Cat Show Form: Image by Tomi Tapio, FlickrWhile we all want the best for our cats, it's not always easy to afford taking care of them. Keep reading to learn some ways to save money as a cat owner.
1. Keep Your Cat Indoors
Keeping your cat indoors can prevent both flees and injury. Unless you own other animals that sometimes venture outside, keeping your cat inside will prevent any flee outbreaks. This will save the money of paying for flea treatments. Keeping your cat safe from any injury that can occur outside will prevent unnecessary trips to the vet.
2. Don't Buy Cat Litter
While it's possible to buy economical cat litter, it can become fairly expensive. Instead, it's possible to make your own, or toilet train your cat. It's possible to make your own cat litter from newspaper and baking soda, and it should save you loads of money. If you do want to buy regular cat litter, it's best to buy it in bulk.
3. Make Your Own Cat Food
Making your own cat food, or feeding your cat a raw diet is healthier for your cat, and, though it takes a little more effort, is ultimately cheaper than a processed diet.
4. Feed In Portions
Overfeeding your cat can cause health problems and more frequent visits to the vet. To save yourself money, feed your cat portioned meals, and take away anything your cat doesn't eat. To save even more money, you can save whatever your cat doesn't eat for his next meal.
5. Keep An Eye Out For Deals
There are a number of deals available to save you money on your cat. When it's time to get vaccinations and spay and neuter your cat, be sure to shop around. The average vet will charge significantly more than your local humane society, for instance. For your average cat supplies, pet stores frequently have sales and offer coupons. Online discount codes are also available if you're a person that likes to shop online.
6. Buy In Bulk
Although it may seem cheaper to buy a smaller amount, buying in bulk will save you money in the long run. You can find bulk supplies online, or in stores like Costco and Sam's Club.
7. Provide Basic Care
Instead of going to a groomer or a vet to groom your cats, do it at home. Professional grooming can be expensive, so this simple procedure can save you a lot of money. Simply remember to bathe, brush, trim your cats claws, and brush your cats teeth routinely.
8. Visit The Vet Regularly
Though visits to the vet might seem expensive, regular checkups can actually save you money. A regular vet checkup will help your cat maintain optimum health, and catch any potential conditions early before they become a real problem. You can also purchase pet insurance to make regular checkups a little easier to afford, just be sure to shop around for the best price when you do.
9. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise will help your cat maintain the best health possible, prevent sickness, and save you trips to the vet. You can help your cat get regular exercise by providing toys and things they can climb and jump on throughout the house.
10. Make Your Own Toys
You can save a lot of money you'd normally spend on toys by simply making toys for your cat. If you don't make them, take hand-me-down's if they're available, or browse yard sales to see if you can find some good, cheap toys.
With these methods, you'll have more money in your pocket in no time. Don't forget to take good care of your cat, and have fun!
