Current Events > I want a cat except I have no idea where to start

(+) Yeah! (+)

I don't have a lot of cash, but i'd like a pet to keep me company.

Ideas?

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See if you got a cat cafe around you

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Cat store

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I really only recommend a cat if you're sure you can handle some unexpected vet visits

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Theres a community cat in the neighborhood that i give treats to and built a little cathouse for. Shes essentially my cat although not officially. She hangs out around my house a lot but i think she has an actual owner as she will disappear for up to a week.

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Just make sure you can afford monthly food and litter along with some vet visits just incase. Don't rush into anything. It's good that you even thought it through at all opposed to someone making an impulsive adoption.

If you feel confident in being able to afford it, buy a food bowl, water bowl, litter box, a cat carrier and a few toys. Then go to a shelter and look around. If none of them catch your eye, you can always come back. Try to get a good feel for the cat's personality too. Energetic, affectionate, shy, bold, etc. Think about what would work best for you. Don't be shy when it comes to asking questions at the adoption center either. Any medical issues, the cat's age, history, personality, anything you should keep an eye out for health wise. The more you know the better.

Good luck dude. Cats can be great.

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Gwynevere posted...

I really only recommend a cat if you're sure you can handle some unexpected vet visits

This but honestly for dogs too

They can be expensive if you want them to get good care

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If you adopt from a shelter, they are fixed, so you don't have to worry about half a dozen new cats showing up one day.

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Go to a cat bucket with a fish, throw fish to distract the larger faster stronger cats, grab runt give concealed second fish, take to vet for shots

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You could try fostering a cat. Many rescue agencies will pay for the medical care, you just have the provide food, litter, and a loving home for the cat until someone is ready to permanently adopt them.

Go on your roof and do a cat scan

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You can get free/low cost cats off craigslist from people who cant take care of their animals anymore for whatever reason.

Then you just need two bowls, one for food and one for water

And then a litterbox, scooper and dog poop bags

Thats it. Youve got the basic tools needed to keep a cat alive and happy for years

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If you check out petfinder.com you'll see all the shelters in your area. There are tons of cats that need a good home so please adopt one!! I do think the adoption fee is around $100 but if you can't afford that then maybe check craigslist.

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Rescue cat obviously.

I woulda gone that route cause it just seems right but I really wanted a savannah.

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Smackems posted...

This but honestly for dogs too

i have gotten lucky i guess. the most i had to pay for one visit was not more than 100$ a few times.
worse one was 600$ but that was due to 2 failed procedures in getting her "aural hematoma" fixed.

mostly 15-20$ visits for nail clippings. later years is monthly apoquil (60$).
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kingdrake2 posted...

i have gotten lucky i guess. the most i had to pay for one visit was not more than 100$ a few times.
worse one was 600$ but that was due to 2 failed procedures in getting her "aural hematoma" fixed.

mostly 15-20$ visits for nail clippings. later years is monthly apoquil (60$) helps against allergies (she lost her hair a bit when it started).

edit: 1st procedure was keeping the ear drained, 2nd procedure was suturing the tissue so it wouldn't swell.
200$ and 400$ procedure in order.

I wish my cats' vet costs were this cheap. Annual checkups (with all the shots and bloodwork) were about $300 each. Near the end of his life, one of my cats got horribly sick and I spent nearly three grand on him over the span of maybe four months (half of that was in one swoop at a veterinarian oncologist).

You can get pet insurance, but it's usually a reimbursement system where you still pay upfront.