Hello friends
As a first-time-cat-owner-to-be, I am trying to estimate the cost of cat ownership.
I need opinions from especially my fellow Canadians (other bloggers are also welcome; it is just that things are expensive in Canada when compared to USA).
Can you please give me an idea about regular costs of a cat, including:
- food
- litter/hygiene
- toys and other needs
- medications (for deworming, flea-treatment etc.)
- insurance (mine to be is an adult male cat, neutered)
- have I forget anything in this list? please fill in.
Thanks alot! 🙂
Life as I interpret it 
I don’t live in Canada but my advice would be to try to shop somewhere that will let you return items that don’t work out. Example, I bought my cats these soft, plush cat beds and they would jump out any time I tried putting them in (returned the beds). I also bought them a cat climber/tower that was a few feet tall and they refused to climb on it or go on it… I returned it for a taller one and they climbed right on it and loved it. Cats are pretty picky and particular. I also thought since they were brothers and together since birth they could share a food dish, but that didn’t happen… so I had to get two separate feeders. They do share a water dish and litter box without a problem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks for bringing in your opinion/experience. Finding a place that will allow things to be returned is a great idea! I had never thought about returning things. Thanks for this idea – I guess it will make a positive difference in me. I will have one cat (hopefully I will get him – still getting cold feet time to time) so sharing will not be an issue. interesting that your cats have no problem with sharing the litter and the water dish – aren’t the cats interesting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never had a cat that needed flea treatment or deworming. My cat costs were always pretty minimal, compared to a dog. Maybe 1 jug of litter per month. Usually my younger cats have not even gone to the vet every year. As they age, costs can increase of course. Since cats are usually not purebred, they don’t tend to have the joint issues you get in some dogs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
you seem to have really good experience with cats. since I am adopting from a shelter I am assuming he will have all bunch of parasites/worms…. i will be happy to take him to the vet and get vaccinations/checks made. I think I will have a better idea once my cat arrives home. hard for me to estimate how much food, litter and others will cost me for now. but yours and others comments are helping me a lot. I feel calmer now. so thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe it’s different in Canada? In the US the shelters give all the initial medical care, shots, and microchipping.
LikeLiked by 2 people
they do here too. they also provide 6 weeks of insurance, deworming etc. I am kind of skeptical that all animals are treated well and contamination with germs at the shelter is quite a possibility. I hope I am wrong and I hope I will never see a worm again (I had seen one tape worm or something in the feces of a cat at the shelter) :)))
LikeLike
Neutered adult male cats tend to be friendly and fun!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to have this experience with the cat I would like to adopt. he is a little bit grumpy (i.e. not too friendly). At first I thought we would not get a long, but the second time I saw him I knew I was drawn to him among all the others. i will know more when/if I can complete the adoption papers and get him home 🙂
LikeLike
Our cat was relatively inexpensive. She ate dry cat food which was cheaper than canned. Of course, she lived 22 years. You might want to take lifespan into account!
LikeLiked by 2 people
that is so cool. 22 years is an awesome age for a cat! you guys must have taken care of it really well. I am sure you have many sweet memories with your cat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can share my experience. First thing you need to do is make sure the kitty is fixed, the younger the better. I spayed mine when she was 4 months. They can develop issues as they get older if not and some situations may require surgery. It’s important for your kitty to maintain a healthy diet. There are some brand that aren’t good for cats. The one that was recommended to me was Blue Buffalo. It is best to start them young. As for the litter, you want something natural that also absorbs order. I use feline pine (http://www.felinepine.com). About insurance, I never got one for my cat. But there’s a great credit card — not sure if it’s offered in Canada. Basically, they allow you to pay the bills in small installments at no extra fees. CareCredit is the card. This card is not just good for animals’ expenses but for your own medical expenses too! I hope it’s an option for you. I am not familiar with pet insurances but I never purchased one for any of my pets. Just be sure to research about the best care — foods, vets, exercises, etc. to avoid extra expenses. You’ll do great! Good luck. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Rebecca. you have given me all the info I need! what a comprehensive and informative comment – thank you so much for this. I plan to get pet insurance if i do adopt the cat (still hesitating….) I have been reading and watching videos on cat care and behavior. I would not risk my cat’s health/food either. Only thing I could not figure out is how to best care for the cat while I am away for extended periods of time… This is the breaking point for me. Oh, well. whatever it is, I am sure I will make the right decision 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also got my two cats from a shelter. I’ve had them just over 3 years, we keep them indoors only and they only had fleas once and we only gave them one pill and bought a flea comb (no on-going flea treatments or anything). I agree with buying a good quality food for the cat, I think it can help avoid some medical problems later. The food and litter will probably be the biggest expenses since they are on-going; the toys, climbers, hygiene, cat care, etc are usually just bought at first then when they need to be replaced.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much! I would agree that the health/food/exercise are very important. I would love to get the best possible care for my cat. They are so innocent, so lovely. You must be happy to have two 🙂
LikeLike
The rescue group we got them from actually told us to take two so that they can keep each other company and play with each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it makes perfect sense and many people recommends the same thing. I am not sure how I could deal with two at the beginning. possible once I get used to one cat 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve only done it with two from the beginning so I’m not sure how hard or easy it is to introduce another one later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ahhhh! excellent point. many people have trouble with introducing new pets to other pets at home 🙂
LikeLike
Looks like you got lots of replies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
got many good ideas – we have good friends here 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person