The inflation we are currently experiencing also affects the costs of food, care and equipment for our pets. Faced with this rise in prices for multiple causes, many cat owners are wondering how to cope and continue to offer an equal quality of life to their little companion. Can you buy cheaper without sacrificing food quality? How can we reduce the cost of veterinary costs which are also experiencing a significant surge? Can we offer cheaper cat toys, collars, bowls or trees? Here are some tips and tricks to continue caring for your feline without sacrificing their health and comfort.
What alternatives to continue to feed your cat with quality food?
Food, the main item of expenditure for animal owners, is experiencing an increase in price whatever the formula chosen: dry or wet food. Faced with these costs, some owners could turn to cheaper and lower quality foods which will ultimately have repercussions on the health of their little feline. In order to offer him a dish that will meet his energy needs, you, the cat owner, must take up the battle:
- Check the price and composition of different brands. The most expensive products are not always of good quality, it is better to check the composition as well as the price per kilo when your usual brand shows a too significant increase in its price.
- Prefer a larger package. Very often, the price per kilo is more attractive when you buy in large volumes. However, you have to be careful with storage. The nutrients and vitamins in kibble deteriorate when exposed to the open air for too long. Investing in a closure system or in an airtight box will preserve the qualities of the food.
- When your cat is very attached to a brand, it can be difficult to get him to change his habits, even with a good dietary transition. Play the role of sleuth by looking for promotions and vouchers available in specialized stores or on the Internet. They will allow you to reduce costs. During promotions, check expiration dates and buy in larger quantities if you can stock up.
- Comparing the price of your cat's usual kibble or pâté on the Internet can save you money. Depending on the quantity ordered and choosing the relay point to receive your package, even foods recommended by your veterinarian can be cheaper. You will be able to protect the health of your little companion without spending your entire budget on it.
You can also group your purchases between neighbors to reduce transport or delivery costs. When it comes to treats and care products, once again put on your detective hat and compare offers in specialized pet stores near you and online stores. Take the opportunity to check the quantities you give your cat each day. This rebalancing of its ration will probably not save you many euros, but it will protect your little feline from overweight and obesity, the source of many future expenses at the veterinarian. Finally, if it is more difficult to save money when you feed your feline a household ration, buying in bulk can help you lower the bill. If you buy exclusively from your butcher, ask him if he has any leftover meat cuts. These leftovers will be just as nutritious for your little carnivore, and much less expensive than a piece of meat.
Reduce your pet's veterinary costs without harming their health?
After food, health is an expense item that should not be neglected for the cat owner. The inflation we are experiencing should not force owners to separate from their companions because they cannot feed or care for them properly.
Take out insurance for your four-legged friend
When the animal becomes ill or injured, the costs incurred can prove to be too high and lead to a choice that proves heartbreaking for both the little feline and its owner. In order to reduce the costs of providing routine care for your little companion (annual medical examination, vaccines, etc.) or protect yourself from a significant financial burden in the event of an accident or illness, take out animal health insurance. company remains advantageous in the long term. By comparing the quotes from each insurance and their prices, you will be able to significantly reduce the annual cost of your visits to the veterinarian. Depending on the protection chosen, all or part of the veterinary costs that you incur throughout the year or in the event of illness or accident will be reimbursed.
Treat your feline with an animal welfare association
Depending on your income or the financial difficulties encountered, the Animal Assistance Foundation and the SPA dispensaries cover all or part of the animal's care. For the first, consultation fees are calculated based on income and depending on your situation, the cat may benefit from free care. SPA dispensaries allow people in difficulty to identify, sterilize, vaccinate or treat their cat at a lower cost by presenting proof of resources. However, the Animal Assistance Foundation and the SPA dispensaries are generally located in large cities, which may result in travel costs.
Go to a veterinary school
Located in Val-de-Marne, Haute-Garonne, Rhône and Loire-Atlantique, veterinary schools offer to examine and treat your animal at a cost 30% lower than a visit to a veterinary office. However, an application fee is required for the first consultation and the wait can last for long hours. In addition, no appointments can be scheduled during school holidays, because care is provided by students supervised by experienced veterinarians.
Finally, your veterinarian can call on the Vétérinaire pour Tous association when you cannot financially cover the operation following an accident or serious illness for your cat.
Cat accessories and games: how not to blow your budget?
Every cat owner loves to spoil their four-legged companion. Even without this, an indoor cat requires numerous activities and games to maintain good physical and mental health. Litter box and litter, fishing rods, balls, mice… costs can quickly soar when you need to renew your equipment.
Save money on litter
For the litter, no mystery, here again, you will have to compare the composition and the price between physical stores and online stores to choose the best litter at a lower cost. On online sites, purchasing in quantity sometimes allows you to reduce both costs per kg, but also shipping and delivery costs from a certain purchase amount. If you have several neighbors and apartment cat owners, buying as a group can reduce the bill. Also look out for promotions and vouchers if your “velvet paws” is not addicted to their brand of litter.
Save on the cat tree?
Finding a quality cat tree at a lower cost is not the easiest. If you are a seasoned DIYer, scraps of wood and fabric will be your allies to create a real tree palace for your feline without spending more than a few nails and screws and some elbow grease. Opt for second-hand by buying second-hand or looking for ads on donation groups. Before letting your pet lounge in this new cat tree, be sure to consolidate it if necessary and above all to disinfect it in order to protect your companion from any contamination.
Games, toys, bowls and accessories
Many owners give away toys, baskets, transport boxes or litter boxes for money or free of charge. All you have to do is go to garage sales, social networks or peer-to-peer resale sites to renew your feline's accessories and games for a few euros. Both economical and ecological, you just need to clean and disinfect the object well before offering it to your cat. DIY or homemade is just as much an economical and ecological solution for making throws, blankets, cushions or toys for your little companion. Many tutorials are available on the Web and will allow you to make sturdy toys, a blanket coordinated with the design of your home, a comfortable hammock for your mistigri.
Animal services: how to save on your cat's care costs?
In the event of hospitalization or prolonged absence, it may be necessary for the owner to have their animal looked after at home or boarded. Inflation affects animal welfare professionals as much as individuals. Vacations or unforeseen absences, set aside an amount each month which will be used to pay for your cat's boarding costs. Do not stop only at the prices charged by the pet sitter or the boarding house when choosing your vacation spot. Check the reviews before entrusting your pet, so you will leave with more peace of mind. If there are trusted people around you who can take care of your cat in your absence, ask them if they can feed and cuddle your animal during your leave or during your hospitalization. You can also take care of her feline when she herself is away for a few days. You can also obtain information from the animal associations in your department. Some connect owners with people ready to give love and care to your feline companion during your vacation.
Finally, if your feline has a thick, long coat, check with grooming schools and agricultural high schools that teach pet trades. Your cat will be able to benefit from treatment at preferential rates to maintain its fur and teeth.
