Cost of a dog / cat

rising_from_the_ashes

scaredy_cat wrote: »

i vote for kittens!!! or adult cats if you are thinking of rehoming. Try your local Cats Protection.

Quick question - have you owned either before?

If not (and having had both for many, many years) - I'd go for the cats.

They are less tying & more independent than dogs - so if you're held up at work they're fine (no panicking at the bus stop as it's late & the dog will have his/her legs crossed!) or if you fancy a night away, they will be fine with someone popping in to check on them once a day .... not as easy with a dog!

The costs for 2 cats would be around the same as 1 dog

If you got an adult from a rescue (applies to both) - not only would you be giving a needy animal(s) a home, you have an idea of how it's going to turn out!

It will be vaccinated & neutered which are pretty big costs .... I had Maisie (dog) neutered a couple of months ago and it was £185 :eek: - her vaccinations were going to be £80 ....

So that's another £250+ to factor in if you go for a pup! :eek: Cats may be slightly less for the neutering - not had it done for a while now.

nicolula87

I have a large dog, but just to add that I don't think there is anything wrong with 'mutts' or cross-breeds. Our dog is a bit of a mixture - we can spot lurcher and GSD but could be much more in there besides!

However designer cross breeds can be a bit of a con! We paid £50 to adopt our dog, he is the most affectionate dog I've ever met, very soft and so far (touch wood) no health problems although he is young still!

Deep_In_Debt

I've never owned a dog so can't comment on that side.

I have 2 rescue cats who are now 10 years old. I got them both when they were older kittens - both 9 months old. The rescue centre spayed them, vaccinated them and microchipped them; all included in the relatively low price I paid for them. The only vet visits I've had with them during the last 10 years is for their annual boosters and health checks.

As another poster said, they are easy if you want to go away - I have a neighbour who pops in a couple of times a day if I go away and if I'm late home for whatever reason, there's no panic.

My biggest expense initially with them was getting a cat flap fitted - but that was a one off expense.

oligeo

Thanks for all the replies.
I had both growing up, cats & dogs, hubby has only had cats.
A friend has a westiepoo which is why I like them, it interacts great with her kids, not too big it takes over the house, and doesn't shed its fur.
Thanks for all the advice, I especially like the advice about setting up a new email address just to get insurance quotes - thats a tip I'll take on board for all types of insurance quotes.

hethmar

If its a case of money, then the cat will be cheaper over the lifetime of the animal. My dogs insurance has just gone up to £500 per annum and that doesnt cover the excess. On top of that routine stuff like teeth cleaning (£220 this year), the yearly innoculations, flea, worm treatments, etc. need to considered too.

lostinrates

oligeo wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.
I had both growing up, cats & dogs, hubby has only had cats.
A friend has a westiepoo which is why I like them, it interacts great with her kids, not too big it takes over the house, and doesn't shed its fur.
Thanks for all the advice, I especially like the advice about setting up a new email address just to get insurance quotes - thats a tip I'll take on board for all types of insurance quotes.

There is roughly a one in four chance a westypoo (I do hate the names ) will not shed. Many will. You won't be able to tell as a pup. Some westies I believe are light to exceptionally low shredders, but I have known westy owners who remain covered in white hairs.


There are other breeds that do not shed or are exceptionally low shedders and are great with kids. Some are even in danger as low numbers of them are registered. They might have breed associated health problems, but these can be researched at checked for.

http://www.justdogbreeds.com/low-shedding-dog-breeds.html


A huge benefit is that you will not have to describe your dog as an anything-poo and have some people regard you as a bit of an imbecile forever after!

Philippa36

We have just bought a pup and in the last month have spent the following:
£300 - cost of pup
£150 - puppy pack (microchip,1st and 2nd vaccs, worming treatment, 10% off neutering, small bag of food) and lifetime vaccinations from Vets4pets
£68 - Bed, collar and lead and 15kg of puppy food
£7.50 - pet insurance monthly payment
£22.00 - Car pet carrier
£10 per week for 10 weeks - puppy classes

Plus various toys! (its my latest eBay obsession!) He was a well thought out purchase, I have wanted to get another dog since our last dog was pts 7 years ago but we were waiting for the right time. I do recommend getting a dog but would suggest reading up on the various breeds and don't go for something you just think is cute!