12 August 2009
I am a cat person. When I imagine my future, there are two options in my mind. Either I will end up old, alone, and quite cracked, doting on five or six cats that totally run my household, or I will end up just a little bit cracked, with some tolerant bloke around and just one cat that runs my household. A girl can dream. Anyway, whatever kind of animal you prefer, there are ways to afford them without having to deprive yourself of luxuries so that Kitty or Fido can have the juiciest raw dinner.
1. What are the cheapest pets to look after?
Dogs and cats are the most popular domestic pets. Caring for them can be pricey, but they do tend to repay the investment with a lot of cuddles, licks and purrs. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to these pets, consider guinea pigs, fish and rabbits. Chickens are cost-effective, as they pay for themselves in eggs. Dogs are the most expensive animals to look after, while cats are significantly cheaper. If you’re set on a dog, the smaller ones cost less to feed. Choose a breed that is healthy, with relatively few genetic problems that might lead to regular visits to the vet. If you don’t want to spend much money on dog washing and hair cuts, choose a shorter haired dog and brush it regularly.
2. Where should we buy our pet?
The RSPCA and other animal welfare charities charge only a small fee for their animals, and they are all de-sexed and micro-chipped. If you want a specific breed of kitten or puppy, prepare to fork out the dollars to a registered breeder. It will be worth it to lower the risk of in-breeding and diseases.
3. Save money on pet food
Pet food, particularly if you own a large dog, can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. If you buy pet food in bulk and store it – particularly if you buy from a wholesale pet shop or online – you can save more money than if you were buying individual portions. Another option is to make your own pet food. You can mix up cheap meat with boiled rice and leftover vegetables. Ask your butcher if there are spare raw bones or off-cuts that might be suitable for your dog – bones help maintain good dental health and prevent gum disease. This, in turn, will save you money on vet bills. Buy cheap tins of tuna for your cat as a treat; they are sometimes cheaper than buying ‘upmarket’ cat food such as Dine.
4. Toys and accessories
Pet shops are the most expensive places to buy pet toys and accessories. Instead, try supermarkets, discount stores, and online pet shops. Mike Woodrow of Vet Products Direct has this to say about buying toys and accessories: “When buying toys it is best to experiment with your pet to see what they enjoy. Start with a selection of chew toys, throw and retrieve toys, tug toys and puzzle toys to see which will engage your pet. Once you have determined their preference, buy a variety of that type and start a library. Rotate the toys every 3 days – your pet will love the variety and feel like it is their birthday twice a week!”
5. Medication
Vet visits and pet antibiotics can cost a fortune. “Both dogs and cats require regular medication to control both internal and external parasites. Pets can transfer certain parasites to humans, so it’s important to keep up to date with parasite prevention, both for the sake of your pet as well as the humans in your home,” says Mike Woodrow. It is possible to take out pet insurance to cover the cost of animal emergencies, which can run into the thousands of dollars if your pet needs surgery.
For regular medication or if your pet is on a program, you can often save around 20-30% by buying pet products online at stores such as Vet Products Direct.
6. Grooming
Haircuts and shampooing can be very expensive for pets. It’s messy doing it yourself in the bath, but if you put the bathers on, prepare to get wet and give your dog a good scrub! You might end up having fun*. Make sure you buy dog shampoo, as human shampoo can irritate your pet’s skin. As for nail trimming, ask the vet to show you how to do it and then buy some clippers. But make sure your cat is in a good mood before you start the nail-trimming, otherwise you may end up covered in scratches. Brushing your dog or cat regularly can prevent your carpets from looking like a fur field, and if you buy a nice gentle brush your pet might quite enjoy the attention and give you a good slobber for your efforts. The things we do for love!
*But probably you’ll just get wet.
Related articles:
Creating a great garden on the cheap
Shopping at the markets: save money and enjoy yourself
Baby ain’t cheap: entertaining the kids on a budget
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