The Costs of Responsible Cat Ownership

and newborn kittens resulting from an unexpected pregnancy.
Core vaccinations The cost will vary depending on the risk factor in your own cat and rabies laws in your area. As with spay and neuter there are many lowcost vaccination clinics available. Expect 80160 for the complete firstyear series.
Annual veterinary examination A thorough exam including dental and a blood profile will run from 100 to 200.
Emergency veterinary care There is no real way to estimate these costs since they vary as to the age overall condition and accidentproneness of the cat. Veterinary insurance can mitigate these costs somewhat. Lacking that set aside money every month for a vet emergency fund of at least 10 per week or get a 1000 to 2000 credit card and put it away in a drawer to be earmarked for cat emergencies only.
Hard Times
There will come times when illness death of a spouse or sudden loss of income will drastically affect the kinds of care you can give your cat. Explore areas where compromises can be made in cat care costs
Cat food expenses Certainly food choices can be compromised somewhat by buying the least expensive premium cat foods buying larger bags of dry food or even supplementing premium cat food with grocery store brands until finances improve.
Cat litter savings Chicken crumble such as Purinas Layena brand which is around 1020 for a 50pound bag makes a good temporary substitute for litter. Litter costs can also be mitigated by purchasing the largest bag available.
Ask for payment terms from the veterinarian Some veterinarians will allow you to pay off an emergency bill in weekly or monthly installment. You can even offer to write postdated checks but be sure they will clear.
Borrow Borrow from family friends or your local bank if possible. Ask your credit card holder for a temporary increase in

your limit but be sure to make at least the minimum payment the following month. Care Credit U S. and Canada offers loans for veterinary emergencies.
Pawn or sell possessions Look around your house and see what you can afford to give up then hold a yard sale or sell your items online.
Veterinary expenses Some cat owners have stretched the time period between annual wellcare examinations for younger healthy cats. Note It is always recommended to follow your veterinarians advice for veterinary care. Having established a previous relationship of working with your veterinary team as well as clear communication up front on your budget limitations can help
them work better with you when planning for your pets care. This underscores the importance of being a responsible caregiver in all ways. You owe your cat no less.
The Tragic Price of Irresponsibility
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that in the United States 1 5 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year 1 Millions of other cats eke out a frail existence on the street and meet tragic early deaths. These needless tragedies can be traced directly to people who behaved irresponsibly even if they had good intentions.
Volunteering Rather Than Ownership
If you love cats but cant afford to provide responsible care do the really unselfish thing and volunteer at a shelter instead of taking on another cat. Most shelters could not operate without volunteers and volunteers quickly learn the realities of the lives of companion animals and the consequences of irresponsible pet ownership. It would be a winwin situation. You would be able to get your regular catfix without guilt and the shelter cats would benefit from your loving care.