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And there's the idea of multiples, too. One healthy, indoor cat is going to be cheaper than a large dog, or several cats and a dog.
Unfortunately, a lot of people who lose jobs and subsequently houses often have to rehome their pets. Large dogs in particular tend to be the first to go.
"because the cat especially doesn't bring much in terms of true companionship and affection (feed me, then get away from!). "
I agree. I am not a cat person. I am a dog, cow, chicken, bird person. I even have a stallion. The cow and chickens provide food from of scraps and grass. There manure fertilizes my vegetable garden. A few weeks ago I sold a calf for $1300. The breeding stallion (black Arabian) provides income and is happy to do so.
I call this group the Dept of Food and Transportation. I save money on their keep by doing my own shots and worming and hoof work. I vaccinate and worm my dog. She is medium sized and slender, a Whippet, and does not eat much. I imagine people keeping these huge dogs and multiple dogs, running to the vet for care that costs as much as human medical care, that is not frugal.
I don't think any person is frugal all the time. We all have our extravagances. Most of us just have to pick the extravagances that are 'worth it' to us. Things we are willing to sacrifice to afford. For me, pets are one of those things.
Yea, but you can make it cheaper if you do your own veterinary maintenance (shots, wormers). Ask them at your local feed store. They will tell you how to give a subcutaneous injection, what worm pill, etc.
My cats FAVORITE cats toy? A catnip sack. Take an old blouse or flannel jammies -- you want the material sturdy, but thinnish -- so don't use jeans -- cut it up into squares or rectangles of a couple of inches, sew it on three sides leaving s pouch, stuff it with good fresh catnip, sew the top shut and toss it on the ground. Doesn't even have to be stuffed tight.
They go crazy over it -- and bite it, and bat it and chase it all over the house. In a few weeks the sack is totally gross -- make another.
I hemmed a couple of flannel pajama pants for a very short lady recently -- left me with TONS of flannel rectangles.
I always find it funny when people talk about cats being independent and not loving. I have several that are quite loving -- one that cuddles with me all the time, and the rest pick their times but it's really a couple times a day when they require face time. The other ones do the same to my husband. If dogs are more loving than cats, then I'd never get ANYTHING done.
I think you need to have a certain amount of money to have a pet so they would be a luxury to some. They also also offer security, friendship and other qualities that aren't measurable. I'm not a cat person, but we have one for the kids. She needed a home and the kids have learned a bit about taking care of her. I would say she offers some value. The dog was something I tried to avoid having. Then we found this little puppy that was injured and had been dumped on the side of the road. We're quite attached now. In addition to companionship, he protects us from cows, horses, birds, and anyone at the front door. He's a cute, friendly little guy. We've met tons of people because he needed to go say hello. He's another important member of the family. We have more expenses for him than we do the cat, but we don't really think of him in terms of expenses because he adds so much love to the family.
Cats for us are working cats. Their job is to kill mice, snakes, and other unwanted creatures around the homestead.
They were expensive, since we lost so many to coyote's. Finally, we just started answering LOST CAT ads and picking up cats that were lost and were going to be killed by the SPCA anyway. After three months, we would take them into the vets office and in most cases, we found out that they were already neutered!!! Current "lost" cat is going on 12 years with us.
As for dogs, they were all bird hunting dogs. So I guess I just pay a lot per pound for pheasants, ducks, and other birds!!
Yes, pets are more expensive that people realize. The biggest thing I notice with them besides the cost of taking care of them is with renters. Renters want to have pets and end up renting larger spaces and/or houses instead of apartments so they can have pets, and this ends up being a lot more expensive.
In general, in the same way that people have kids too soon, pay too much in mortgage/rent, spend too much on cars, etc, pets are one more way that people lock themselves into high expenses before they can really afford to do so.
Yes, pets are more expensive that people realize. The biggest thing I notice with them besides the cost of taking care of them is with renters. Renters want to have pets and end up renting larger spaces and/or houses instead of apartments so they can have pets, and this ends up being a lot more expensive.
In general, in the same way that people have kids too soon, pay too much in mortgage/rent, spend too much on cars, etc, pets are one more way that people lock themselves into high expenses before they can really afford to do so.
Maybe we should quit living and focus on saving:>) What was that story of the Three Stooges about:>)
My 25 pound ginger cat scared off a daytime burglar who was trying to break into my house when I was home. Priceless!!
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