Having a pet cat is a huge responsibility, but it’s totally worth it! You may find that owning a cat is quite costly — things like food, insurance, and pet-proofing can really add up. So, if you’re looking for ways to spend less money on your precious kitten while keeping them in the manner to which they have become accustomed, then check out these five top tips.
1. Rescue your cat
Before you even get your cat you can save yourself the extortionate cost of a pedigree cat and go to a shelter or rescue home. Adoption is a fraction of the cost of buying a specialised breed, and not only that, by adopting a cat you are saving one more precious animal from an unhappy life. Rescue centres often have lots of animals waiting for their next home, so you can go and pick the perfect one for you.
2. Save money on cat food
You can source great quality, reasonably-priced cat food by searching online. You can purchase in bulk (and potentially get a wholesale discount) or use online budget pet care coupons to make yourself some significant savings. You might even be able to purchase your kitty’s favourite brands for less than you’d pay in the shops.
3. Stay up to date with jabs
Save you and your pet the hassle of avoidable illnesses by staying up to date with their vaccinations. What vaccinations your cat might need depends on where in the world you live, but they’re so important. And doing them will save you money in the long run, so don’t wait!
4. Set up annual vet visits
Pet insurance can feel like a big expense, but any cat owner knows that prevention is better than a cure. So, schedule annual checkups with the vet to ensure your cat is healthy. If there are any illnesses or injuries, your vet can then catch them early and you’ll save money on expensive treatment later down the line. If your cat is prone to illness, you could up this to twice yearly.
5. Make your own toys
Cats can get bored at home in the day, so, instead of heading down to your local pet shop, you can make your own! Depending on what your cat likes, you could fashion your own scratching post by glueing rope to a post or wooden tube and attaching it to a hard base covered with carpet. You could also make your own cat tree and sew some catnip into toys to give your kitten an extra treat while they play.
Hopefully, this list has given you a little bit of inspiration on how you can cut costs, and still be a great cat mum. Cat’s truly are a great addition to the home, so, don’t be put off by the price. With a little bit of a can-do attitude, some savvy shopping, and a lot of love and care, you can look after your furry friend and not break the bank.