OWNING A CAT AT ANY PRICE?

Dear Daughter Mine is anxiously waiting the arrival of two kittens, which she purchased from a local rescue centre.

The word that is interesting in this sentence is ‘purchased’. Since deciding that she wanted to take on the responsibility of owing a pet; she, as well as my lovely husband and I, has been staggered by the change that has occurred over the last ten/twenty years in regards to the cost of acquiring a pet.

After looking on various websites we found that pedigree, quality kittens were selling for around £400; for a simple ‘moggy’ the cost could be anything from £50 to £100 depending on the area in which you lived.

I can remember the days when notices appeared all over shops and newsagent’s windows advertising kittens free to a good home but not anymore.

Apparently, according to the rescue centre, there is a shortage of kittens due to the fact that nowadays most young cats are neutered as soon as possible and so therefore not many animals are being born, consequently with a shortage comes the price ’hike!’

For those who have female cats, who haven’t had the operation, there is an opportunity to have a nice little earner if they wanted too. A litter of three or more kittens could net you up to £300!

However, Dear Daughter Mine is delighted with her choice of two black and white brothers who were abandoned at birth. She’s already bought the equipment items she will need to provide them with a comfortable life but at a cost!

The pet industry must be making a fortune with the products that they have on sale today.
Honestly, what is wrong with a small, old blanket or towel for a bed rather than some of the commercially produced beds that are on sale ranging from £14 - £25!

The assortment of bowls for feeding your cat is vast with different styles, colours, materials and sizes- again I ask, what is wrong with an old saucer!

As for playing items and accessories from litter trays with lids- called potty stations, to large construction scratch stations, it makes me wonder if the pet manufacturers are having a laugh!

Well, after a visit to three different pet outlet stores the answer is quite simple, yes they are! All the way to the bank!

Thought for the day: People that say money can’t buy you happiness have never
​                                      bought a cat!

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