Cats must agree with how you choose to treat them.

By Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., and Steve Dale. for Phycology Today

KEY POINTS

• Allowing cats to have their say supports their need for safety, security, and trust and enhances the bonds you form with each other.
• It’s easier to get your cat to a veterinarian or get them to enjoy something else like being petted or playing when your cat agrees with you.
• Consent underlies the development and maintenance of friendly relationships within and between species, and across a wide variety of activities.

The latest buzzword in the dog training world is referred to as consent training or cooperative care. Cats may benefit from this practice even more than dogs.¹

Source: Natalie Bond/Pexels

These are less productive approaches: “Just get it done.” “I’m the boss and you will do what I say when I say it.” However, the concept of consent training allows a companion animal to partake in decisions and make choices. This practice recognizes that these animals have agency, or are able to make choices about what they want to do. The dog or cat and their caretaker are partners—they both have to consent about something that is going to be done. For example, teach a cat that if you ask them to lift a paw before clipping their nails, in return they will receive a big payoff.

Getting your cat to the veterinarian

While dogs and humans benefit by feeling a sense of control, arguably this is true 10-fold in cats who are control freaks, to begin with. Think about it; being in control is synonymous with a sense of safety, which cats must have to feel secure. One reason cats like high vantage points is because they feel safe and in control of their world. And that’s one reason why cats are especially panicked at veterinary visits. They are suddenly kidnapped, forcibly removed from their safety zone, and whisked off to a place where they can sense the terror of others because of the pheromones that remain. They also are forcibly poked and prodded without their consent.

Imagine if you could merely ask a cat to simply hop into a carrier. There would be no chasing them all over the house to attempt to stuff a screaming cat into the carrier where a ladder to terror is then ascended with a car ride. By the time the exam begins, the cat may be struggling for dear life, actually thinking, “I am going to die.”

Rather than taking an unhappy, freaked-out cat to the veterinarian, carrier training can be conducted in a method consistent with consent. Here are some practical tips.

• Leave the carrier out 24/7. If the cat was previously afraid of a carrier because of the negative association made with the veterinary visit, purchase a new carrier that looks different.
• Randomly drop treats into the carrier so it becomes an automatic treat dispenser.
• Once comfortable inside the carrier, begin to feed the cat in the carrier. Most cats may now hop inside, expecting a treat for doing so. Cats do train people—and now you comply.
• Now, ask your cat to hop into the carrier on cue—and always offer high-value award for doing so.
• Ask your cat to leap into the carrier, close it, and walk to another part of the house. Once there, open the carrier and feed. Good things happen after being inside the carrier.
• Finally, teach the cat that car rides aren’t bad—before going to the vet, just drive around the block, and when returning home give them a meal. And when you do go to the veterinarian, go for a happy visit—no exam, only treats.

Of course, you can use force to get the job done, but we know there are deleterious psychological impacts, not to mention an erosion of trust.

Petting is okay as long as the cat consents

Another good example of how to use consent in cats is the issue of petting-induced over-stimulation. Some cats can be petted all day long, but others manage only a minute or two at a time before lashing out. Several reasons may help to explain why some cats barely have any petting patience. For some, it actually may begin to feel uncomfortable when touched for too long. The same goes for dogs, some of whom like to be petted or hugged, and others who don’t.

For cats who typically allow only a minute or two of petting, stop petting after around 30 seconds. Quit while you’re ahead, leaving the cat to decide, “I want more.” If so the cat asks to be petted more, offer only a few seconds, continuing to leave the cat wanting still more. At some point, the cat will likely say, “Okay, that’s enough.” You can increase the time you spend petting your cat while still allowing the cat to maintain control.

Likewise, if you want to play with your cat, be sure your cat tells you it’s okay. Cats, dogs, and other animals clearly express their intentions and have to consent for fair play to continue; it’s best to be sure they want to play with you.

All of this is consistent with the Fear Free initiative, which is designed to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress.²

The ubiquity of consent

Consent underlies the development and maintenance of friendly and happy relationships within and between many species, including animal-human relationships, and across a wide variety of activities. When you want a cat or other animal to do something, why force the issue when you don’t need to? The most significant explanation given by cat parents whose cat doesn’t like to go to the veterinarian is transit. Getting them into a carrier and the way cats respond in the clinic also are deterrents. Obviously, being able to see a veterinarian regularly benefits the welfare of our cats. Petting a cat who likes to be petted can be good for them and for us. A consenting cat is a happier cat.

Giving cats control by granting them agency and asking for their consent supports their need for safety, security, and trust, makes them happier, and enhances the social bonds you form with each other.

References

1) This essay was co-authored by Steve Dale, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) who hosts several pet radio shows and has contributed to and authored several books.

2) For more details about how to make cats happy, see Dr. Zazie Todd’s Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy.

The death of a beloved pet can cause extreme grief and trigger grief over previous trauma, according to a study in Human-Animal Interactions, but society and even some mental health care providers don’t always recognize how deep the human-animal bond is, says co-author Colleen Rolland, a pet loss grief specialist. People who don’t feel comfortable expressing grief after the loss of a pet due to social stigma may turn inward, and Rolland says health care professionals should consider pets as integral to some patients’ social support systems.

Key Takeaways

A pet loss grief specialist says sometimes the loss of a beloved animal can trigger feelings about childhood grief or other traumas

Fear of stigma keeps many from voicing their sorrow when a pet dies

There’s a segment of the population that doesn’t get it, specialists say

Here is what pet loss grief specialists have to say

Prince, an 18-year-old Maine Coon cat, came into Delores Johnson’s life some 15 years ago when she wanted to bring a cat into her home after her aging father had been taken to a care facility.

“I’ve always had cats,” Delores said.  “I didn’t think my dad would be coming back [to the mobile home she had shared with him].  So I went on petfinder.com and there were these two cats – Prince and his brother from another mother – a black short-haired domestic cat.” Both animals were about three years old and were available because their family was moving to Europe.

“The woman who owned the animals brought them over.  They were both in a carrier and, when she opened it, they ran under the bed in the closest bedroom.  They stayed under the bed for at least a week,” she said.

“I would try to familiarize myself with them and talk to them.  They had been with their first family from the time they were six weeks old,” Delores said.  “The black cat originally was named Madonna. The cats were named by the family’s daughter, who thought the black cat was female.  When they went to get them fixed, they found out that Madonna was not female.  So they added an ‘n’ to his name and he became Mandonna.

Three years ago, Mandonna was afflicted by late-stage kidney failure and Delores had to put him down.”

“Prince was always my scaredy cat,” she said.  “He was always under the bed. He was never the social cat.  Mandonna was more the Alpha cat.  he was always the talker.  He was the one who would sleep next to me. He was the one who would eat anything I put in front of him, whereas Prince would only eat what he wanted to eat.” 

Once Mandonna was gone, Prince blossomed, Delores said.  “His personality started to develop and he became more animated. he came out from under the bed.  He’s now ‘his royal highness’ and he walks through the house and talks and yowls.”

But about three years ago, she said, she noticed that, “from the middle of his spine to his tail end, Prince was starting to get skinny.  He looked like a weightlifter: the front part of his body was real big and developed but the back part of his body was skinny.”

She took him to Fairview Pet Hospital in Costa Mesa to see Dr. Hongwon Kang.  (She calls him Dr. K.)  The doctor told her after his examination that Prince was in the early stages of kidney failure.  “I told him I could only do so much [financially] because I have limited resources.  They gave Prince his rabies shot and didn’t charge me.  That was nice. 

“The plan was that I would bring him in once a week for injections to keep him hydrated.  The bags of hydrating solution were $65 and they would last about 10 weeks. I was driving there because there was no way I could bring those bags home and give Prince the shots.  But it’s a 40-mile round trip from where I live in Anaheim to the hospital.”

Delores made the trip every week for two years.  “It was costing me $85 a month, since I purchased a bag of the solution every month and also paid for a $20 flea treatment.  Dr. K never charged me for the injections.  We also did blood work periodically and I’d have to save to pay for that.”  But, she said, Prince was doing pretty well. 

Dr. Kang wanted to put Prince on a special diet, Delores said.  “But Prince said, ‘Absolutely not.  I am not eating that food.’  I told the doctor, he won’t eat it and I am not paying for food he won’t eat. ‘That’s fine,’ Dr. K said.  ‘He’s an old man.  We’ll just feed him what he wants.’”

After two years, Delores said, Dr. Kang told her that he’d like to give Prince the shots twice a week.  But she was not receptive to that idea.  “I can’t do this anymore,” she said.  “I told him that we should just let nature take its course.”

But that brought new concerns.  She knew that she would need money to put her pet down, eventually.  She expected that to cost about $350.  And her application for CareCredit was turned down, despite the fact that she had other credit cards, including American Express and Walmart.

She called Fairview Hospital and was told about Angel Fund and that she should come in and the clinic would help her with an application.  She listed the things she would like to finance, including bloodwork and an x-ray, because Prince had constipation occasionally, as well as money for euthansia. 

Dr. Kang listed the charges that he expected for treating Prince on his submission and Delores soon learned that she would receive a grant.  She then resumed her weekly trips to the hospital for injections.    

“Dr. K has been wonderful,” Delores said.  “I was very fortunate and thankful that there was an Angel Fund and that my application was approved.  I get Social Security once a month and I don’t have two plugged nickels left to rub together for anything extra.”

Prince’s blood work showed that he was doing better, she said. “As of right now,” she said in a recent interview, “his kidneys seem to be stabilized.  He is doing fine.”

When Dr. K told her that her application had been approved, she said: “Praise the Lord.  I was very, very pleased.  It was a wonderful, wonderful blessing.  I’m a born-again Christian and I believe everything is in God’s hands.”

Pet ownership is a long-term investment with many different costs. Learn how to get a clear picture of how much pets cost from day one.

Written by Shannon Perry  for Betterpet.com

— Medically reviewed by Dr. Dwight Alleyne 

Updated May 23, 2022

Table of Contents

• Budget for initial pet costs
• Plan for recurring pet costs
• Other pet costs
• Budget for emergencies
• Tips for budgeting
• Budget for pets before adopting
• Frequently asked questions

The essentials

• Expect upfront expenses — These include everything from adoption/breeder fees to health care, essential supplies, and more.
• Develop a budget to ease stress — A clear expectation of how much your furry or fishy family member costs will help with financial planning.
• Spend now to save later — Invest in preventative care to reduce the long-term costs associated with pet ownership.

A new puppy or kitten, or finally investing in that saltwater tank you’ve dreamt of for years, is exciting. But without proper planning, the newest addition to your family can turn into a source of financial stress. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way! Create a pet budget to avoid unpleasant surprises for you and the newest addition to your family.

Budget for initial pet costs

For some prospective owners, the upfront, one-time cost of getting a pet can be prohibitively expensive — particularly with puppies and kittens. It’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of the initial expenses that come with a pet, regardless of whether you’re adopting or buying.

	Dog	Cat	Fish
Pet store or breeder fees	$500-$2,500+	$400-$5,000+	$1-$50+
Spay/neuter exam & operation	$65-$300+	$35-$300+	n/a
Veterinary care	$600 avg	$600 avg	n/a
Pet supplies (bowls, tanks, toys, etc.)	$130 avg	$120 avg	$25-$500+
Apartment pet deposit (for renters)	varies	varies	varies
Total upfront cost	$1,295-$3,530	$1,155-$6,020	$26-$550

Overall, adopting from a rescue or shelter is typically less expensive than buying a pet from a breeder. Some medical care, such as spay and neuter operations, are already included in the fee. Some rescues have specials where adoption fees are waived for certain types of pets. Other rescue shelters pay for all medical expenses or they may include medications.

Besides the initial purchase or adoption fees, renters can expect a bump in housing fees. In some cases, this may be a refundable deposit, but most property management companies require some kind of deposit. Even fish may require a pet deposit or face restrictions on tank size. Before you invest in an aquarium, consult with your rental company to find out if you can have fish and how much they may cost.

Plan for recurring pet costs 

Pet food is the most common expense new pet owners anticipate, but other items need to be part of a pet budget. Like people, pets have recurring needs and costs for which you should be prepared.

• Pet food. Cat and dog owners should expect to pay between $10 and $50 every month. This depends on the pet’s size, age, breed, and other health factors. For fish, owners should expect to pay between $5 and $15 a month for most aquarium setups.
• Medications. Many prescription medications are typically sold in three-, six- and 12-month supplies. While the price varies depending on the medication, pet owners should budget about $30 a month for routine prevention. In some cases, bundles may be available that make purchasing more convenient or less expensive. Consult with your veterinarian for the price of specific medications related to treatments.
• Waste disposal. For these expenses, cat owners should expect to pay $14 to $30 a month, while dog owners who need puppy pads should budget around $20. In both cases, miscellaneous items like waste bags may add an extra $10 to the budget.
• Miscellaneous. It’s important to be realistic and budget for other monthly expenses as well. Pet owners who want subscription boxes should expect to add about $30 a month to their pet budget. Also, training can cost around $50 per hour, while obedience schools and “doggie boot camp” programs range from $200 to over $1,000 per week.

With fish, monthly maintenance costs depend on the setup. Owners typically don’t need to budget more than $10 a month as purchases are on an as-needed basis. In case of parasites in the tank, extra treatments may be necessary.

Estimated monthly costs

	Dog	Cat	Fish
Food	$10-$50	$10-$50	$5-$15
Medications	~$30	~$30	n/a
Waste disposal	~$30	$25-$40	$10
Housing fees	$10-$100	~$10	varies
Miscellaneous costs	$30-$200	$30-$200	varies
Monthly total:	$80-$280	$75-$130	$15-$25
Pet insurance	varies	varies	varies
Annual costs (est)	$1,200-$1,560	$1,140-$1,800	$60-$180

Keep in mind that rental and homeowners association fees vary — this list is intended as a guideline. Consult with your landlord or HOA, if applicable, about any yearly or monthly pet fees.

Other pet costs

Aside from monthly expenses and one-time pet costs, other things often come up with pet ownership. Vaccines, checkups, treatments, and other expenses are often left out of a budget. This leads to unpleasant surprises when it comes time for veterinary care or a big purchase. These types of expenses may be infrequent, but shouldn’t be forgotten when creating a pet budget.

	Frequency	Cost
Preventative medications	Every six months	$130-$190
Core vaccinations	Every three years	$90-$360
Other vaccinations	Annually or every three years	$90-$360
Routine check-ups	Annually	$45-$300
Boarding*	Annually	$125-$250

*The average range for boarding fees is based on a five-night stay one time a year for a healthy pet. Those with special medical needs will likely experience a higher rate.

Most preventative medications range from monthly to annual purchases. It’s also important to note that not all vaccinations are required. Most aren’t, but core vaccinations are highly recommended. The rabies vaccination is a core vaccination and is required by law in many areas.

Budget for the unexpected

In some cases, costs may come up that don’t fit neatly into the pet budget. These might be specific to the situation. For example, if you travel with your dog, you may need to pay a hotel fee. Other miscellaneous expenses include pet furniture, food delivery, grooming, or aquarium décor.

Lastly, consider adding your pets to your will so that they’ll be taken care of if they outlive you. Name a willing caregiver and then update your legal documents to reflect that change. Don’t forget to include any monetary considerations for your pet’s ongoing care.

Budget for pet emergencies

It’s inevitable with pet ownership that you’ll be visiting the vet at some point for an emergency. For cat owners, this may come in the form of something like a urinary tract infection. UTIs can quickly become an emergency that requires immediate attention. For pets that venture outdoors, poison and unfortunate encounters with wildlife can also result in an emergency vet visit.

The average emergency vet visit starts at about $100 and can quickly jump to a few thousand or more. It’s wise to save between $1,000 to $2,000 for an emergency visit.

Tips for pet budgeting

There are a few things you can do to make budgeting for a dog or cat a painless experience, and improve your life as a pet parent.

Figure out monthly expenses — Create a list of purchases you expect every month. Consider dividing it into categories like necessities and bonus purchases. Choose brands your vet likes or that you feel good about, and explore different options, like types of dog food.

Set aside money every month — With infrequent and unplanned purchases, it’s important to determine how much you can afford to save with each paycheck. Some pet owners prefer to set aside a large amount at once, while others budget to set aside a little at a time.

Consider pet insurance — Emergency vet expenses can cost thousands, so many pet parents choose to invest in pet insurance. This offsets future costs and helps you save on routine care, medications, and vaccinations.

Interview pet sitters and boarders — A great way to plan for pet care is to establish a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter. Not everyone needs these services, but for those who do, it’s good to find one that works with you. It’s also a good idea to have a few options.

Be proactive with preventative care — Investing in preventative care can go a long way to reducing more costly expenses later. For example, urinary health treats and fountains may help reduce the risk of UTIs in cats. Schedule routine teeth cleaning for your dog to help prevent tooth extractions later. Regular vet visits are a great way to keep tabs on your pet’s health.

Research programs in your area — Sometimes things happen that no amount of budgeting can prepare you for. It’s a good idea to know what kind of programs and aid might be available in your area that may provide peace of mind in an emergency.

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Budget for pets before adopting

Bringing a new pet home is a big day. When faced with the reality that you have to pay for that pet’s care and are responsible for their wellbeing, though, it can become overwhelming.  A pet budget creates a road map for financially responsible pet ownership. Ultimately, here’s what you can expect to pay every month for your new furry friend or aquarium.

• Budgeting for a dog. Dog owners should expect to spend $164 per month on average. This covers monthly costs as well as occasional expenses and emergencies.
• Budgeting for a cat. Cat parents should budget about $184 every month for regular purchases as well as infrequent and unforeseen ones.
• Budgeting for fish. Maintaining your aquarium plus savings for unforeseen situations will cost about $25 per month.

Let’s face it, creating a budget isn’t the most thrilling part of getting a pet. However, it’s one of the most important things you’ll do.  After all, becoming a pet parent should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, not a stressful one.

Frequently asked questions

How much should you budget for a pet?

This depends on the type of pet and what you will need. Pet owners may pay less than $50 a month for a cat or dog on average, or a few hundred, depending on their needs and if they stash additional money in a pet savings account.

How much will I spend on a pet per month?

Some pets, like small aquarium fish, need very little in the way of monthly maintenance — at most, it’s about $25 every month on average. Budgeting for a cat or dog, though, can cost anywhere from $40 to $200 or more every month.

How do you budget for a new pet?

When budgeting for a new pet, the main consideration is where you’ll get your newest family member. Think about what exams, vaccines, and medications may be included. Know what is included in your fee to determine how much to save.

What is a pet that is good for a strict budget?

For those who aren’t comfortable with the expense of a cat or dog, fish make excellent companions and may require only a small and inexpensive freshwater aquarium. For those who have their heart set on something furry, guinea pigs and rabbits are also typically affordable choices.

from MAIDS.COM

 

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from Dr. Karen Becker and Health Pets

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

Yes, cat’s scoot too, but it’s NOT usual behavior and needs a visit to the veterinarian!

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY KREMP.COM

We love our pets! The family cat or dog is vital part of our family, and we do everything we can to help ensure that they have what they need. Pet owners need to be certain that they provide the correct food and preventative medical care. While pet safety needs to be a big concern around the house, one of the most common dangers for pets are with the plants and flowers that can be redily found in the home.

Most homes have various types of plants and flowers inside the home. These plants and flowers help brighten up a home and provide a decorative flourish. While the addition of plants and flowers in a home are helpful in making the house attractive, it can also be a danger to pets. Knowing which plants are non-toxic and which plants are toxic to your dog or cat is important for the continued good health of your pet.

There are a number of plants that are commonly found around the home that are toxic to animals. Some of the plants that should be kept away from the family pet include Lilies, Tulips and Azaleas. All of these plants could have an impact on the health of pets if ingested. Therefore, it is important that prevention of potential danger is very important.

If you have a home with pets, and you have flowers and plants, it is imperative to keep an eye out for the possibility of the animal being poisoned. Some of the symptoms that you should look out for include diarrhea, vomiting, weakness and not behaving as normal. If you suspect that your pet may have been accidentally poisoned, it is important to contact your vet as soon as possible. The early the treatment for the poison the better chance of getting them back to health.

To learn more about which plants and flowers are toxic and what to do in the event of a poisoning, please review the following information.

• Poisonous Plants – Informative web page from Cornell University which provides information on which plants are poisonous to animals.
• Animal Toxins – Listing of items that are considered poisonous to all animals.
• Plants Toxic to Animals – Helpful database of plants that are toxic to domesticated animals.
• Toxic Plants for Pets – In this page you will learn about the plants that animals should avoid.
• List of Poisonous Plants – Useful article which contains a listing of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.
• Pet Safe Gardening – Information from the Animal Health Foundation which offers ideas on having a pet safe garden.
• Pets and Toxic Plants – This article from UC Davis discusses pets and plants that could be toxic to them.
• ASPCA Information – Information on plants and flowers that are toxic and non-toxic to pets.
• Keeping Pets Safe – Article from HGTV which offers ideas on how to keep pets safe from plants and flowers around the home.
• Safe Indoor House Flowers and Plants – Helpful article from Better Homes and Gardens which provides information on plants and flowers that are safe for pets.
• Signs of Poisoning – Useful information on how to tell if your dog has been poisoned.
• Top Dog Poisons – This article informs dog owners about the top potentially harmful items that are poisonous to dogs.
• Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats – Article which provides general information on how to determine if you cat was poisoned.
• Poisoned Dog – In this helpful article you will find information and steps to treat a poisoned dog.
• Treating a Poisoned Cat – Article which lists steps that can be taken to treat a cat suspected of being poisoned.
• Poison Prevention Tips (PDF) – Publication which lists the top tips on how to keep your pet from being poisoned.
• Pet Poison Prevention Tips – Information for pet owners on ways to prevent pet poisoning from occurring.
• Poison Prevention Tips for Pets – Informative information on how to avoid pets being poisoned around the home.
• Poison Prevention Publication (PDF) – Helpful brochure which provides pet owners with preventative measures to keep poisons away from pets.
• Poison Control and Prevention – Information on how to keep pets safe from potential poisons.
• Pets and Poisons – In this article from the American Humane Association you will find information on pet poisoning.
• Pet First Aid – Red Cross information and class material on learning the basics of pet first aid.
• Basic Pet First Aid – Useful information for pet owners which provides a basic understanding of first aid.
• Pesticide Poisoning in Pets – Article which offers information on what to do if your pet is poisoned by pesticides.
• Poison Information and Resources – Resourceful page with information about pet poisoning.
• Pets and Poison – Web page which informs pet owners about the dangers around the home for pets.
• Poison Safety for Pet Owners (PDF) – General information about poison safety from the University of Virginia.
• Preventing Pet Poisoning – Information about pet poisoning prevention with outdoor pesticides.
• Pet Poisoning Information – Helpful information about the basics of pet poisoning.
• Plants and Household Products – Informative fact sheets with information about normal plants and products around the house that can be poisonous to pets.

Chad Kremp