'You gets what you pays for'.....as the saying goes - read on!
Sometimes, when I say how much a fully-vaccinated, neutered, insured and microchipped Rubicatz Ragdoll pet kitten costs, the reply is: 'HOW MUCH????? I've seen them advertised for £350....aged 9 weeks old.'
And you may have...but how much more will you have to spend before the kitten is 14+ weeks old - the age it would be leaving here?
Let's work it out...........
First of all a 9 week old kitten may or may not be vaccinated (first vaccination only at the most). To complete the necessary vaccinations for the kitten can cost around £55 - one, possible two visits to the vet. Even with one vaccination, your vet may not use the same vaccine and insist in 'starting over'.
What about neutering? Absolutely necessary? Yes!!! if you don't want a rapidly-maturing kitten to begin toileting all round your house (both males and females spray urine - and worse - to advertise their availability to the opposite sex). Females will yowl day and night (mostly night!) to let any passing prospective mate know they're 'available'. This can start around 16 weeks of age.
Cost of neutering? Charges vary - around £55 for males and £85 for females. You'll probably take a day off work to take the kitten there and sit at home while you worry about him or her, and the risks which accompany the use of anaesthetic, while surgery takes place. There will be a return visit, a week later, to have a female kitten's incision checked again. It is preferrable to have a 'mid line' surgery for colourpoint females to avoid spoiling the coat colouring. BTW.....you'll now probably have made at least FOUR trips to the vet.
Microchip? Current price £35 locally.
Food and cat litter for five weeks (9-14);
- quality dried food, around £30
- quality wet food £20
- cat litter, around £20.
So.....how much has your £350 kitten (say female) cost you?
£350+£55+£85+£35+£30+£20+£20..........and that's not counting a day off work to worry about the surgery and petrol for four visits to the vet.
Final Cost of £350 kitten........£595.
