Kitty and Cat Monthly Expenses

[Zuri]

How much, per month, do you spend, on average, for a kitten/cat? Assume the kitty/cat eats mainly organic, raw meat, clean water, has treats, toys, and has a holistic vet...you know, the kitten/cat is taken are of as well as we take care of ourselves eating raw...

I'd like to know, because I want to get a kitten from the SPCA in 3 months or so.

[juliebove]

My cat does not eat raw, nor does she go to a holistic vet. Not even sure there is one in this area.

I probably spend about $1.25 per day on food and treats for her. She is older now and not so into toys. When she was younger, she didn't so much like regular cat toys and preferred odd things like golf tees that she could bat around on the floor. She also loved playing in paper bags. I still probably bought every toy known to man, hoping she would like them.

You should get a scratcher for every room in your house. They need not be expensive. You can get cardboard ones for about $10-$20. Cats like to look out the window so unless you have a really low one, you will need to arrange the furniture so the cat can look out, or buy a perch. Again, it doesn't need to be expensive. You can get a little shelf that attaches to the windowsill.

Some cats like cat beds. Mine never did. She prefers to sleep with me. She does have her own little blanket to sleep on though. That works out well because it keeps the excess fur on the blanket.

Which brings me to grooming tools. What you'll need depends on what kind of cat you get. Long haired cats require more grooming. Mine has fairly short hair. The hair will need to be brushed or combed at least weekly if not daily. I find the best tool for this is an inexpensive flea comb. The metal kind. Not the all plastic. For some reason, those never work on my cat. If you don't get all the shedding hair out, the cat will eat it and get hair balls. Even with good grooming, your cat might get hair balls. If so, you'll need a tube of hair ball remedy. That runs about $9.

My cat doesn't go outside so I don't have to worry about fleas and ticks. Vet bill runs about $100 a year. Was more the year she had to have some teeth removed. They say you should brush your cat's teeth daily, but mine has never let me do that.

[Zuri]

Once again juliebove, thanks! I feel great about what you said, because I had already planned on having several things you mentioned in place, esp room on the windowsill and scratching thingies all around. I'm going to print what you said and add it to the info. I'm compiling of kitty and cat information. My kitty is going to be spoiled for sure!

You've been very specific. Much appreciated.

[meancat]

If you want my 2 cents--

I suggest starting your kitty on a higher end cat food brand. it helps down the road prevent some common medical conditions that are created and aggrivated by cheap foods. Urinary problems, hair balls, teeth, kidney, weight etc.

I personally use Science Diet but there are some others that I'm sure are okay too. The issue with the tainted cat food is scary too, Science diet was not on that list.

[KittyMommy]

I concur--high quality canned cat food is worth the investment. It's better for the kitty's internal organs and teeth--which you don't hear a lot about. My feline dental hygienist recommended three brands for overall feline dental health: Innova, Evolve and Merrick.

I buy Merrick, because they love it--it is human grade food, very high in quality meat content. If you're looking for organic food, there is a brand called Organix. Wysong cat food is made from free-range chicken, which is nice, but their canned food must be supplemented by their dry food. And while my babies loved Wysong dry food, it gave them periodontal disease!

[Zuri]

Great all, thanks. Peridontal disease? Eeek!