Tips for your Cat Budget

Ricky and I had wanted to adopt a cat for a long time, so we were prepared for the ultimate dent in our bank accounts--adoption fees, food, litter, accessories, toys, vet visits. All these things add up fast. Though you wouldn't trade your cat for anything, it can be frustrating when you're on a budget.

Since I love saving pennies anywhere I can, here's some ideas for spending less and still treating your kitty to all he or she deserves.

1. Shop Around for Vets

When you're looking for a vet, it's easy enough to go on-line or flip open a telephone book and call the first one you find. Instead, write down the names and numbers of a few. Call all the vets on your list and ask how much they charge for a check-up. If you want to make sure the vet has a good reputation, type their name into Google and you'll probably find customer reviews.

Recently, I did this myself. I knew the vet my mom used for my childhood cat would be more expensive because of the affluent town it's in. Instead of touching my savings account, I shopped around. One place I called charges $78 for a check-up, not including shots or any extras. It's located in the same affluent town as the vet my mom used to go to, so I wasn't surprised. Another place in the next town over charges $42. I researched the second vet on the Internet, discovered they have a good reputation, and called them back to schedule a check-up.

2. Shelter Helpers

This relates to the first tip--pay attention to all the paperwork you receive from the shelter you adopt your cat from. If you're adopting a kitten, they might help you with or cover the spaying/neutering fee completely. If your cat has already been spayed/neutered, the shelter might cover your cat's first check-up. Usually you just have to go to one of the vets they are connected with, in which case they'll let you know. At our first vet visit, I made an appointment for Duncan to get neutered. The woman who scheduled the appointment at the vet told me so long as I bring the slip of paper I received from the shelter, there will be no charge for the visit. So make sure you hang on to all that paperwork!

3. Smart Shopping

Practically every supermarket I've been to has a section devoted to pets. They usually stock food, toys, and litter. Although it's sometimes more convenient to pick up kitty stuff while you're food shopping, it's not always the most budget friendly. I've noticed pet stuff tends to be much more pricey at supermarkets than at places like Walmart or even Target. It can really pay off to shop around. Also, buying food and litter in bulk is often cheaper.

If you can avoid pet specialty stores--do it. Pet specialty stores are great for very specialized pet accessories or that very pricey pet food that you can't find at the supermarket. These stores are fun to visit once in awhile because you get to browse through an entire store full of pet stuff. The only problem with speciality stores is they are expensive. Don't get me wrong, I visit stores like Petco and Petsmart for certain things; it's fun to kitty splurge once in a while. But if I know exactly what I need, and I know I can get it at Walmart, I go to Walmart. It can be worthwhile to sign up for specialty stores' member cards because sometimes you'll find a good sale.

Also, don't rule out the dollar store near you. The one near me has an aisle devoted to pets, which is where I purchased food and water dishes with cute designs for $1 a piece. You can't go wrong there.

4. Indoor Cats

Indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats and are not exposed to many of the diseases and health problems that outdoor cats are exposed to. Although indoor cats are not immune to health problems, it's likely they will have fewer health problems than if they were an outdoor cat. Although this is a long term tip for your cat budget, it could save you thousands of dollars in vet bills and medications to keep your cat indoors.

It can be tempting to let your cat out, but beware--once they get a taste of the outdoors, they could be running for the door every time you open it. Make it easier on yourself and don't let them out. Most indoor cats don't know what they're missing and are contented just watching the birds and squirrels from a window.



I hope these tips help you with your cat shopping on a budget. Let me know if you have any ideas for stretching that dollar a little further. I'll post more ideas soon!