by Bridie Cavanaugh

Created on: April 27, 2009

In tough economic times most households are tightening their budgets. All family members must follow the budget and do their share. This includes our cats. Cat care and maintenance must be included in our household budget. Cats are a part of our families and we are responsible for providing them with quality medical care, housing and food. Luckily, there are ways to save on cat expenses.

Food - There are many brands of inexpensive cat food on the shelves and it can be tempting to purchase a cheaper brand of cat food. However, it is better to feed a quality brand. Bargain priced food contains a large percentage of fillers which provide no nutritional value. Good nutrition results in a healthier cat and less veterinary visits. Your local pet store may offer a "frequent buyer" club. These clubs usually offer a discount on multiple purchases and certain purchase thresholds may offer a free bag of food. Watch for manufacturer's coupons and specials. Ask for a discount if you purchase a large quantity at one time. Price shop. Larger pet stores do not necessarily have the lowest prices. Small stores may have more flexibility to adjust prices. Price shop and compare.

Grooming - Ask you veterinarian to show you how to clip your cat's nails and clean their ears. Learn to provide basic grooming at home. Brush your cat on a regular basis. If your cat requires more extensive grooming, many grooming schools offer discounted grooming packages if you allow students to groom your cat. Call ahead and ask if they offer "student grooming nights". Ask for multi-pet discounts if you will be grooming more than one pet. If your cat needs regular grooming appointments ask if you can get a discount by prepaying for appointments.

Veterinary Care - It is important to keep up with regular veterinary care and wellness visits. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help ward off more expensive treatment in the future. Investigate low cost veterinary clinics. Many larger pet stores, and even some municipalities, offer periodic inexpensive vaccination clinics or mobile vet visits. Not all veterinarians charge the same amount. Shop around for prices. If you bring more than one pet to the same veterinarian, ask them if they will give you a "family" discount. Consider purchasing pet health insurance. Premiums are usually low. Policies help with both routine and emergency situations. Read the policy and familiarize yourself with any restrictions. If you choose not to purchase insurance, set aside

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