My worst fear was becoming "the crazy cat lady". It looks like, with the help of my Mom, I'm becoming just that. I've always had a soft spot for animals. The thought of any animal being homeless and hungry prompts me to take in every stray, every stray my Mom feeds, every animal that's dropped off on our dead end country road. At first I rationalized my decision. I kept thinking that I"ll provide a temporary home, and then look for a permanent home. That hasn't happened. As soon as the animal saunters into our yard, it's named and bonded with. My kids make it part of the family, so what kind of person would I be trying to kick out a member of the family.
Luckily I live where the winters are mellow and the animals can stay outside most of the time. My house is a muted chaos as it is, throw in the animal factor and it's find something secure to hold on to! Having these animals on a budget has lead me to be extremely creative when it comes to their care. I don't take in animals that I cannot provide for, so making sure everyone is fed and healthy is a priority.
I learned to supplement the cat food with acceptable additives. Cheap additives like rice and beans. The cats love it, I put them in the crockpot, when it's done I mix it with dry food. It stretches a bag of catfood more than you'd realize. I also give them left overs. If we have something that is cat friendly, such as chicken, boneless of course. I mix everything with the dry food. I also search the meat section at the grocery store for odd types of meat that I won't eat, but are very cheap. Like different parts of the cow, tripe and tongues and stuff. I stick it in the crock pot, chop it up, and add it to the dry food.
I also keep my eye out for my county's humane society events. The local humane society will often offer reduced price spay and neuter clinics. You simply have to call ahead and plan a little bit. The savings are worth the time. I got two cats spayed for half the cost of one at a normal vet clinic. The same goes for shots. Keep an eye out for the community postings section of your local paper, most will advertise there. Also check online auction sites for flea and tick treatments, if you use something recommended by the vet, you can usually find it online for a reduced price.
Even though having a large amount of animals can be financially challenging, it's rewarding. I know that my animals are loved and cared for. And if you set your mind to taking care of them, you'd be amazed with how resourceful you can be if you use your imagination. There's nothing like a lovey kitty in your lap when you're reading. Or the excitement of my Chihuahua when I come home, he's the only one in the house that's so excited to see me come home, he pees himself. How can you get love like that anywhere else? Animals are constant companions, they don't care what we look like, what we're wearing, or how much money we make. The only thing they judge us by is how we treat them. I think that's a very important quality. So if I'm destined to be the crazy cat lady then so be it.
Pet Rx
