Money saving tips for cat owners
Owning a cat, as we cat lovers know, is one of life’s great pleasures. Our furry companions bring a smile to our face, affection when we need it and genuinely make us feel more relaxed (proven by scientists!). Few cat owners would argue that the cost and commitment of owning a cat is well worth it. However, owning a cat can be expensive, in fact its estimated that the average total cost of owning a cat can reach over £900 per year including vet’s bills, food and everything in between.
We believe, however that a large proportion of these costs are unnecessary and that owning a cat doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. And; with Christmas, the most expensive time of year, almost upon us, we thought it would be timely to offer up our money saving tips for cat owners:
Avoid unnecessary vet bills – Use a pet health advice line
2 out of 3 pet health issues don’t require an immediate trip to the vet, and with the average non-routine vet visit costing up to £300, vet trips can burn a serious hole in the pocket. A good money saving option is to use one of the variety of pet health helplines such as PetGP that offer an advice service to pet owners at a fraction of the cost (from just £12.50 per call). The helplines can advise owners on whether a trip to the vet is necessary and what their next steps should be.
Find an alternative to leaving your cat in a cattery – Use a pet minding service
There are a host of new websites that match up pet owners with keen pet minders who love animals but for whatever reason can’t’ commit to having their own. Not only are these services free but your cat is likely to get a lot more loving attention from their minder than they would at a cattery.
Make your own toys – Get creative!
Cats love to play and according to some studies, one of the biggest costs to adoring owners is buying cat toys and accessories. Making your own cat toys will save you money and bring a bit of creativity into your life! There a tons of ideas on blogs and pet websites. Try Pinterest which is a great place to get inspiration from other cat owners.
Buy the right food and keep it fresh – Use Tupperware
Stay away from the luxury cat food brands, they don’t offer any health benefits over less costly cat food brands. If you feed your cat dry food or cat treats, keeping them in Tupperware can keep it fresh for up to ten times longer.
Portion control – Keep to recommended portion sizes
Another food tip and one that will help keep your cat healthy and slim. Maintain portion control. Adult cats generally only need approximately 6oz of food daily spread between the morning and evening. Avoid feeding on demand as this can lead to weight gain, over spending on food and ultimately if your cat becomes overweight, increased vet bills in the long term.
Adopt, don’t buy – Give a cat in need a home
Ok so this one isn’t for existing cat owners. People considering buying a cat should think twice. By adopting a cat or kitten from a local shelter, not only are you saving money but you’re doing a good deed and helping a cat in need!
Great tips! And awwwww…look at those three little munchkins!
🙂
A reblogué ceci sur Rattiesforeverworldpresscom.
The last tip is the best.
My cats don’t even bother with store bought toys… much happier with string & shoelaces, cardboard boxes & paper bags, rubber bands & twist ties!
Great post.I would also suggest that there are so many places sharing good information that educating yourself about cat care and health is a way to avoid extra expenses. The is a lovely UK based course called Catwyse that was at the time I enrolled, free, and quite an education.
Thanks for the extra tip 🙂
I agree with the last tips. Don’t buy, adopt. Go to the nearest shelter. They needed care and love.
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Reblogged this on Animals are Wonderful.
Thank you!
great advice
Thank you ^^
Thank you !
You are welcome:)
Marc, interesting and informative article. Shared on Linkedin. Good ideas.
Thank you so much!
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Thank you 😀
I needed to read this! Mainly because I have a cat myself and well, I’ve been looking for an article like this for quite a while now!
🙂 thanks
Great post! Thanks
Glad you found it useful ^^
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Good advice. With seven of my own, I often say, I’d have money in the bank if I didn’t have all these cats. But I’d rather be broke! 😀 <3
Seven! How do you make them all get along? =o
And you’ll have to do a story or two for our guest story section 😉
It’s funny you should bring that up. The two orange males used to chase the two black females (they are half-siblings, born to the same mother, two litters). Since we’ve moved here to the mountains, they occupy the basement and their own catio (separate post). Imagine my shock when I found them sleeping together! Everyone gets along now. Perhaps it was the Florida heat and humidity that got to them, too! LOL! 😆
Ha Florida heat and humidity I know that one!!! I made the mistake of going to Orlando in the height of summer. Now it’s always may or October haha ?
Very smart! LOL! I’m not missing the stifling summers! 😀
Haha indeed xD fell for it once
Great tips!
Glad you found them useful 🙂
Reblogged this on ZodiacImmortal.
Thanks 🙂
as always No prob. I am working on a guest post for my kitty Sully…
Looking forward to it ^^
The wife and I noticed your blog and appreciate the neat content you have here. We would like to encourage you to keep writing and never abandon this blog. If you ever decide you’d like a mobile app version of your blog, we would love to help. I appreciate the hard work you have put into this blog and wish you all future success in business and in life.
Thank you for your time, it is the most precious thing we all possess.
-Jacque’
Awww thank you! And you know we’ve always wanted a mobile app but it’s just not been possible because of how much those cost. 🙁
Marc I agree with you and hear this all the time. Which is why I started reaching out to bloggers personally. I offer extremely affordable prices. We write the program, design the icon, and publish it all for $150. If you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me directly (zenlighttechnology@gmail.com).
Oh remind me in the new year as they does sound interesting.
Sure thing, Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays. ^^
Good evening Marc 🙂 I wanted to take the opportunity to inform you and the team that for the time being, we are creating our blog apps for no charge at all. I believe your blog could benefit from a mobile app that not only provides easy access to the blog for your audience, but one that also combines all of your social media into one. A great example can be viewed here. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.technology.zenlight.okotoenigma
let me know your thoughts, questions, or concerns
Oh! Drop me an email to marc@katzenworld.co.uk 🙂
Excellent tips and ways to save money!
Thank you 🙂
Ah so nice ideas! I myself love to make my own toys and treats for my small furries! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Glad you liked these tips. 🙂
And if you’d like you could do a guest post or two on your DIY toys and treats? ^^
Oh yes that would be really cool 😀
🙂