How much does it cost to get and own a cat?

[The Mystery Machine]

Originally Posted by tigercat

Thought I should add that in her home they have had guinia (sp) pigs who died of old age and they now have a rabbit. She loved the rabbit who really loved to cuddle with her. She has always wanted a kitten but her mum is allergic to cats. Since she is no longer there it isn't a problem and for some reason my husband has agreed to it. He doesn't mind animals it was just we had the kids and he thought it was just another thing to look after. He is really mellowing in his old age.
tigercat

From a realistic standpoint you need to budget between 500-800 for a cat per year. Now it might be more or less depending on litter, food, vet, and toy bills.

If you get an illness bump that to an even grand to be on the safe side.

So, I would tell your dd to have 1000 set aside for her pet, per year. Hopefully it is way cheaper than that however you just don't know.

[skater]

Originally Posted by lesroi

My "pound kitty" lived for over 18 years and never had a piece of wet food in her life. She never had a UT blockage. Cats do not need wet food and in fact eating the dry cuts down on the plaque on their teeth.

Tracy

I really think its a myth that dry cat food cleans cats' teeth. Google it. Also, just because some cats do fine on all dry food, doesn't mean its the best for them. Some people can get away with a poor diet better than others can.

Many people feed all can food, and there's a lot of evidence that this is the best choice. Still, I feed both wet and dry for convenience and for the mama foster kitty's needs.

If you do feed dry, its best to find one without the corn in it. Google "corn in cat food" and you'll see why. Some vets will not agree with this, but you should research it and make your own decision.

[lesroi]

Originally Posted by skater

I really think its a myth that dry cat food cleans cats' teeth. Google it. Also, just because some cats do fine on all dry food, doesn't mean its the best for them. Some people can get away with a poor diet better than others can.

Many people feed all can food, and there's a lot of evidence that this is the best choice. Still, I feed both wet and dry for convenience and for the mama foster kitty's needs.

If you do feed dry, its best to find one without the corn in it. Google "corn in cat food" and you'll see why. Some vets will not agree with this, but you should research it and make your own decision.

Just as it's a myth that cats NEED wet food. Google it. LOL

I don't feed grains to any of my animals anymore and I have decades of experience. (I am an old, LOL )
I am stating my opinion just as you are. I really think it's up to the owner and the particular animal to find out what works for them. I think the "alarmist" approach of telling someone to "budget $7500 for surgery" if they feed dry cat food is really quite ridiculous.

Best wishes on the kitten adoption, OP, whatever you decide!

Tracy

[skater]

Originally Posted by lesroi

Just as it's a myth that cats NEED wet food. Google it. LOL

I don't feed grains to any of my animals anymore and I have decades of experience. (I am an old, LOL )
I am stating my opinion just as you are. I really think it's up to the owner and the particular animal to find out what works for them. I think the "alarmist" approach of telling someone to "budget $7500 for surgery" if they feed dry cat food is really quite ridiculous.

Best wishes on the kitten adoption, OP, whatever you decide!

Tracy

I agree - I wouldn't tell someone to budget $7500 for surgery either. And I really didn't mean to come across as smug or anything . I think doing the research is smart for any cat owner - and then you're right - its up to the owner. I still believe wet food is crucial to a cats' diet - but I'm sure there are plenty of knowledgeable people who disagree with me. Like I said, I still do some dry food. And when I suggested for people to google it, I wasn't trying to be as obnoxious as I may have sounded - I'm a little zealous about this topic . Besides, researching it can help anyone make a better decision.

Do you not feed any grains at all anymore?

[ilovejack02]

I feed my rescue kitties, good quality wet food once a day and have good quality dry food out at will. This seems to work for us . No UTI issues and no stinky cat box issues. The moment I feed them big box brands the cat box stinks !!!

PS .. because my girls live inside , we don't have the vet bills that owners of kitties have that live outside. My oldest is 18 and she goes to vet every two years for shots. I know it should be yearly but I dont think she needs it .

[Liberty Belle]

A couple pictures of my little Leo (he was named this at the HS and my son liked it, so we kept it). He was soooo skinny and sick at first, but he's a healthy kitty now.

[Liberty Belle]

And just...because..., here's a picture of our little rescue beagle:

[lesroi]

Originally Posted by skater

I agree - I wouldn't tell someone to budget $7500 for surgery either. And I really didn't mean to come across as smug or anything . I think doing the research is smart for any cat owner - and then you're right - its up to the owner. I still believe wet food is crucial to a cats' diet - but I'm sure there are plenty of knowledgeable people who disagree with me. Like I said, I still do some dry food. And when I suggested for people to google it, I wasn't trying to be as obnoxious as I may have sounded - I'm a little zealous about this topic . Besides, researching it can help anyone make a better decision.

Do you not feed any grains at all anymore?

No worries, no harm done!

I do not feed any grains at all anymore.

Tracy