Pet Sitting and Taxi Service

PURCHASING A CAT....

So, you are thinking about buying a kitty. That's wonderful!!!  A cat can bring you and your family so much joy and happiness. Before taking home a kitty, there are a few considerations that should be made.  Below are some things to consider:

BREED- Are you considering a purebred kitty or a mixed breed?  A purebred cat can cost from $300.00 on up to $3000.00.  Mixed breeds are free sometimes or if you adopt them from a shelter they will cost $50.00 to $100.00. May I suggest that you adopt a kitty from your local Humane Society.  These kitty's will be put to death if they can't find a home.  Shelter kitty's  have already had all of their shot's, physical and heath certificate and are spayed or neutered.  If you are not going to be a breeder or enter your kitty into competitions, please give a shelter kitty a home.

LIFESTYLE- How much time will you and your family have to spend with your new family member? A big misconception is that all you have to give a cat is food, water and a litter box.  These are the bare essentials for survival, but not for happiness. A cat needs human contact, love, activities (thing's to stimulate them) and respect. If you are never going to be home, or only home for a couple of hours a day, then you do not need a cat. Do you have small children?  It is wonderful for children to grow up with pets, however, you will need to teach your children that the kitty is not a toy. Cats and dogs have sharp teeth and claws.  Again, it you do not have the time to teach your child to love and respect the kitty, then you don't need a kitty.

FINANCES- The last thing people consider about getting a kitty is what the on going cost will be. Here is a list of the minimum cost to raise a happy, healthy kitty.

                     KITTEN: The first year

               Veterinary Care/Laboratory Test - $50 to $100.00
 Immunizations - $60.00 to $140.00
 Spay/Neuter - $40 to $200.00
 Parasite Control (internal & external) - $50 to100.00
 Food - $75 to $130.00
 Miscellaneous (toys, beds, bowls, etc.) $100 to 25.00
              
       TOTAL FOR KITTENS FIRST YEAR                                         $390.00 TO $900.00

        
                       CATS-ANNUAL COSTS
     Veterinary Care/Laboratory Tests - $70 to $150
       Immunizations - $30 to $75
       Parasites (internal & external)$40
       to $80
       Food - $75 to $100
       Miscellaneous (litter, food, toys,
       etc.) - $100 to $125.00

             TOTAL ANNUAL COST
               $315 TO $600

Of course these prices will vary depending on the area that you live. Veterinary Medicine has really advanced in the past few years.  There are treatments for illnesses that used to require euthanasia. Those illnesses are now being treated with medication and other methods. Kidney transplants are even being performed now.  If your kitty should become sick, your Vet bills will be higher.  Pet insurance is something to consider purchasing.  There are several plans to choose from and it can help save you some money in Veterinary expenses, especially should your kitty need surgery or other specialized treatments.

I am not trying to talk you out of adopting or purchasing a kitty. (I have 9 living inside with me) I do want you to be prepared and dedicated to your kitty. Your kitty will be a very special member of your family and will be with you for a long time.  My oldest is 15 years old and is still going strong.

     WHETHER YOU PURCHASE, ADOPT OR GET A FREE KITTY

       SPAY/NEUTER...IMMUNIZE...LOVE...RESPECT

                                                                              
CAN WE PLEASE GO HOME WITH YOU? THERE ARE SIXTY MILLION OF US WHO ARE NOT WANTED.

PLEASE HELP

MEOW
 

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   Bless Their Hearts Kitty Haven, Inc. P.O. Box 26207, Jacksonville, Florida 32226