Costs for cats

elverson

Hi all,

We are thinking of taking on one or two kittens and I wanted to make sure we have thought of all the costs. So far I've got:

One-off costs:
Vaccinations at vet
Neutering at vet
Equipment (cat carrier, scratching post, toys etc)

Ongoing costs:
Food and cat litter
Pet insurance

Is there anything else? Thanks in advance.

pinkteapot

Ongoing - annual vaccination booster and check-up. Check with your local vet - initial vaccinations are normally a bit more then the annual boosters are cheaper and the cost includes a check-up.

Re initial vaccinations and spay/neuter - if you get cats from a shelter then this is sometimes done already, though you will have to pay for the cats (with shelters it's a "donation", but normally of a suggested minimum amount ).

Most insurances also have an excess (£50-75 usually), so put a bit aside for taking them to the vet for minor things which aren't enough to bother claiming on the insurance. Our vet charges £30 for a consultation (equivalent to an appointment with your GP).

Scratching posts, toys etc do wear out, so they're an ongoing cost really, but not much.

SensibleSarah

Also preventative flea & worming treatment. Kittens are generally wormed every couple of weeks until 3 months old, then every month until 6 months, then every quarter for life.
Tablets for worming aren't expensive (but don't buy pet shop ones, ask your vet or buy drontal online) and similarly flea treatment costs around £5-£10 a time per cat.

Definitely take on a pair if you can afford it. Twice the fun & half the hard work.

rita-rabbit

Cat carrier, toys & scratching post - can get these cheaply sometimes in Liddles/Aldi

cat beds - mine always opted for mine - except when the heating comes on or they are at my Mums!

think about who will feed etc if/when you go away on holiday - friend/neighbour/relative or cattery?

GwylimT

Scratching posts
Litter trays
Neutering

Non-one offs
Vaccines (unless you buy vaccs for life)
Flea treatment
Worm treatment
Yearly health check
Food
Litter
Insurance
Small vet bills not worth claiming for

If you go away a cat sitter or a cattery