Cost Breakdown: Raising a Cat - Monthly Expenses Inside

When caring for cats, it's important to avoid the trap of comparison and to manage your expenses according to your means. Prioritize the basic needs of your feline friend, and remember that not everything has to be imported or of the highest quality.

Below is a list of common expenses associated with cat ownership. Keep in mind that you can certainly manage with less, and these figures are merely for illustrative purposes; they are not meant to be taken too seriously.

Higher expenses are not to be taken literally either, as the costs of cat care can vary greatly and have no real upper limit.

Initial Costs of Cat Ownership

Initial costs for setting up your cat's home can be as low as 560 yuan, covering essentials like a litter box, food and water bowls, nail clippers, a cage or tent, a carrier, and vaccinations for two to three doses of the Feline Trivalent vaccine.

Standard litter boxes come in open, semienclosed, and fully enclosed styles. For cats that eat meat and have particularly smelly waste, a fully enclosed litter box is recommended. A budget of 150 yuan for a standard fully enclosed litter box is more than sufficient, though you can adjust this as needed.

Automatic litter boxes, which include semiautomatic and fully automatic options, can clean and dispose of waste automatically. Semiautomatic litter boxes range in price from 1500 to 3000 yuan, while fully automatic ones, which also clean and sanitize the litter, can cost between 4000 and 15000 yuan. It's best to plan for these when renovating your home.

The cat food and water bowl set can be found for between 20 and 200 yuan. A plastic frame with a stainless steel bowl inside is recommended, as stainless steel is easy to clean and less prone to bacterial growth. Automatic feeders are not recommended as they can hinder the bond between you and your cat.

Nail clippers for cats can cost between 15 and 50 yuan. Regularly trimming your cat's nails is crucial to prevent accidental injuries. It's best to purchase a catspecific nail clipper to avoid crosscontamination and to prevent damaging your cat's nails with human clippers.

A closed cage or tent is also essential, providing a safe space for your cat when you're working from home or need some quiet time. These can range in price from 50 to 200 yuan, with canvas being preferable over metal to prevent your cat from damaging its teeth. A carrier for travel can also be purchased for between 50 and 200 yuan, with hardsided carriers being more comfortable for both transportation and veterinary visits, though they can be heavier. A backpack can be an alternative if space is limited.

Cat vaccinations, such as the Feline Trivalent vaccine, which protects against feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus, cost between 60 and 150 yuan. The first year typically requires two or three doses, with boosters every one to two years. Rabies vaccines are less necessary for indoor cats, as cats are less prone to rabies than dogs, and the vaccine can be harmful to cats. If you are bitten by your cat, it's important to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Whether or not to get a rabies vaccine can be determined by observing your cat for 10 days. If no unusual symptoms appear and the cat does not die within 10 days, you may not need the vaccine. However, if the wound is deep, it's best to seek medical attention to ensure both rabies and cat scratch fever are prevented.

Monthly Necessary Expenses

Cat Food: 60 yuan/month

Cat food prices and quality vary widely, affecting not just your cat's nutrition and coat health but also its overall wellbeing and kidney safety. It's not necessary to go for top brands; good quality cat food can be found at 1520 yuan per kilogram. Brands often have sales, so it's wise to stock up on good food when you can.

Litter: 55 yuan/month

Cat litter comes in various types, including clay, crystal, tofu, and woodbased options. Tofu litter is recommended for its gentleness on your cat's skin. Initially, lay down two bags of 6L tofu litter, about 68 cm thick. It's important to maintain this thickness to prevent your cat from exposing waste or leaving clumps. Change the litter every two weeks, using a sieve to remove debris and using deodorizers to keep the area fresh. Replace the litter completely once a month.

Scratching Post: 5 yuan/month

Scratching posts are essential and relatively inexpensive, lasting for a long time. They help prevent your cat from damaging furniture. While it's important to teach your cat where to scratch, scratching is a natural behavior that cannot be completely avoided.

Deworming: 30 yuan/month

Indoor cats generally do not need to be dewormed monthly; once every three months is sufficient. The combination of AdvocateHarmony and Ivermectin can effectively prevent most parasites. Deworming medication can be purchased during sales to stock up.

Homemade Fish Meal: 15 yuan/month

This can be a nutritious treat for your cat, providing fiber and nutrients. Purchase a pound to a pound and a half of fish, preferably small fish, and cook it without salt or oil. After removing the bones and skin, dry the fish and mix it with chopped tomatoes and cabbage. This homemade fish meal is not only nutritious but also rich in fiber, which can improve digestion and help with hairball removal. Common vegetables can also serve as a substitute for cat grass, providing the same fiber benefits.

The total monthly cost for these essentials is around 165 yuan, which is generally manageable for most urban workers.

Additional Expenses

Additional expenses for cat care are not capped and can vary widely. While some of these items are useful, they are not essential and can be considered optional or unexpected costs. These can range from 100 yuan to over 5000 yuan per month, so it's important to budget accordingly.

Additional expenses may include:

Nutritional Supplements: 20200 yuan/month, Grooming Oils: 20200 yuan/month, Canned Food: 30300 yuan/month, Treats: 30300 yuan/month, Cat Climbing Frame: 200 yuan, Automatic Litter Box: 150010000 yuan, Rabies Vaccine: 80 yuan, Multivalent Vaccine: 200 yuan, Spaying/Neutering Surgery: 3003000 yuan.

Cat Ownership Costs

Basic annual costs for cat ownership are approximately 20002500 yuan. With an initial investment of 560 yuan and monthly expenses of 165 yuan, the firstyear cost is around 2500 yuan, with subsequent years averaging about 2000 yuan. Be prepared for unexpected medical expenses as your cat ages.