A cat?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
A cat?
9
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 10:19am

Okay, so we are about to spend just about every penny of liquid money we have, with the exception of our $1000 emergency fund, on a new air conditioner.

Meanwhile, dh and I have been talking for a long time about a cat. I have really, really, really wanted one. He really hasn't wanted one. A long time ago we had talked about a breed called an ocicat that he was interested in as well. I raised the issue of the ocicat, and he was immediately receptive. He said if I could find us an ocicat, he would like us to have one. While I'm usually a proponent of animal shelter adoptions, dh does have a couple valid points--for one thing, he is mildly allergic, and the ocicat is by reputation a low-allergy cat (the original hypo-allergenic, lol). Secondly, dh is not a cat fan in general, and so he is very particular about the cat's temperament, and the ocicat temperament fits the bill for him.

Of course, the deal is, it's a rare breed and kittens start at around $500. For the best breeders (those who pay careful attention to temperament and raise the kittens underfoot), they start at around $700. Retired studs and queens (daddy and momma cats), which also make very good pets generally, start at around $150.

My plan was to save up the money out of my spending money, as well as a buffer for vet expenses and other pet-related expenses, and then seek out the right cat. But as I was researching them, I came across a rescued cat in Virginia that sounded like a good match.

I've contacted the lady who is placing him, and she thinks he would be perfect for us and we would be perfect for him. He is ten years old and neutered, with exactly the temperament we are looking for. She is not asking for a placement fee, so our upfront costs would constitute the trip to get him, supplies and food, and a well-pet vet visit. Of course, with our AC needing replacement, even those funds are in short supply. We could eek them out of any number of places, but it seems strange to be spending a bunch of money right when we're having to squeeze so much out of our funds for the AC.

And then, of course, there are ongoing expenses with a cat.

Last night I asked for clarity as I was falling asleep, and had a most interesting dream. It was just one dream, and the only one I had all night--which is quite unusual for me. I dreamed we had gotten a kitten, and it was very cute. But I felt very sad. I kept thinking that it was the wrong cat, that it should have been Pirate (that's the cat in Virginia), and that now it was too late.

Anyway, I'm interested in feedback from you wise ladies. What would you do? What are your thoughts?

Thanks so much,

Heather

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-18-2004
In reply to: heather_head
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 11:18am

I personally have a dog and have had for 11 years. She is the most wonderful companion, but because DH is military we won't get another pet until after he retires. So, you also have to make sure you have a lifestyle that can accomodate a pet.

If your lifestyle and budget can handle it, then I say go for it.

Kellie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: heather_head
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 11:36am

Thanks Kelli. Yes, we've carefully considered our lifestyle, and that's why we've waited so long. We haven't had a pet (other than a fish) for six years for this reason. Now we own our house, expect to live here for five to ten years, and I am a stay-at-home mom with no other obligations other than a home-based business. When we do move again, it will be to our dream home.

It's a good point, though, and I wish we had thought of that when we were young and irresponsible :(.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Blessings,

Heather

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2005
In reply to: heather_head
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 12:10pm
Don't forget the cost of vet bills, especially if you are getting an older animal. Or you could look into pet health insurance.
Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: heather_head
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 12:12pm

Heather - it's a huge "want" item.

All my best,
Danni

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2004
In reply to: heather_head
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 7:25pm

I recently adopted two kitties from a no-kill shelter. They are my company and I am very glad I adopted them. They have completely cured my dd of her animal phobia (which is an amazing thing, and I'm not exaggerating about it being a phobia), and I now have someone to talk to when my dd is with her dad (every other week).

It cost me $200 for both of them, but I get $100 back each once I get them spayed. You won't have that expense with an older cat, but it's going to cost me around $600. I have spent several hundred at the pet store buying litter boxes, cat toys, cat scratching posts, bowls, a water dish, food, etc. Three days after I got them home one of them got sick, and I've spent over $4000 on sick and well visits. I have one more well visit and then the spaying for both of them. It's more expensive than I thought it would be, although I don't regret the decision.

Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
In reply to: heather_head
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 9:02pm

If you go through SNAP or another low cost program it will not be that much.

I have enclosed one link but I am sure you can find others. I don't know what state you are in.

http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

HOpe this helps,
Shannon

Shannon


Pregnancy%20ticker
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2004
In reply to: heather_head
Mon, 08-08-2005 - 9:16pm
Thanks. Most programs seem to be for low income indivuals or for strays, but it looks like not all are. I'll look into it.

Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2003
In reply to: heather_head
Tue, 08-09-2005 - 9:18am

The one in maryland we have is called Snap. And its for anyone to use the cost for a male cat is $20 and female $35. So the savings is definately worth the investigation it may require.

Shannon

Shannon


Pregnancy%20ticker
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
In reply to: heather_head
Tue, 08-09-2005 - 12:30pm

Also you might want to check out Freecycle.org - you can post a message asking for any free cat stuff. In fact, I gave someone in my city our old cat condo for free after seeing a message asking for one. You might be able to get some starter litter, cat food, bed, etc for FREE.

:)
Jennifer

 

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