Cats are wonderfully self-sufficient animals, but that doesn’t mean adopting a cat is cheap business.
Far from it. In fact, the monthly expenses can quickly add up.
Beyond attempting to buy food and supplies in bulk, here are four smart ways to save money with your new feline companion.
Do you have any other tips for new cat parents to save money? How do you keep your kitty-related costs down? Let us know in the comments below!
Money Saving Tips For New Cat Parents
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Try Savings Instead Of Pet Insurance
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Some people get pet insurance, while other people say the premiums usually total more than any vet bills for the year.
A smarter solution can be to save a small amount every week or month and keep it in a dedicated savings account for pet related emergencies. That way, if you need to pay vet bills, you'll already have an amount saved up.
And if your cat doesn't need any expensive procedures during their lifetime, you'll have a tidy sum of money saved up for your own use.
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Skip Fancy Cat Beds
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Cats are finicky creatures. When you first adopt a feline, you'll likely want to buy them a plush cat bed -- only to discover that they quickly ignore it in favor of the couch or your bed.
A cheaper option is to keep a cardboard box from your latest online shopping spree and leave it out on the floor for your cat to nap in.
Cutting out a few entrance holes in the box can also turn it into a full-on cat house.
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Create An Impromptu Cat Tower
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Affordable cat trees are, unfortunately, pretty hideous looking things. But cats love to climb up and perch in high places.
So before you splash out the cash, look around your home and see if you have any existing furniture that can be rearranged to create a natural climbing route.
A couch, a cabinet, or a bookcase can offer just as much of a vantage point as a cat tree. Placing a cat bed on top of a shelf or near a window makes for a great lookout perch.
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Make Your Own Toys
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Seasoned cat parents know that most times you purchase a toy for your cat, there's a strong chance they're going to shrug and largely ignore it. So start embracing homemade toys that will pique their interest while saving you some cash.
Egg cartons can be easily turned into treat toys, the shape of toilet rolls seem to be a natural lure for cat paws, and balling up a receipt creates the perfect feline soccer ball.
Here are some more great DIY cat toy ideas.
