The cost of owning a cat includes the following:
1. Food and water: Cats need to be provided with proper food and clean water every day. Adult cats usually need high-quality cat food, while kittens may need special kitten food.
2. Vaccines and veterinary care: Cats need to be vaccinated against common cat diseases such as feline distemper and feline influenza. In addition, regular veterinary checkups and care are also necessary, including deworming and internal and external parasite prevention.
3. Spaying/neutering: In order to control cat population and behavioral problems, many owners choose to spay/neuter their cats. This is an additional cost, but can bring long-term benefits.
4. Cat litter and hygiene products: Cats need to use a litter box and change the litter regularly. Tools for cleaning the litter box and other hygiene products will also need to be purchased.
5. Toys and entertainment: In order to provide adequate stimulation and entertainment, cats need appropriate toys and equipment, such as cat scratching boards and cat climbing frames.
6. Insurance and emergencies: Consider purchasing pet insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses. In addition, if the cat becomes ill or injured, additional emergency treatment and expenses may be required.
In addition to the above costs, one should also consider that cats have a long lifespan and may require years of parenting responsibilities and expenses. Therefore, before deciding to own a cat, it is advisable to carefully assess your financial ability and time commitment to ensure that you can provide good care and meet the cat's needs.