Wishlist

I've talked before about the expense of cats. You've probably heard that cats are cheaper than kids. Most times I'd agree with that, but with 21 cats, I feel like they are not cheaper. A ballpark figure: one child costs $21,600 annually, whereas a cat costs $1,000 - $2,000. That's a pretty big difference. Expenses for humans are high: food, clothing, schooling, insurance, extracurricular activities, etc. Meanwhile, the cats just need food and one visit to the vet annually (for a healthy cat). Running those numbers, our 21 cats are costing us what one child would cost us. To those wondering, I am hands down much happier with the cats than having a kid. #sorrynotsorry Kids have never been a part of my life plan. I'm happy to spoil your kid and send them home, treat them like my own, and become the "mama bear" when needed. But I'll take the cats any day over a child.

My kids don't talk back, don't have an attitude, and eat what is presented to them. Well, maybe that's not quite true. They talk at me, have attitudes, and do not eat what is presented to them all the time. Some of them dare to turn their noses up if the flavor doesn't suit, or there's not enough water in the wet food. Sure, there's no schooling or outfits to pay for as they grow, but that doesn't mean they come with no expenses. The cats in my house have a mission to see how wild they can be, what they can break, and just how much they can single-handedly cost us a small fortune each.

Roughy has another vet appointment for his worsening congestion, following a recent visit for the same issue. The cost of these vet visits is significant. He now lives in the bathroom, enjoying the single cat life. While I've been house-sitting, Gene has started giving him wet food daily, opting for the expensive single-serve packs to avoid the hassle of feeding 20 other cats.

They have numerous toys, several cat towers, and many scratchers. The scratchers are frequently used and create a mess. The tall cat towers are very expensive; we own two tall ones and several shorter ones. Recently, we had to tighten screws on a big tower because Dobby plays vigorously, launching herself onto them and climbing to the top, which loosens the screws and causes them to fall apart.

I've been advised to start a wish list, open a non-profit, or a retail account for better pricing on food and litter. While these are great ideas, they're not feasible for someone who has voluntarily taken in many cats. I feel uncomfortable asking for donations, especially without a formal rescue setup. (not that I would ever say no to donations or gifts for the cats)

Chewy - only lets rescues or shelters create and share wishlists.

Petsmart - no wish list option that I could find.

Amazon - there's always a wish list option - believe it or not, they even have one for pets. Yes, I started one, no I'm not sharing it. Pretty sure it will never see the light of day.

The long and short of it—pets can be just as expensive as kids. No judgment to those people who choose kids over pets, or pets over kids. Life is expensive, so enjoy those kids or pets, or a happy mix of both. For now, I'm enjoying the cats, plus all my bonus pets (that I pet sit for). I'll happily borrow your kid and return them spoiled and jacked up on sugar.

Pets are technically cheaper than kids, but don't let them hear that—they might start racking up the bills.

Till our tails cross again,

Mel

#lovecatsandeverything #pets #kids #catsfyp #wishlist