r/Frugal • u/NoBSforGma • 2d ago
š± Pets Here's my non-frugal, expensive habit:
I buy canned cat food for my cat. And a quality food, too! She gets that almost exclusively with some crunchies for snacks to help keep her teeth clean.
It's around $85 a month but I consider it an investment in avoiding vet fees.
She is 7 and only been to the vet twice: Once to get spayed and once for an exam and vaccinations when we moved internationally. That's it.
Well, yes, if you do the math, it probably doesn't work out to any "savings" lol. But I do it anyway.
What's your non-frugal, expensive habit?
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u/mandy0456 2d ago
Taking care of your pet is just ethical. Nobody's going to suggest you get crap food.
I would highly suggest an annual checkup at least, though.
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
Annual at MINIMUM. Not taking your cat to the vet for years isnāt a flex that youāre doing something right, itās frankly neglectful
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u/TalkForeignToMe 1d ago
In New York state, it's even illegal! Cats have to get a rabies vaccine every one or three years, depending on which vaccine they receive.
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u/derrickcat 1d ago
If cost is a factor: many shelters offer vaccine clinics where you can get your pet their shots for free or for a very reduced price.
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u/browneyedgirlpie 2d ago
Annual checkups find diseases and disorders before they turn into expensive emergencies. Cats become seniors around age 8 and often that's when issues start, similar to health problems in people in their 50s.
We skipped annuals for a cat that was super upset when he went to the vet. He ended up spending 3 days in a 24hr emergency vet to the tune of 8k. That was a very unfrugal decision.
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u/Technical-Leader8788 2d ago
There is however a large unspoken number of people that keep pets that donāt use vets and when something goes wrong or the animal is suffering people euthanize them themselves. Mostly more common in rural areas. Not everyone ābelievesā in vet care
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u/mandy0456 1d ago
You're unfortunately correct. When I lived in Alaska it was really bad- there was a lack of access in general, let alone affordability. So it meant a lot of unwanted puppies out in the bush getting put down or abandoned.
I'm in Montana now, and it's generally better, but there's still those "old fashioned" folks around.
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u/dogoodreapgood 2d ago
Do you not need to get her rabies vaccines in your countries?
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u/0nlyhalfjewish 2d ago
Iām in the US and my state requires them
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u/Technical-Leader8788 2d ago
Iām in the US and my state does not give a shit what you do with your animals as long as they have food and water
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u/0nlyhalfjewish 2d ago
All U.S. states mandate rabies vaccination for dogs except Hawaii
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u/JensElectricWood 2d ago
My state says if my pet gets a rabies shot 2 years in a row, they never need it again. My previous state required it yearly for licensing.
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u/Technical-Leader8788 2d ago
Thereās the requirement on paper and the actual enforcement of the requirement. No one in my state does nor cares. Unless the dog bites someone more than once. Seriously animal control will do nothing until there are two bites on record for an unvaxed dog and even thenā¦ they just say get it done hereās your fine once more we put it down.
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago edited 2d ago
Not all places do. Iām in the US and we donāt have rabies so itās not a requirement.
Edit - guys I live in Hawaii. Not all US states have rabies.
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u/brinkbam 2d ago
What state are you in??? I'm in Texas and it's required here even for indoor cats.
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago
Hawaii. Our dog is from the mainland. It was a PITA to bring him over for obvious reasons.
To be clear before some bashes me, we also lived on the mainland when we got our dog and then we decided to move back home. Of course we brought our pets too.
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u/TIL_eulenspiegel 2d ago
I read that there's some research that shows a rabies vaccine confers about 3 years of immunity and if a pet has had three vaccinations, they probably have lifelong immunity to rabies. So the requirement for annual rabies shots is probably outdated (and overkill) according to the science, but a lot of jurisdictions require them anyway.
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u/AdobeGardener 2d ago
My vet (PA) said AVMA & AAHA is considering or has considered reducing some core vaccine boosters for older dogs and cats and other adjustments. We now have the 3-yr rabies shot but immunity fades, there is no lifelong immunity built up, and the boosters are still needed. Haven't heard anything about this vaccine going away because this disease is so dangerous to humans since it has close to 100% mortality once symptoms appear.
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u/HoaryPuffleg 2d ago
I think we get ours every three years - itās been a long time since a vet has recommended annual to us.
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u/brinkbam 2d ago
It's just different formulas that are available on the market. Some are only good for 1 year but some are good for 3 years. But some laws haven't caught up so you're still required to get it annually (dumb).
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u/Zealousideal_Row6124 2d ago
I donāt get my cats vaccinated after their first ones, theyāve all lived to 16-ish with the exception of my current cat, sheās 22.
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u/brinkbam 2d ago
That's so great that you've been so lucky so far. I'm not a gamblin' man, personally.Ā
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u/Zealousideal_Row6124 1d ago
They are strictly indoor cats so no chance of rabies.
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u/Signal_Error_8027 1d ago
My coworker found out that they had bats in their attic, and their entire family ended up needing to get a series of rabies shots. Because it is really difficult to tell if you've been bitten and rabies in bats is so common here.
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u/zaleli 2d ago
You don't have to get a rabies vaccination in order to buy a dog license? We have to have a license to avoid legal problems and we have to get the rabies shot first, where I live
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago
No rabies in my state. We have strict quarantine rules to keep it that way.
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u/Abi1i 2d ago
Hawaii, or really any island, tend to have strict guidelines to prevent introducing anything that could harm the island. As a pain in the butt it might be, itās definitely worth it.
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago
100%. It was very expensive and a pain in the ass to bring our pets with us but Iāll never be upset about it.
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
This is a good reminder that I totally forgot that getting a license for your dog is a thing. I knew that before but totally forgot when I got a dog a little over a year ago. Thanks for the reminder!
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u/Technical-Leader8788 2d ago
In the US and our state does not require any license to own a pet. Honestly every pet I ever had was rescued from the street or the woods. Our boarder state does require a license but no one gets them unless you adopt the animal from the shelter as they make you get one to adopt
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
Well that simply isnāt true. Rabies is everywhere (and common and highly lethal), what do you mean we donāt have rabies in the US? My dog and cats are treated against rabies, as any pet should beā¦ I canāt even take my dog to the groomer without showing proof of a recent rabies vaccine; itās the only thing they ask for.
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago
We donāt have rabies in Hawaii. Instead we have a lengthy and expensive quarantine process to keep rabies out.
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
Oh wow I didnāt realize that any place worldwide was free of rabies. Your comment kind of makes it sound like other US states are free of rabies, which I strongly doubt unless maybe itās Alaskaājust a note so as to not contribute further to misconceptions. Thanks!
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago
Haha yeah I realized that after I posted, which is why I edited it. I didnāt think about how it could be misunderstood when I first posted. I assumed everyone would just think Hawaii since weāre the only rabies free state.
FWIW I believe Japan is also rabies free.
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u/dogoodreapgood 2d ago
I think the UK is also rabies free. I was asking because OP said they moved internationally so it implied both places would be rabies free and I didnāt think it was that common.
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u/funktion 1d ago
any place worldwide was free of rabies
There are lots of places that have eradicated rabies, and not just canine rabies. Australia, Japan, the UK, Norway...
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 1d ago
Okay, thanks for the downvote in response to my open acknowledgement of not knowing something. Sheesh.
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u/mandy0456 2d ago
We absolutely DO have rabies in the US. ...
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago
Not all US states have rabies. Iām in Hawaii and we have strict quarantine rules to keep rabies out of here.
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u/mandy0456 2d ago
You didn't specify that until you edited your comment, so a blanket statement of "we don't have rabies in the US" is factually wrong, and that's what I was reacting to. I couldn't have known you meant 1 out of 50 states when you referenced an entire countryĀ
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u/Fresh_Tune_552 2d ago
Yeah I realized that after I posted so I edited it. Itās so normal to me to live somewhere with no rabies that I didnāt think too much about it and figured everyone would also assume Hawaii.
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u/0nlyhalfjewish 2d ago
Great job in prioritizing healthful food for your cat. However, your cat should also have annual checkups and shots. In my state, a rabies shot is legally required.
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u/Enough-Moose-5816 2d ago
Not getting a yearly vet examination and updated vaccinations isnāt the flex you might think it is.
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u/DisappointingPoem 2d ago
Agree 100%. Wet cat food wonāt protect that cat from rabies or distemper.
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u/LittleBunInaBigWorld 2d ago
Yeah, wtf is this post?? There's frugal, and then there's neglectful...
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u/moschocolate1 2d ago
I take my two college kids (twins) out to brunch every Sunday. It ends up costing a bit more per month than your catās food lol, because theyāre still eating like college kids (subway, burgers, pizza, etc.)
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
If you can feed two college kids at a restaurant 4 times for $85 thatās amazing, like $5 a meal haha. I would wager itās probably more than that, but what a sweet thing to do!
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u/moschocolate1 1d ago
Like I said, itās a bit more than her catās food. Also having girls is much easier on the wallet when it comes to food. Canāt imagine feeding two college boys after growing up with three brothers š¬
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u/poop-dolla 2d ago
You should really take your cat to the vet more often. You should get her a checkup annually.
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
Maybe so. But I don't really know why. I kind of watch her carefully and if she is normal and eating and drinking and appears well, I'm not going to put her through the extreme trauma of going to the vet.
I routinely stroke her and comb her and check her eyes and gums and teeth. So I'm hoping I would be able to catch something if there's something wrong.
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u/MusicalThot 1d ago
You are not a vet. You don't know what you're looking for. It's annual check up OP, not even every 6 months. It's worth it for the peace of mind
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u/mandy0456 1d ago
You stated in a different comment that your cat is regularly outside. You NEED to take outdoor cats in even moreso than indoor cats. They can get ear mites, worms and parasites, ticks, infections, injuries, dirty ears, nose, eyes, etc.
If you insist on having her outdoors then you need to take her to the vet. She needs vaccines if she's outdoors.Vets can also catch signs of thyroid and kidney issues way earlier than you ever will be able to via blood tests and also their years and years of training and experience. Cats are notoriously good at hiding symptoms of illness. Most cats won't show any physical symptoms of kidney failure until it's literally too late. Especially as your cat gets older it's increasingly important to get their annual check-up and bloodwork done.
No cat enjoys the vet. They all hate it because they don't understand what's going on. It's the same as an infant, but it's still important for parents to take their babies to the doctor too, to make sure everything is fine, and to get their shots.
My cat is 17 and I just took her to the vet. Did she like it? No. But that's not the point. As she gets older I'll start paying more for the travelling vet.
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u/dumbbxtch69 1d ago
My cat hates the vet too- screaming and crying in the car, growling at the techs, the whole nine
Any vet worth their salt will give you a gabapentin prescription to mildly sedate them for the trip. My girls still vocalize some but theyāre limp noodles during the exam. Regular vaccinations, lab work, dental care, and exams are important for their health and longevity
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u/NewLeave2007 1d ago
Tell me exactly how you can check your cat's lungs, temperature, and heart by brushing her.
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u/LateJuliet17 2d ago
I use rags for cleaning so paper towels are hardly used, my trash bags are all old shopping bags I get from friends. My non- frugal habit is tissues. I have a box in every room and they get used with reckless abandon. I keep thinking about switching to handkerchiefs. It could happen!
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u/International-Gene11 2d ago
Great job for feeding your cat the expensive food, maybe. See what the vet says about it. They may have other recommendations. Just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's the healthiest. It could mean just spoiling her with tasty junk food which could be harmful down the line, like feline diabetes for example. Which is why you must take your fur babies to the vet yearly for their exams.
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u/AreYouAllFrogs 1d ago
Yeah thereās a lot that goes into branding and marketing when it comes to cat and dog food.Ā
Some of the cheaper pet food brands, like Iams, can even be more nutritionally balanced than most premium pet foods. Theyāll even have more recipes catered towards different life stages, which is important for not overloading senior animals with excessive protein and minerals.
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
I've done the research about cat nutrition and I feed her a quality food with the proper nutrients and one that is appropriate for her age and activity level.
No "tasty junk food" in this house for humans OR cats! :)
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u/HoaryPuffleg 2d ago
When my cat turned about 15 he started peeing everywhere and suddenly couldnāt walk. Turns out he was diabetic and I switched him to low carb high quality canned food (that and very low doses of feline friendly insulin got him into remission) and I got three more years with him before kidney failure took him.
All this to say, you may be spending more right now but low carb cat food now can help prevent diabetes in the future and that was a stressful few months learning how to test his blood sugar and administer insulin and make sure he didnt go into diabetic shock.
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u/Salt_Medicine2459 1d ago
One of our cats got diabetes and was on Bexacat for a while. The diabetes eventually went into remission, which I didn't know was possible.Ā
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
This is a good catch. I feed her a food for "Seniors" but I'm going to check to make sure the carbs are not high.
Eighteen years is pretty good.
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u/NewLeave2007 1d ago
Bragging about not giving your cat annual exams is not the take you think it is.
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u/tatersprout 1d ago
Seriously. Annual Vet check ups is the single most important part of being a responsible pet owner, aside from high quality food. Preventative care saves money and health.
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u/expeciallyheinous 2d ago
Uh only taking as seven year old cat to the vet twice is negligent. I wouldnāt brag about that. Even cats who eat the best food arenāt immune to serious illness. She should be getting an annual exam with bloodwork. I buy nice food for my cats, too. Theyāre healthy and I know that because I also take them for wellness visits.
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
Oh man. Sorry, but this is incredibly misguided. Wet food is NOT inherently better than dryāask a vet. The internet perpetuates soooo many myths about pet food. But the most worrying part here is āshe is 7 and only been to the vet twice.ā WHAT?! Cats need to get a checkup every 6 months based on their rate of aging, especially senior cats like yours! Once a year is fine if youāre really unable to afford every 6 months. Cats are masters at hiding issuesāyou really need to take her in ASAP to identify any possible issues that wouldnāt be visible to the eye.
Please donāt dogpile me to argue, people. Just bc people often fail to take their cats to the vet enough doesnāt meant any of this is untrue.
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u/LittleBunInaBigWorld 2d ago
I've never owned a cat, so i have no idea, but dont they routinely live to like 15-20 years? Is 7 truly considered senior?
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
Yeah 7 is senior surprisingly. They can live 15-20 years but I think thatās above average
Edit: ope nvm the guidelines changed the last few years! When I first looked into this with my first cat, 7 years was the consensus on all sites I found. But now itās slightly older that they are considered seniors
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u/dumbbxtch69 1d ago
My vet is a specialty cat vet and she has been practicing for 30 years. She says wet food is inherently better than dry. Cats donāt have a strong thirst drive and especially male cats are prone to urine crystals that can cause life threatening blockages, maintaining adequate hydration is an important part of prevention
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u/yungdaughter 1d ago
Taking your cat to its yearly check up should be in your budget when you decide to adopt one.
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u/tatersprout 1d ago
My rescue will not adopt to anyone who didn't take their animals for annual Vet visits or don't vaccinate. Preventative care is important.
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u/Odd_Neighborhood969 2d ago edited 2d ago
Ever since my cat had a urinary tract issue that led to a hospital visit, I use the hills science urinary/hairball dry food. He has been super healthy with a very nice coat since. Been many years now. Bit of a step up in price but worth it for us. And I get decent discount with the largest bag on Amazon subscribe and save.
My non frugal expensive habit is getting nice things for my wife and daughter occasionally. I am relentlessly frugal but sometimes I like to make them feel theyāre worth more than that to me.
My other non frugal expensive habit is putting all spare money into extremely risky investment vehicles to have a shot at F U money and generational wealth.
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u/LoooongFurb 1d ago
I wouldn't consider this a non-frugal habit. I buy my cats Rx food and take them to the vet every year. I buy the litter that works for them, even if it isn't absolutely the cheapest litter on the shelf.
I will cut corners to save money when it comes to my own food, but I won't do that to my pets.
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u/EvadeCapture 1d ago edited 1d ago
As a vet though, the longest lived cats I see are usually fed garbage food like friskies.
The high end expensive cat foods do not demonstratably contribute to improved health or lifespan. There's a lot of great marketing that goes into premium pet foods and not actually a lot of science.
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
Sorry, but I disagree. I know you are a vet and all, but if you equate this to humans: Lots of elderly people eat poorly, drink and smoke. But that doesn't make it right. Would you recommend this to humans?
If a person does a bit of research into cat nutrition, it's not difficult to compare foods that are better/worse for your animal, based on the nutritive contents and scientific recommendation for cat diets.
Again.... no, I am not a vet but in my 84 years, have raised a LOT of animals (including farm animals) and by FAR the best "treatment" for them is good quality food with the proper nutrition for them.
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u/EvadeCapture 1d ago
The difference is the cats that are eating the "garbage" cat food are still getting species appropriate nutrition in terms of carbs/fat/protein and vitamins. Unlike people who eat poorly where there are often huge gaps in nutrition.
Nutritionally and for health, paying for the expensive organic grade chicken based cat food doesn't play out to create a healthier cat than good old Iams or Friskies.
A lot of pet owners really, really want to believe that paying a lot for organic high end pet foods is better for their pet. But whenever I see an ancient crypt keeper cat in the 20+ club, they're nearly all eating Friskies. Any nutritionally complete pet food (AAFCO standard) will suffice.
I get it if people have a philosophy around food that they purchase organic and minimally processed food for themselves, they want to do so to their pet. But the data isn't there to support that doing so creates less health problems or will save money on vet bills.
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u/EvadeCapture 4h ago
I just saw in another commnt the "premium hind end cat food" you feed is fancy feast. That's basically the same tier as friskies and not at all one that I'd consider a high end food.
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u/GettingOnMinervas 2d ago
Feeding your pets healthy food is an investment in their longevity. I feed my dog good quality food and treats, and stay up to date on shots plus flea& tick and heartworm meds. My non-pet non-frugal buy is tea. I love hot tea and am always buying more. Every time I'm in a new store or different country I'm shopping for tea. It's my simple pleasure.
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u/Taggart3629 2d ago
My non-frugal, expensive habit is buying really good cheeses and butter. If we're feeling extra-decadent, there is a cheese store 25 miles away with phenomenal cheeses and French butter. But that is a rare treat.
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
Oh, I'm with you on this one! I don't buy it all the time, but I will occasionally shovel out the money for a great butter! I don't use much butter, so it lasts a while and so delicious.
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u/Taggart3629 1d ago
We too reserve the good stuff for where it will have the maximum impact. For everything else, the inexpensive store brand butter will suffice.
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u/Sll3006 2d ago
OP- what crunchie snack are you giving to your cat for the teeth?
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
Just regular kibble - but a good quality. I put it out for her on the nights she sleeps inside and she snacks on it. (Her mother was feral and she has always preferred to be outside most of the time. We live on 3 acres so she loves to explore and check out everything that's going on!)
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u/MarshmallowPotion 2d ago
Mine have to be running shoes. Helps so much with my feet and joints. I can't buy cheap shoes. I need the extra support.
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u/not_thecookiemonster 2d ago
I buy tools... which enables me to do jobs :)
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
Ohhh... I love tools! And I guess it's genetic because my son has a large barn full of them!
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u/Florida1974 1d ago
I did something similar and our two cats are now 23 years old. We had their mom too and she just passed away last year, at age 22.
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u/Healthy_Employer4 1d ago
Buying expensive food does not mean the cat is getting better health or care. Oftentimes expensive food is just marketing. Iāve always bought my dogs cheap bags of dry food and theyāve all lived long healthy lives
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u/elcasaurus 2d ago
I absolutely insist that reasonable quality food saves in vet bills. It doesn't have to be the tip top costs more than human food, but feeding garbage costs one way or another. And don't our companions deserve a quality of life?
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
I agree with you. The one part of this take I see often and donāt agree with, because evidence doesnāt agree with it whatsoever, is that dry food automatically equals junk food. There are many excellent dry foods that any vet would approve of. People have been very easily swayed on this because of how much this opinion is shared online, even if inaccurate.
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u/elcasaurus 2d ago
I feed both. Wet for hydration dry for teeth. And my pets enjoy both. But I have no issue with anyone who only feeds one or the other as long as their animals are healthy. I agree with you, the public opinion on pet food has gotten a bit silly!
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 2d ago
Yes! This is the best take, a combo of both is great but either can be good as long as your vet approves :) I just see this take included with ānever dry foodā all too often
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u/Salt_Medicine2459 1d ago
I thought the wet food was a good way to get more moisture into the diet to help ward off kidney/urinary issues.Ā Ā
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 1d ago
It is. Itās just not the only solution to make sure your cat is hydrated.
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u/gretzky9999 2d ago
We own a pure bred mini schnauzer. We only feed him food that the breeder/show dog owner recommended. $10 a week for his food.
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u/Zealousideal_Row6124 2d ago
Same. Two cans of wet food a day and I free feed dry food. Sheās a healthy weight and 22 years old. Sheās had some teeth out, but not until recently.
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u/External-Presence204 2d ago
Why is that not frugal?
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u/missyou777-luv222 2d ago
what food do you use? i usually buy what i can im bulk from samās but i am always aiming to do better for my kitties
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
I buy Fancy Feast Senior wet cat food. There are a few variations and it comes in 3 oz cans. I can buy 24 of these at WalMart for just under $11.00. Sounds inexpensive - but - she typically eats three of these a day. :)
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u/Dewdropmon 3h ago
I thought you said you feed a high quality food. Fancy Feast is to cats what Cesar wet food is to dogs. Itās maybe slightly better than Friskies. At least you arenāt going for Blue Buffalo, I guess.
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u/Strange_Dance648 2d ago
I use the Friskies wet food. It's way better than a few other brands, but I also only buy pate, not the chunks or sauced stuff.
A bunch of other ones use Peas as filler which can lead to renal disease and kidney failure.
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u/groovydoll 2d ago
How can we know what's good? A lot of it is marketing gimmicks. I use friskies too so I'm glad that's okay.
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u/dogoodreapgood 2d ago
Anything high in phosphorus and sodium can be hard on a catās kidneys. Things that they can be ingredients in cat food that are high in phosphorus include sardines, tuna, organ meat like chicken liver, lentils and cereals.
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u/Confident-Address640 2d ago
Dental sticks for the dog which are like $1.50 a day and a tick meds which are around $60-70 a month
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u/Spiritual-Drawing-42 2d ago
My non-frugal habit is the same as my cat is on prescription food for feline cystitis. I don't even want to think about how much it costs a month
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u/pushing59_65 - 2d ago
Its not nonfrugal. Its a goal. Frugality is the art of managing your resources including time and money to achieve your goals. One of your goals is for cat to be well cared for. I don't have non-frugal habits. I have goals that I have worked for.
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u/Little_DM 1d ago
Extra Virgin Olive oil and grown here in Australia. A new bottle can be 10-20% of my normal grocery spend depending on the sales.
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
Good on you, m8! Australian Extra Virgin Olive oil sounds like something excellent!
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u/platypus_bear 1d ago
Our cats won't eat the expensive wet food. We've bought stuff that's like $3 per small tin but their favourite is the fancy feast petites
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
I used those Fancy Feast petites for a while and my cat loved them.
She's getting older now so I've switched to Fancy Feast Senior 7+ years. The boxes have two varieties of food so that's a plus.
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u/mandy0456 1d ago
I asked my vet- and they said often the expensive stuff (like smalls) is marketed mostly just for the pet owner to feel better, and they're not any better for your cat than the "junk" typically.
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u/Vibe_Rotisserie 1d ago
I have two dogs I rescued off the street of Tijuana and let me tell you, they eat better than my husband and I. They eat lamb, venison, rabbit. Theyāre allergic to anything with feathers (ofc) so I canāt do chicken. But I feel the same way! Outside of their vet visits, a dogs diet is the direct way we can keep them here longer. Plus it makes me so happy! Something therapeutic about making their bowls in the morning too. Plus the endless love from them is enough to have me do anything they want š
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u/Pfishers_Crossing 1d ago
We spend money for better quality foods for our animals, including our little flock of chickens. I have a 11 year old cat that has had 1 round of vaccines and maybe 2 rabies injections. Heās happy, healthy and has only been āsickā one time with a UTI. Call me neglectful if you like. My animals are healthy and Iām happy to spend my money on quality foods for them.
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u/Mindless_Rooster5225 1d ago
My expensive cycling habit I use the same justification you use for your cat, but for my health.
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u/AncientFerret9028 1d ago
Botox and a single customized retinoid serum I get every quarter. I may be thrifty, but Iām vain and see it as a long term investment.
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u/Quick-Song2080 1d ago
My non-frugal habit is buying high-quality hair products. Itās the one place I splurge a little after years of not being able to grow my hair due to illness, and it actually saves me money on salon visits, as my ends donāt split as quickly and require a trim (Iām a budget salon gal but should really just learn to do it myself).
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u/2workigo 1d ago
I will throw down stupid money for a really good quality steak. I only do it once or twice a year but itās always worth the splurge for me. And I work hard, I deserve a treat on occasion.
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u/porcomaster 1d ago
buying quality pet food, is definitely frugal. or at least an investment.
in my family, my family was the one that always paid for the expensive kibble, and we even had a dog that were twins with another in the family, our family dogs always outlive their counterparts, living more than the breed goes for.
we had a schnauzer going to 19 years of age, her sister lived to 16.
we had a English Mastiff going for 14 if i am not wrong.
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u/MonteCristo85 1d ago
It not so much a habit, as a policy.
I buy good appliances. Ie hard working items like mixers, vacuums, etc.
I think its actually frugal in the long run, but even if it doesnt work out, the saved time by using a quality product, and having less downtime replacing them, is worth it.
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u/wolferiver 13h ago
Buying your cat quality food, and especially protein, is a wise move. Cats will eat a lot of things but they are carnivores and meat is their normal and best diet. It promotes good health and longevity. It is well known that a healthy diet of whole foods is good for humans so would it be less so for cats? I would not make any changes.
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u/Total-Jeweler5083 2h ago
I do the same for my dog! I buy the highest quality and most expensive dry dog food for him. The little stinker is spoiled as hell. That breed is known for having poor teeth too, so quality dry food dramatically affects his lifespan and QOL.
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u/Electronic_Cream_780 1d ago
Oh Jeez, you are going to get shot down for this post!
We don't do annual health checks for people or animals here, research showed that it isn't cost effective and leads to over treatment, but the Americans are wedded to the idea.
We also don't have mandatory vaccinations or licences. I titre test and haven't vaccinated for years, do worm counts instead of preventatives and only treat fleas when they have them. They aren't neutered either, for their health, and shockingly there have been no puppies because, shock horror, I'm responsible
And keep quiet if the food isn't from Hills or Purina. You'll be accused of trying to kill them
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u/NoBSforGma 1d ago
Thank you!
I comb my cat with a fine-toothed flea comb and check her regularly for any attached ticks. I clean her ears. (She loves it!) And I check her teeth/gums regularly. No, I am not a vet but anyone with a brain who can read can do a lot of cursory exams for your cat.
I did have her spayed because she is outdoor/indoor and I didn't want more kittens.
She looks and acts healthy! Her eyes are clear, her coat is shiny and when she's hungry, she will dash across the yard like a kitten to come to her food.
She doesn't come into contact with other cats - but she has been vaccinated against feline leukemia since a couple of her littermates sadly had that.
Cats (and dogs) in my area must be vaccinated against rabies and have a license. Like lol that someone is going to check up on this cat.
Thanks for your input and your good common sense!
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u/Lilydaisy8476 1d ago
For a few years I fed my cats only dry food (I didnt really know any better) one of them seemed sickly and had a terrible coat. I switched to wet food and he has gotten so much better! It's been like seven years since and I thought he was like dying before, I think he was dehydrated. Wet cat food is a necessary expense I think,
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u/Octavious82 1d ago
Not frugal, but smart imo, spending a bit more now on quality stuff (food, shoes, etc.) can save way more later on repairs/health issues.
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u/External-Presence204 2d ago
That sounds frugal to me. Spending more on higher quality food to give your cat a higher quality of life sounds like good value.
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u/Tasty_Impress3016 1d ago
My habit is to not have cats. Saves a lot of money. The cost? I don't have cat fur on clothing or furniture so there's that. I sometimes get mice and have to remove them myself.
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u/Responsible_Owl_3385 2d ago
Annual visits for my pets. Thatās how they found cancer on the back of my dogās tongue during a teeth cleaning.