to assume that the price tag for these cats is at least $1000, but in reality, it can range anywhere from $500-$1500. The prices are specific because each breeder or shelter has have their own set of rules and regulations associated with pricing.
Nutrition Costs
A cat’s diet is different from a dog’s diet. Cats are strict carnivores and require protein, fat, and taurine to thrive. A cat can live without carbohydrates but not without fats. The average cost of good quality dry food for one year may range from $120-$500, depending on the brand you buy.
If your pet eats wet food daily, this will add an additional $50 to your yearly budget; canned foods are more expensive because they contain water, which increases their weight by 50%. You will have to feed your cat every day or risk dehydration and malnutrition.
Veterinary costs
The cost of veterinary care may vary, depending on where you live, the condition your pet is in and what procedures they need. The most expensive pets are dogs, which can cost an average $1,800 a year for routine check-ups and emergency care. Cats cost around $550 per year with some costing as much as $2,500 a year.
Vaccination costs
An estimated 40% of cats are not vaccinated, which can result in serious illnesses. The cost of one cat vaccination is around $30-50 and the annual cost can be up to $150. Luckily, there are options available to help pet owners with these costs.
Pet owners and veterinarians alike have been using a technique called chipmunking or chipping, where they split the vaccine into two doses that are given at least 2 weeks apart from each other in order to save on costs.
This technique has proven effective as long as it is used correctly and both vaccinations are completed within 6 months after the first dose, so that full immunity develops before exposure occurs again.
Parasite Treatments
If your cat is suffering from a parasite, it’s important to identify the type of infection and take the necessary precautions. Parasites can be transmitted through contact with other infected animals, contaminated food and water, or even by handling an infected animal without gloves.
Some are carried by fleas while others may come from contaminated soil. These parasites are often found in kittens, but they can also affect adult cats, too. The treatment will depend on what kind of parasite it is; some types can be cured with medication prescribed by a veterinarian while others need special care like deworming tablets.
It’s important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible before the problem gets worse and becomes more difficult to treat. Parasite treatments can cost between $100 and $200 per year.
Cost of Cat Toys
Cats are a fickle pet and their toys come with an equally high price tag. With all the different shapes, sizes, and types of cat toys on the market, it’s hard to know which ones will really keep your cat entertained. Cat toys can cost $20-50 per year.
Our Final Thoughts
Cats are wonderful pets because they provide companionship while requiring relatively little maintenance as compared to many other animals. However, there are a few things one should consider before taking the plunge into cat ownership. This includes their specific needs, in terms of nutrition, housing and care, as well as how much time it requires to keep up with these requirements.
Being aware of all these factors can help you determine how much do cats cost and what you need to do before bringing them home. This can help you ensure that your cat lives a healthy life.
