Comments on: How much would it cost me to buy a cat and care for it? http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/ Free Advice on Training The Family Cat Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:24:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: ive_got_a_secret2002 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-586 ive_got_a_secret2002 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:01:05 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-586 Okay first off, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER de-claw a cat. Declawing a cat is like cutting off human fingers at the first knuckle. It is painful and most cats I know of never recover leaving them susceptible to infection, in pain and crippled for life. As far as costs go, adopting a kitten from a shelter is the best way to go. Usually they are already spayed/neutered (which is VERY important for soooo many reasons including longer life, less behavior problems, less health problems, and not contributing to the overpopulation problem), wormed and have their shots as well as being socialized to make wonderful pets. This usually costs around $75, depending on the shelter. If you want a break down of costs, here is a rough guide. Cost of cat: depends on the source, some are free, some are thousands of dollars. I would definitely recommend a mixed breed, since they have less health and behavioral problems than purebreds (in general) and are cheaper. Spay/neuter: Usually 14 - 75 dollars depending on the vet and the sex of the cat. Boys are cheaper and recover faster (1-2 days vs. 3-4 for girls). There are low cost vets that will do it at 14 for boys and 25 for girls. This is the best investment you can make; if you do no other health care, spay or neuter them. Food: a high quality food like Hills Science Diet of MaxCat is $30 for a 20 lb bag. You can buy cheaper food like Purina at $9 a 20 lb bag, but its best to feed the highest quality you can afford since it will make your cat healthier and live longer. (I fed my cats Purina Cat Chow for a long time, with no obvious problems but since switching to Hills Science diet I have noticed an improvement in behavior and vigor.) House: free - very little (or more if you go all out)! They should live with you and stay indoors at all times for the best quality of life. Trust me, it is not worth it to let our kitty go out even for a little while since they can get sick or killed from all kinds of things such as other cats, dogs, cars, cruel people... Just provide a few toys and a scratching post (10 - 30 dollars depending on store/quality) to keep him/her occupied and not scratching the couch. OH and a litter box + litter is 3 - 5 dollars for the box and approximately 10 dollars a month for litter (may be more or less depending on brand and quality). Shots/healthcare: Shots are usually around $50 a year for them all. The minimum of the rabies and 4-in-1 plus leukemia will run around 35. Health care depends on the cat. If you take good care of them, do not let them outside and provide preventative care you may never have a huge emergency bill. Plan to save at least 500 dollars for emergencies, but you may never ever need to spend it. Fleas/worms: I have never had to flea treat my cats or home except for the initial application of advantage on the newcomers. That cost me 17 dollars per cat, but it is worth it because if you solve the problem before bringing them into your house and keep them inside away from other infested kitties or doggies, they should never have a problem with fleas. Worming is another one-time thing as long as they stay away from infected animals. That should run about 13 dollars. Now do not let all these facts and figures scare you away from owning a pet, since they will provide you a lifetime of love and companionship. On average, you would spend $75 dollars initially for a pet from a good shelter, or 200 - 300 initially on a cat you had to get everything for yourself. Average monthly costs are 30 - 50 dollars per cat and $50 a year. Hope this helps. Okay first off, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER de-claw a cat. Declawing a cat is like cutting off human fingers at the first knuckle. It is painful and most cats I know of never recover leaving them susceptible to infection, in pain and crippled for life.

As far as costs go, adopting a kitten from a shelter is the best way to go. Usually they are already spayed/neutered (which is VERY important for soooo many reasons including longer life, less behavior problems, less health problems, and not contributing to the overpopulation problem), wormed and have their shots as well as being socialized to make wonderful pets. This usually costs around $75, depending on the shelter.

If you want a break down of costs, here is a rough guide.

Cost of cat: depends on the source, some are free, some are thousands of dollars. I would definitely recommend a mixed breed, since they have less health and behavioral problems than purebreds (in general) and are cheaper.

Spay/neuter: Usually 14 – 75 dollars depending on the vet and the sex of the cat. Boys are cheaper and recover faster (1-2 days vs. 3-4 for girls). There are low cost vets that will do it at 14 for boys and 25 for girls. This is the best investment you can make; if you do no other health care, spay or neuter them.

Food: a high quality food like Hills Science Diet of MaxCat is $30 for a 20 lb bag. You can buy cheaper food like Purina at $9 a 20 lb bag, but its best to feed the highest quality you can afford since it will make your cat healthier and live longer. (I fed my cats Purina Cat Chow for a long time, with no obvious problems but since switching to Hills Science diet I have noticed an improvement in behavior and vigor.)

House: free – very little (or more if you go all out)! They should live with you and stay indoors at all times for the best quality of life. Trust me, it is not worth it to let our kitty go out even for a little while since they can get sick or killed from all kinds of things such as other cats, dogs, cars, cruel people… Just provide a few toys and a scratching post (10 – 30 dollars depending on store/quality) to keep him/her occupied and not scratching the couch. OH and a litter box + litter is 3 – 5 dollars for the box and approximately 10 dollars a month for litter (may be more or less depending on brand and quality).

Shots/healthcare: Shots are usually around $50 a year for them all. The minimum of the rabies and 4-in-1 plus leukemia will run around 35. Health care depends on the cat. If you take good care of them, do not let them outside and provide preventative care you may never have a huge emergency bill. Plan to save at least 500 dollars for emergencies, but you may never ever need to spend it.

Fleas/worms: I have never had to flea treat my cats or home except for the initial application of advantage on the newcomers. That cost me 17 dollars per cat, but it is worth it because if you solve the problem before bringing them into your house and keep them inside away from other infested kitties or doggies, they should never have a problem with fleas. Worming is another one-time thing as long as they stay away from infected animals. That should run about 13 dollars.

Now do not let all these facts and figures scare you away from owning a pet, since they will provide you a lifetime of love and companionship. On average, you would spend $75 dollars initially for a pet from a good shelter, or 200 – 300 initially on a cat you had to get everything for yourself. Average monthly costs are 30 – 50 dollars per cat and $50 a year.

Hope this helps.

]]> By: old cat lady http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-585 old cat lady Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:29:06 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-585 Put the money you would spend on declawing into a really super cat tree with sisal rope around the bottom legs. Your kitty will love that. They like to be up high and they like the rope to stretch and trim their nails. Put the money you would spend on declawing into a really super cat tree with sisal rope around the bottom legs. Your kitty will love that. They like to be up high and they like the rope to stretch and trim their nails.

]]> By: bubblezncream57 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-584 bubblezncream57 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:24:36 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-584 You can get a free one if you look in paper. Those are really sweet. Shots would be about 80 bucks, food, probably 10 to 20 bucks a month. For housing just get a litter box (5 bucks) and train in. I highly reccomend against declawing. It's expensive and not needed. It hurts the cat and leaves them defenseless. You can get a free one if you look in paper. Those are really sweet. Shots would be about 80 bucks, food, probably 10 to 20 bucks a month. For housing just get a litter box (5 bucks) and train in. I highly reccomend against declawing. It’s expensive and not needed. It hurts the cat and leaves them defenseless.

]]> By: shasha3098 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-583 shasha3098 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:56:58 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-583 cats arent very expensive..im not sure about the price of vet cost in ur area but it shouldnt be real expensive. if ur going to let ur cat outside for any time i wouldnt get it declawed its there defence. as far as housing...let the cat have the run of the house. cats arent very expensive..im not sure about the price of vet cost in ur area but it shouldnt be real expensive. if ur going to let ur cat outside for any time i wouldnt get it declawed its there defence. as far as housing…let the cat have the run of the house.

]]> By: clingclingbear http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-582 clingclingbear Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:26:46 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-582 i just got a kitten, here's a break down of the first two weeks or so kitten (free) food, cat snacks, food bowl ($13) litter ($8) litter pan with top ($13) cat pan liners, scoop ($5) kitten toys, catnip ($15) air fresheners ($30) i got a pet carrier for free and she is getting fixed very soon. so those were the preliminary costs. keep in mind i am a college student without the cheapest of tastes) i just got a kitten, here’s a break down of the first two weeks or so

kitten (free)
food, cat snacks, food bowl ($13)
litter ($8)
litter pan with top ($13)
cat pan liners, scoop ($5)
kitten toys, catnip ($15)
air fresheners ($30)

i got a pet carrier for free and she is getting fixed very soon. so those were the preliminary costs. keep in mind i am a college student without the cheapest of tastes)

]]> By: binford.1170 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-581 binford.1170 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:25:11 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-581 to much GET A REAL DOG GOT BOXERS to much GET A REAL DOG
GOT BOXERS

]]> By: Sarah H http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-580 Sarah H Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:09:11 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-580 People need to look waaaay beyond the initial cost of getting a pet, which usually runs around a couple hundred for a vet check and shots, supplies and food. A cat, if well-cared for, will live 12+ years, and will cost you thousands of dollars. Things like food and supplies you can budget for, but unexpected illnesses and injuries are what racks up the expenses. No pet is cheap in the long run. People need to look waaaay beyond the initial cost of getting a pet, which usually runs around a couple hundred for a vet check and shots, supplies and food. A cat, if well-cared for, will live 12+ years, and will cost you thousands of dollars. Things like food and supplies you can budget for, but unexpected illnesses and injuries are what racks up the expenses. No pet is cheap in the long run.

]]> By: JB_HR2007 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-579 JB_HR2007 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:34:25 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-579 It depends on what vet you choose. For me, my vet offered a kitten package that included all shots and it was about 150 bucks. However, she had ear mites and an eye infection, which set me back another 50 dollars. Food costs depend on the brand. I buy IAMs and a medium sized bag is about 15 dollars. I have two cats and it lasts about 3 weeks or less. Declawing cost about 50 dollars but will usually cost far more than that (I went to a cheap vet). Don't forget to neuter the cat as well. That can run about 100 dollars. Plus you'll need toys for the kitty. And if you spoil it, then you'll be spending at least 10 bucks every couple weeks. If you can afford to take care of a cat, do it. They are awesome pets! It depends on what vet you choose. For me, my vet offered a kitten package that included all shots and it was about 150 bucks. However, she had ear mites and an eye infection, which set me back another 50 dollars. Food costs depend on the brand. I buy IAMs and a medium sized bag is about 15 dollars. I have two cats and it lasts about 3 weeks or less. Declawing cost about 50 dollars but will usually cost far more than that (I went to a cheap vet). Don’t forget to neuter the cat as well. That can run about 100 dollars. Plus you’ll need toys for the kitty. And if you spoil it, then you’ll be spending at least 10 bucks every couple weeks. If you can afford to take care of a cat, do it. They are awesome pets!

]]> By: toni http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-578 toni Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:23:01 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-578 To care for a cat can be an expense, if you provide proper care. Yearly vaccinations are roughly $100. To get the cat spayed/neutered and declawed would probably be $200. Food and kitty litter costs can really vary depending on the brand you get ($5-$25 a bag). Also don't forget about initial "starting" costs including litter box, food bowls, which would probably be roughly $25. Keep in mind too that veterinary costs can vary depending on the area of the country you live in, so call around and talk to different clinics. I would highly recommed talking to an animal shelter/rescue about adopting a homeless kitten/cat. Often their adoption costs include spay/netuer and vaccinations. To care for a cat can be an expense, if you provide proper care. Yearly vaccinations are roughly $100. To get the cat spayed/neutered and declawed would probably be $200. Food and kitty litter costs can really vary depending on the brand you get ($5-$25 a bag). Also don’t forget about initial “starting” costs including litter box, food bowls, which would probably be roughly $25. Keep in mind too that veterinary costs can vary depending on the area of the country you live in, so call around and talk to different clinics. I would highly recommed talking to an animal shelter/rescue about adopting a homeless kitten/cat. Often their adoption costs include spay/netuer and vaccinations.

]]> By: secondhandnews12 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/comment-page-1/#comment-577 secondhandnews12 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:25:31 +0000 http://teachacat.info/how-much-would-it-cost-me-to-buy-a-cat-and-care-for-it/#comment-577 if your going to get it declawed for indoor cat, good for you because they will scratch everything, and make sure that only the front 2 paws are declawed, so if they run away they have something to defend themself. and get it from the paper, or humane society, and good for you for getting a cat!!! if your going to get it declawed for indoor cat, good for you because they will scratch everything, and make sure that only the front 2 paws are declawed, so if they run away they have something to defend themself. and get it from the paper, or humane society, and good for you for getting a cat!!!

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