Cat or hedgehog

[Toogledoo]

I say adopt a cat from a shelter. I've never had a cat cost near that much, but if it does come down to that, I'm sure you can make payments. When it comes to owning a pet, there is always a chance that something can happen. I think it's worth it though. I really enjoy my cats, and all of my other pets.

 

[Shell]

Free is never free and Formerphobe's example is not unreasonable. Cat or dog or hamster or yeti...it doesn't matter. Taking responsibility for an animal's care is not a life necessity but it is a necessity to take care of the animal that you've assumed responsibility for. Afterall, the throw away pet mentality is the reason we have so damned many strays and "pet" shelters.

+1

As a vet tech, I can say that Formerphobes example is not unreasonable. Prices vary yes and some cats will never need more than basic care, but that's not to say things don't happen. I have seen and treated many many cats that had chronic issues, expensive emergencies etc etc.

Not saying it as a deterrent, but a free pet never stays a free pet unless you can't be bothered to have vet care. In my opinion if you can't be bothered to get the care your pet needs, you shouldn't be allowed to own a pet. I have seen animals die, due to owner neglect more than once. Owning a pet is a privilege not a right.

If you have an outdoor cat, it needs to be dewormed regularly, if they are hunting or get fleas they will get worms. Those can be transferred to us and our kids. They need flea treatment, and they need rabies shots. If an owner can't be bothered because they deem it unneccessary, that is irresponsible. Take on the pet, take on the responsibility.

I have also seen many pets turned over to be found a new home, because of a medical condition their owners didn't want to treat, or because the cute little kitten they got for free, matured and kept getting out and having kittens, and they didn't want to pay to have it spayed. As well as many other reasons. Far too many people view pets as disposable these days, and our kennel (our clinic did adoptions in connection with our local shelter) was always FULL of dogs and cats needing new homes, many surrendered by owners who just couldn't be bothered anymore, for whatever reason.

I'm not saying don't get a cat or hedgehog, I am saying this; do your research, know the costs that there WILL be (if you're being a responsible pet owner,) know the costs there COULD be (within reason, accidents happen that you can't forsee), and make sure you're prepared to take on the repsonsibility.

And yes, many vets will work out payment options with you in the event of an expensive emergency. As long as you talk to them before they do all the work, typically. Vets aren't unreasonable, and only out for your money....some maybe, but there are corrupt people in every aspect of business. Most vets truly care about animals. One of my old bosses, often did a lot of work for discounted rates or on payment plans, because she wanted what was best for the animal, and the owner couldn't afford it. Another word of advice, do your research there too and find a vet you are truly comfortable with.

 

[skar]

LOL- Forget both and Buy a rat !

 

[leaveittoweaver]

Yeah, no such thing as a free cat. My old man kitty was twelve when I adopted him last year, the shelter just gave him to me but I've put 700.00 into vet work this year alone, dealing with Bartonella and basic blood work, ear mites, etc. Not to mention, quality cat food can add up. Lucky for me I get a great discount at the pet store I work for but in general, not cheap.

As for hedgehogs, you really need to research what your getting into and these are not cheap animals either. I spend a few hundred just getting set up for my first hedgie. First you need a decent sized cage, then a ceramic heat emitter, a thermostat for said emitter, food, water dishes, a decent wheel(which WILL cost you around forty dollars), etc. I had one hedgehog who tolerated handling but she had skin issues and would lost quills frequently even after she was over her quilling. Hedgehogs need almost daily foot baths, cutting their nails is difficult, and their quills do hurt when they puff them out at you. Their wheel also needs to be cleaned every day. I also had one hedgehog who was VERY aggressive. He would bite me for no reason what so ever and go out of his way to do so. Hedgehogs are subject to a lot of bad breeding as well. I really just do not recommend them unless you truly know what your getting into. I researched a ton before I got my first boy and I was still not completely prepared for the personality.

 

[Dom]

LOL- Forget both and Buy a rat !

+1. Intelligent and friendly. One of the most under_rated pets.

 

[astraldisaster]

+1. Intelligent and friendly. One of the most under_rated pets.

The one thing I can't get over with rats is how much they poop. I deal with them on a daily basis (I work in a pet store), and though they seem otherwise cool they are just constantly defecating. In the case of adults, this is extra gross... Of course, there are many people that simply adore their pet rats, so maybe I'm missing something. Perhaps some have learned not to poop on their owners while being handled? I would honestly like to know.

Aaaanyway, sorry for that possible thread derailment. I'm getting a hedghog soon, and while I know they can't be housebroken, from what I've read they have far fewer bowel movements per day than rats do.