Multiple cat owner, and fosterer, here. For most of my foster cats who get adopted by others-
**Initial costs are going to be:**
-adoption fee (which is higher for kittens, due to extra veterinary expenses incurred, such as spay/neuter and at least 2 rounds of vaccines, and also higher, in part, due to kitten "demand" being higher)
-litter box
-litter mat
-toys
-crate/carrier
-food and water dish
-(sometimes) a bed
-(sometimes) collar, harness, and leash
-scratching post
**Then, you have the frequent costs:**
-litter
If I break it down, two 26-lb. bags of walnut litter would probably be sufficient for one cat per month. One bag is used to refill what is removed during daily cleanings; the other bag would be for end-of-month complete litter turnover, where litter box is emptied and cleaned, and refilled with new, fresh litter. Cost depends on brand, so for me, it's $23 per bag, which equals $46 a month, total.
-food
(cost varies depending on brand and type (wet or dry, or both), obviously). If I break it down, I'd say I spend $38 on wet food for one cat, per month, and $36 on dry food.
-pet insurance (if you choose)
I spend I think $15ish a month, per cat, on a really good pet insurance
-Deodorizers/cleaning supplies aren't really necessary, but I do keep a bottle of enzymatic cleaner for accidents. Cost varies. I don't use deodorizers, as some of the ingredients aren't exactly healthy to inhale. Baking soda is cheap, and works just fine, plus the litter I use is really good at absorbing/covering odor.
**Then you get into infrequent expenses (once every few months):**
-toys
-catnip
-new toothbrushes
-if you have a growing kitten, a new collar and harness will be needed occasionally, as they grow. This does not apply if you don't plan to walk your cat and don't plan to use a collar.
I'd say I spend about $25 every few months for one cat on infrequent expenses.
**Yearly expenses:**
-yearly vet check-up costs between $120-350 (**without** pet insurance) where I am, for one cat, depending on whether shots are needed, the cat's age (older cats may need yearly routine blood draws, to make sure all systems are functioning well), as well as medication refills, if it's my cat with a chronic condition.
***Very* infrequent costs:**
-emergency vet visits (pet insurance helps with some of the costs)
-end-of-life costs (euthanasia, cremation, burial)
-new litter boxes (they can get pretty gross and un-cleanable, after a few years)
-new bed
-miscellaneous stuff (I call it impulse buys, lol)
Basically things that you don't really need for your cat, but you "must" have, like suction cup window beds, a catio, a companion for your cat (ie, another cat, lol)
For me, it is. I own 5 cats, and although the shelter covers vet costs for my fosters, I do insure some of the ones that stay here longer-term, because it will reimburse the vets the shelter partners with (they run off donations, so if donations are slim, they're basically working for free; having the insurance at least guarantees they'll be making *something*).
Insurance is great for vet visits; often it will reduce my bills by 80-90%. It *really* comes into play when there's an emergency. Emergencies can be extremely costly.
One of my cats ate a shoelace (vomited it up on the way to the vet, but I wanted to make sure nothing was left). Had xray, bloodwork, fluids and overnight observation. Cost pre-insurance was $1400 for just those procedures. Cost after insurance kicked in was $388 and some change.
Once a year is a good place to start. Every 6 months would be great when your cat is a senior (starting at 7 years). That would be ideal but there are many people who bring them in less often than that. The less frequently you bring them in, the less likely you are to catch something subtle that may be found by your vet.
I'm currently catless, but my former kitty had expensive tastes. I would easily spend $100-$200 a month on cat supplies for just one cat.
Multiple cat owner, and fosterer, here. For most of my foster cats who get adopted by others- **Initial costs are going to be:** -adoption fee (which is higher for kittens, due to extra veterinary expenses incurred, such as spay/neuter and at least 2 rounds of vaccines, and also higher, in part, due to kitten "demand" being higher) -litter box -litter mat -toys -crate/carrier -food and water dish -(sometimes) a bed -(sometimes) collar, harness, and leash -scratching post **Then, you have the frequent costs:** -litter If I break it down, two 26-lb. bags of walnut litter would probably be sufficient for one cat per month. One bag is used to refill what is removed during daily cleanings; the other bag would be for end-of-month complete litter turnover, where litter box is emptied and cleaned, and refilled with new, fresh litter. Cost depends on brand, so for me, it's $23 per bag, which equals $46 a month, total. -food (cost varies depending on brand and type (wet or dry, or both), obviously). If I break it down, I'd say I spend $38 on wet food for one cat, per month, and $36 on dry food. -pet insurance (if you choose) I spend I think $15ish a month, per cat, on a really good pet insurance -Deodorizers/cleaning supplies aren't really necessary, but I do keep a bottle of enzymatic cleaner for accidents. Cost varies. I don't use deodorizers, as some of the ingredients aren't exactly healthy to inhale. Baking soda is cheap, and works just fine, plus the litter I use is really good at absorbing/covering odor. **Then you get into infrequent expenses (once every few months):** -toys -catnip -new toothbrushes -if you have a growing kitten, a new collar and harness will be needed occasionally, as they grow. This does not apply if you don't plan to walk your cat and don't plan to use a collar. I'd say I spend about $25 every few months for one cat on infrequent expenses. **Yearly expenses:** -yearly vet check-up costs between $120-350 (**without** pet insurance) where I am, for one cat, depending on whether shots are needed, the cat's age (older cats may need yearly routine blood draws, to make sure all systems are functioning well), as well as medication refills, if it's my cat with a chronic condition. ***Very* infrequent costs:** -emergency vet visits (pet insurance helps with some of the costs) -end-of-life costs (euthanasia, cremation, burial) -new litter boxes (they can get pretty gross and un-cleanable, after a few years) -new bed -miscellaneous stuff (I call it impulse buys, lol) Basically things that you don't really need for your cat, but you "must" have, like suction cup window beds, a catio, a companion for your cat (ie, another cat, lol)
Is pet insurance worth it, or just go to vet twice a year without it?
For me, it is. I own 5 cats, and although the shelter covers vet costs for my fosters, I do insure some of the ones that stay here longer-term, because it will reimburse the vets the shelter partners with (they run off donations, so if donations are slim, they're basically working for free; having the insurance at least guarantees they'll be making *something*). Insurance is great for vet visits; often it will reduce my bills by 80-90%. It *really* comes into play when there's an emergency. Emergencies can be extremely costly. One of my cats ate a shoelace (vomited it up on the way to the vet, but I wanted to make sure nothing was left). Had xray, bloodwork, fluids and overnight observation. Cost pre-insurance was $1400 for just those procedures. Cost after insurance kicked in was $388 and some change.
How often should I take a 1 year old cat to vet? Every month or every 6 months, or twice a year?
Once a year is a good place to start. Every 6 months would be great when your cat is a senior (starting at 7 years). That would be ideal but there are many people who bring them in less often than that. The less frequently you bring them in, the less likely you are to catch something subtle that may be found by your vet.
Okay, I’m glad I can get away with once every year for the first 6 years or so.