How Much Does It Cost To Get A Cat
Introduction
Let’s be honest. You’re totally getting a cat. It’s almost impossible to resist those furry little creatures, and you love the idea of having someone waiting eagerly for you at home when you come back from work. But before you get swept up in those big, adorable eyes, know that there are some real costs associated with adopting a cat. Here’s what to expect.
Initial Startup Costs
The initial startup costs to getting a cat are minimal. The first thing you will need is a litter box, kitty litter, and a cat bed. A scratching post or cat tower would also be beneficial to your new feline friend, as well as some toys for them to play with. You will also want to purchase a carrier if you plan on traveling with your new pet. Lastly, you’ll need to buy a collar and leash so that you can walk your cat safely outdoors when needed (and let them outside).
The cost of these items vary from brand-to-brand but can range anywhere from $10-50 depending on how many items you get at once or how expensive those items are individually!
Cost Of Pet Cat Food
- How much cat food you should buy depends on the size of your cat and its age.
- The best kind of cat food is one made with human-grade ingredients that have not been processed.
- It’s important to feed your pet at least once per day, but avoid mixing dry and wet foods together as this can lead to indigestion and other health problems.
- If you don’t want your pet eating their own food, try putting it up high or in an area with few places for them to grab it (e.g., under a bed). You could also put out some treats so they have something else enticing them away from their bowl while they eat!
Cost Of Cat Toys And Accessories
Cat toys and accessories are a great way to keep your cat entertained and prevent them from destroying your furniture or other household items, but they aren’t cheap. Depending on the type of cat toy you get, it can range from $5 to over $40 per item.
Cat beds are one example of an accessory that is relatively inexpensive (in comparison to other toys) at only about $20-$40 each, but still adds up over time if you have multiple cats that need their own beds. You’ll also want to consider purchasing litter for your kitty’s litter box; depending on how many boxes you have and how often they’re used, this may be another expense that racks up quickly!
Grooming supplies such as nail clippers can cost anywhere between $6-$70 depending on the type of clipper(s) that you buy and whether or not they come with extras like batteries or replacement blades. Some grooming tools include brushes made especially for shedding season while others are meant more specifically for removing excess fur around sensitive areas like ears (which can get tangled easily).
Regular Annual Expenses
Annual Expenses
- Spay/neuter – $20 to $175 or more, depending on your vet and what you’re getting done. This is a one-time expense unless you get your cat fixed again later for some reason (such as if he or she has an emergency situation).
- Vaccinations – $15 to $100 per year, depending on the vaccinations, how many years of protection from each booster shot you want and where you go for them (veterinarian vs. shelter). You may also need other vaccination boosters such as Leukemia test vaccines if your cat is at risk of exposure due to being outdoors or being around wild animals that might carry diseases like rabies virus in their saliva/feces which could infect through bites/scratches from another wild animal that was infected themselves by a rabid animal (elderly people are often advised to have these shots because they tend not leave home much so cannot avoid contact with outside wildlife).
There are many ways to get a cat without buying one from a breeder.
There are many ways to get a cat without buying one from a breeder. The best way to do this is by adopting one from a shelter or rescue organization. If you know of someone who has an extra cat, that could be another option for you—just make sure it’s healthy and happy before taking it home!
If none of those options work for you, or if you’re looking for a specific breed that’s not widely available at shelters or rescues, then purchasing your kitten from a responsible breeder might be the way to go. Make sure they don’t sell their cats in pet stores; instead, try making contact with breeders directly through social media or through their websites (most breeders have them).
Conclusion
Getting a cat can be pricey, but it’s worth it. You’ll have a companion for life, and someone to help you relax when you’re having a bad day.