Cats are basically furry, whisker-faced missiles of killing capability. So beloved and iconic are these domestic tyrants that a recent survey found that Americans spend $4 billion each year on their nonhuman companions’ upkeep. Yet contrary to popular belief, a cat’s upkeep doesn’t necessitate the disbursement of a certain amount of funds on a monthly basis. In fact, since cats live so long — an average of 15 years — and often reuse their excrement in litterboxes instead of toilets, food is actually their biggest expense come kitten time.
Keeping multiple cats may seem like a great idea when they’re kittens and they’re taking over your house, but it is expensive. When you first get them, you have to buy all of the necessary equipment to raise them. If you aren’t careful, this could turn into a monthly expenditure that could easily go over $200 if you have multiple cats.
How much does a cat cost a month
Do you know the true cost of cat ownership? All too often, cats are adopted on a whim, leaving a new cat owner with a feline friend and no idea how much it costs to keep their pet well-fed, healthy, and happy. How do you decide if the price of having a cat is right for your budget?
In this article we will cover:
Costs of food
Costs of Vet bills
Extra costs to consider
Adopting vs. Purchasing
Cat costs are the largest expense of all cat owners
It costs a lot to have a cat. Cat food, toys and grooming are the biggest expenses—but there are even more costs involved.
- Micro-chipping: Check with your veterinarian or local animal shelter about the best place to get this done. It’s recommended that all cats be micro-chipped so that they can be identified if they wander away from home or get lost while going outside (and also so they can be reunited with their owners if they’re adopted by someone else). The cost of getting a microchip inserted ranges from $20-$50.
- Spaying/neutering: Having your female cat spayed before her first heat cycle will prevent her from having kittens who may be put out on the street once she has them; neutering male cats prevents the chance of them spraying urine around your home and fighting with other male cats in order to establish dominance over territory—which often leads to injuries.*
Micro-chipping, spaying and neutering are start up costs
You’re going to need to get your cat micro-chipped and spayed or neutered. These are start-up costs that will make you feel like a responsible pet owner, but they’re also good for your cat.
It’s important for cats to be micro-chipped because when they are outdoors and find themselves lost, it helps them return home more easily if they can be found by the shelter or humane society that is caring for them. While some people believe that there is no such thing as an indoor-outdoor cat (something I strongly disagree with), this doesn’t change the fact that sometimes cats get out on accident and get lost; so it’s really good if they have a way of getting home when this happens. Also, if another family adopts your pet without knowing where he came from, having his identification number might help you find him if he goes missing again!
Microchipping isn’t the only thing we recommend doing before adopting a feline friend: We also suggest spaying/neutering* before bringing them home… especially if you want them reproducing! Cats live longer healthily when they’re fixed at an early age—and it’s much cheaper than taking care of litters later in life!
Annual cat vaccination is a significant cost
Vaccinations are required by law and they must be administered at least once per year, usually between 12-15 weeks of age. Vaccines are not cheap and this is why they’re such a significant part of the annual cost to own a cat. The average cost to vaccinate a kitten is around $150-200 but this can vary based on where you live and who provides your vet services.
If you want to save some money, consider getting your cat vaccinated through an alternative method like homeopathic remedies or acupuncture instead of traditional vaccination shots from the vet’s office. This type of care has been shown to be just as effective as conventional methods with fewer side effects but will definitely require more work on your part; it’s worth it!
Flea and heart worm treatments can also add up
If you’re thinking about getting a cat, you should be aware of the costs involved. One of the most important considerations is flea and heart worm treatments. A monthly flea treatment can run anywhere from $10 to $20 per month, depending on the product used. Heart worm prevention has a similar range in price but can cost more than twice as much as your average flea treatment.
While this may seem like an added expense and hassle, it’s worth considering that heart worm treatment is only necessary once per year and protects your pet from several potentially fatal diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. In contrast, preventive measures for fleas must be taken regularly throughout the year at considerable cost for both you and your cat (or dog).
Pet insurance is optional but can be helpful for unexpected costs
A pet insurance policy can be a helpful way to pay for unexpected costs related to your cat, but it’s not something that all owners need or want. If you decide it’s right for you, pet insurance can help cover the following:
- Emergency care – Pet insurance often covers emergency room visits and surgery, which is often more expensive than regular visits to the vet.
- Treatment – Pet insurance can also help with treatments like antibiotics, steroids and other medication that might not be covered by your regular veterinarian visits.
- Dental care – Teeth cleaning and dental extractions are not usually included in basic health plans offered through veterinarians’ offices.
Cats are not an expensive pet if you pick a healthy breed.
It is important to note that the cost of a cat will depend on a few factors. For example, different breeds of cats have varying levels of energy, so if you are looking for a pet that likes to play and be active then you will want to choose a breed such as the Siamese or Turkish Van. These breeds have higher energy levels and will therefore require more exercise than other cats. You may also want to consider what type of food your cat eats before purchasing them; if they are prone to allergies or sensitive stomachs then it would be best to avoid grain-based foods and stick with meat instead (though some cats can eat both).
Conclusion
Now, you know the cost of a cat and its associated expenses. You’re probably wondering if it’s worth it to get one. We can tell you that having a cat is worth any price. The companionship and love cats provide is priceless, even though they can be expensive pets. You just have to be prepared to deal with the costs involved in owning them before deciding on whether or not you want one!