Considering getting a cat

[rainbowslollipops]

I have a 6yo dd and a hamster. I thought about getting a kitten but have training next week and change of hours after that so I'd like a older cat maybe 1/2yo. what do you think? my mum had cats when I was growing up so I've been around them a lot.

[cozietoesie]

Most rescues will ask for a donation but that's really only to cover their expenses - eg feeding and littering, first shots and microchip, neutering for older kittens and so on. No-one is making any money out of it, I assure you.

Nonetheless, a cat doesn't come free (or sometimes even cheap what with insurance and later vets bills) so if it's beyond your purse it's best that you recognize it right away rather than not spending money on a cat when it needs it. Most of us will do it willingly because of the joy they bring to people and families - but not everyone can manage the finance.

I hope circumstances permit you to get one at a later stage in life.

[rainbowslollipops]

It kind of has put me off since my sister got a microchipped and vaccinated kitten for £15 and is eligible for a neutering voucher. The rescue center also said I wouldn't get the neutering free and that I'd only get 30% knocked off it via the vets they use. That would mean having to find someone to take me 30min drive to the vets they use as well as buying the cats things. I just think £65 then the 70% I have to pay towards neutering on top of new cat things is a lot of money. When you can get a kitten from a private ad for maximum £30. I'd go for cats protection but they never seem to answer their phone or manage to call me back.

[Sparklingbrook]

The Cats Protection charge £50 adoption fee. You are getting a full health check, vaccinations, microchip transfer and flea and worm treatments. Plus the help and back up/support after adoption should you need advice. The adoption fee doesn't begin to cover the cost of homing the kitten to adoption age.

You may want to rehome an older cat that has already been neutered?

Private ads are a worry IMO. i think the purchase price of the animal shouldn't be your main concern. Along the line there will be vets bills that come up unexpectedly that may be more than £70.

Lots to think about, to make an informed decision.

[rainbowslollipops]

The £50 also gets a free neutering from them so I'm happy to pay that but could you justify £65 to book a kitten that won't be neutered at your nearest vets has to be via theirs and you've gotta pay 70% of the neutering on top of cat items?

[cozietoesie]

You need to make an informed decision, rainbows, as Sparkling said. If you get a cat, you'll need to pay out later money for food, litter and so on as well as possible vets fees, insurance (if you get it), flea and worm treatments and so on.

If the finances won't stretch - and that could be for the next 15+ years - then the best thing to do is to say 'not yet' even if the family would love one. Doesn't mean that you won't ever be able to have a cat, just maybe not at the moment.

[Sparklingbrook]

Oh that's good. Not sure why you would have to use their vets not your own mind.

[cozietoesie]

A 'deal' of some sort, Sparkling. It might be a smaller local shelter.