I regret getting a cat

[tellmesomethingtrue]

It is too expensive. Annual vaccinations, insurance, flea and worming. I wish I hadn’t got her to be honest. How do poor people afford pets?

@Tel12can u suggest a good affordable insurance .I had a same issue ?

Why would I be discussing the positives of cat ownership on this thread? Thats obvious. I’m here to discuss the costs. From reading the comments, the vet and shelter seem to be going overboard with all the things she apparently ‘needs’ which a lot of people on here don’t bother with.

OP the cheapest insurance I found was insurance emporium - haven’t tested it yet though. Insurance is not essential - but I would get it at first then maybe cancel in a year or so once you’ve established its healthy generally.

I alternate between expensive vet flea treatment and cheaper online ones. And I’m lax about regularity. Hasn’t been an issue in 6 years I’ve had the eldest - depends a bit on how many other local cats it comes into contact with? Buy a cheap flea comb and keep an eye out for them.

Ive also heard more than one vet say that the dry food needs to be higher quality but the wet food not so much

for holidays find a local student to pop in twice/day, cheapest option around here

If she is indoors i wouldn't bother with annual booster, fleas and worms. Especially if you live on a higher floor. Otherwise yes, it is necessary. Did you not research the cost beforehand?

I feel very sorry for many of the cats on here

Surely you knew your financial situation before getting a pet. We are poor so have never had anything more then a few fish over the years as we just couldn't afford it.

Can people stop judging, like it’s going to help . I understand her as I had to take over cat from my mum and as much as I agreed it annoys me as she had so many issues that I had to sort out . And I didn’t knew all that beforehand . Where I grew up cats were mostly outside and no one really made a big fuss .

So when I take her to the vet next week for the first time to get her sorted out for flea and worming treatments, do I just ask the vet for the prescription and not the actual medicine?

You don’t want your cat and can’t afford it, how did you pass the checks at the shelter? You are not an ok person to have a cat, mine are my life.

I adopted two rescue kittens. I had to have lots of checks done to be allowed them. They are a couple of years old now and I’ve had expensive vet bills, one sky high, for both as emergencies. My poor little girly was only 11 months old and nearly died so I had to nurse her back to health for a few months. I have pet insurance which covered some of it.

They have also both recently had fleas, i had treated a few months before it was winter we were in the house. I’ve had to get flea treatment tablets from the vets costing £300 for the year for both and spray the rooms in the house. And my cats have never left the garden which they have a quick wander around for a few mins per day, still terrified of other humans and any noises so they run in for cuddles and reassurance. So indoor cats 23 hours out of 24 and still caught fleas.

My cats were dumped in a bag as kittens and left on a doorstep. So they deserve the best possible life after that.

Me too

You just pay the vet for her treatment.

And how is that the first time? How long have you had her?

I’ve had her two weeks. She’s 3.

Re vaccinations I think there is a debate to be had about whether or not they really need boosters every year. However if you’re ever going to use a cattery then you need to have them done - they won’t take them without the certificate- for my cattery they have no choice, it’s a condition of their licence from the council.

Useful. Thank you

Then why are lots of people saying that you get the treatments online then?

You can pay the vet for the drugs - or pay the vet for a prescription and buy the drugs online. The latter is usually cheaper.

if you already can’t afford her tell the shelter you made a mistake and it’s too much of a responsibility. they will find her a foster family.

I buy everything online . They've been vaccinated once when I got them . I've had cats all my life and I think yearly vaccinations are a scam . My most elderly cat is 20 and has been super healthy . I always get my cats from a rescue , never pedigree even though they are beautiful. I don't know how anyone can regret getting a pet because you fall in love. with them . If you haven't maybe you should try to find a good home where the cat is
loved and cared for ..

I put £80 per month into my pet costs bank account (2cats).Have done that several years now but net balance is only about £300.

That covers food, litter, vaccines, insurance, insurance excess etc. It doesn't include the cost of replacing rugs, carpets, sofas etc that don't last as long as those in no pet households.

If you struggle to make ends meet, pets are probably going to be a struggle to look after.

I agree you fall in love with them thre minute you meet them at the rescue centre. I had one of mine in my arms whilst the other ran around my legs, from that moment they were mine.

if not you shouldn’t have one.

Cats choose you. You only make yourself available. My DH is "staff". I'm the loved one.

I have cats and Im currently on a low income. I would never hand my cat into a shelter - but I understand that some people struggle. Lots of shelters are currently full as well

I do similar but £150 a month. Covers the food and litter, new toys, insurance, flea treatment and the expensive vet bills I have had so far.

Our cat has a plan with the vet where she gets all her flea/ worm / vacs and it was £220 for the year plus she gets free nurse visits among other benefits . That doesn’t seem like much money for all the enjoyment she brings to our family . If you are worrying about the cost @tellmesomethingtrue give her back to the shelter .