Since I have just got two little kittens and have noticed that there are lots advertised on here. I thought I would just put a note of how much they actually cost.

The set up costs were as follows:

Beds x 2 = £9.99 each - £19.98
Scratching post/activity station = £35.99
Cat carrier = £14.99 (will need two soon)
Food bowls/litter tray/feeding mat - £10
Toys = not even going there far too much (but they are spoilt)

Vetrinary costs:

£45 each for their first injections
Poppy has just been poorly which can happen to any kitten/cat approximately £28 for check up and two injections (antibiotics and anti-inflamatory) she is bettern now though thankfully!
Spaying/Neutering: Expected to be around £120 for the pair of them
Micro-chipping will be around £10 each

Regular costs:

Food - Hills Kitten Science Plan - £8.50 per week for two kittens (but expect this to go up when they are fully grown)
Flea and Worming treatments will end up being around £15 per month for the pair of them (every month for life)
Insurance (with Direct Line because they cover teeth) £12.80 per month
Litter approximately £3.50 per week (if you are like me and change it all everyday)

Plus I bet I have missed a bit off....

Just in case anyone thought of getting one on a whim, they do cost a lot!!!

Just to slightly cut your costs I'd get frontline online - LOADS cheaper than the vets.

Also the hills - if you buy it in bulk it'll be a lot cheaper - i got a massive sack for Ziggy mid March for 30pounds, he's still got loads left

But you're right - they arent cheap.....and if you're going away cattery bills, or arranging someone to look after then..... all worth it though!!

the love and laughter they bring...priceless.

You're right though- it aint a cheap deal having pets - hence I get mightily miffed when people announce they want a cat or kitten (or a dog) and they don't appear to have taken account of all the ongoing costs of owning one. I'm always skint, but I wouldn't be without my gang.

good source of frontline, wormers and other vet stuff: http://www.hyperdrug.com/

fast delivery, reasonably priced and a good range of stuff too.

Thanks for the link to the website and other information I have priced up getting their food and flea treatments this way.

The vet has recommended Advocate flea treatment which I would need a prescription for in any event and it only works out at about £1 cheeper for the food if I bought it this way.

Like you say they are well worth every penny!

Trouble is, people DO buy them on a whim and then realise that they cant afford them so they either become neglected or get given away.

The vet probably advised advent because you need a prescription...

Remember, in order to get the prescription, the vet needs to see the cat, which is another consultation fee on top ;)

We get Frontline from the internet now because there is no need to see the vet in order to get it and you only apply it every 3 months, not every month.

Thanks for quoting these costs though - people think cats are a cheap deal...

Trouble is, people DO buy them on a whim and then realise that they cant afford them so they either become neglected or get given away.

Breaks my heart- only wish more people would take time to read the oodles of advice available on this forum and elsewhere before getting a critter. It would save a lot of upset.

I fully understand circumstances change, some have genuine reasons for rehoming and it isn't always good for the animal to stay in its original home if it is going to be harmed or othewise neglected, but in the past few weeks, there have been so many dogs and cats advertised on here that are obviously just unwanted because they've out-grown their original appeal (no longer the cute kitten/ puppy), the owners have realised they haven't got or won't make the time to look after them, (why get one in the first place if you havent thought about it properly or simply cannot be a*sed anymore) and they hope some soft touch will deal with the problem for them. Seethe!

...and don't get me started on the breeders out to make a fast buck but not prepared to register their 'goods' or otherwise guarantee their health or ancestry.

I'm going off on one today, sorry, but when I think of the rescue volunteers and agencies that end up picking up the pieces...Maybe they should bring back licensing ...or maybe not - 37 and a half pence anyone can afford.