5 savvy ways to be a more cost-effective pet owner
Around 9 in 10 adults in Great Britain have reported that their cost of living has increased, with 57% choosing to spend less on non-essentials and 35% cutting back on essentials as a result (Office for National Statistics).
One area where you may be feeling the pinch is pet care. In the third quarter of 2021, UK households spent a total of £3.35 billion on their pets (Statista), so it’s understandable that you'll want to cut back on some of these costs where you can.
The good news is that you can still give your pet the lavish lifestyle they're used to, for a lower cost. To help you save money, feline care experts Catit share their tips for being a more cost-effective pet owner.
Buy food in bulk
Food is no doubt one of your biggest expenses as a pet owner. In fact, 9% of Brits have admitted to spending more on pet food than they do on their own food, averaging at around £43 per month (Wren). However, you can slash the cost of your pet food bill by buying in bulk. While bigger packs cost a little more money upfront, they usually work out as significantly less per portion. Plus, the cost is spread out over a few weeks, so the savings are definitely worth it.
Invest in a food feeder
Another way you can cut down on your pet food bill is by buying a slow feeder. These bowls will dispense the right amount of food at specified mealtimes and can be completely controlled by an app. You can manage everything from the food portions to the frequency and time of your pet's meals, meaning you don't have to leave your pet with a full bowl of food to keep them going throughout the day. Instead, your pet will be given exactly the right amount they need, which will avoid overfeeding and help your pet food last longer. You won't need to keep going home throughout the day to organise your pet's feeding time either, which can save you time and petrol money.
The ability to feed your pet remotely via an app can also save you money on pet sitters, an expense which can set you back around £140 per year (Battersea). If you're out for the day or even the weekend, you can schedule your cat's mealtimes from wherever you are. Plus, if you invest in a pet camera, you can check on them too.
Switch to a new cat litter
Cat litter is a vital expense that can cost pet owners around £20–30 per month (Battersea). However, you can quickly cut the cost of your litter purchases by swapping to a high-quality clumping litter that doesn't need changing completely every time. This kind of litter clumps tightly using less litter than traditional mineral options, so you only need to scoop up what needs to be removed and top the rest up. As a result, you get much more use from a single bag. Again, cat litter can also be bought in bulk which can make it even more cost-effective.
Try out a cat water fountain
Having access to fresh clean water can keep your pet healthy and help prevent illnesses such as urinary tract diseases. So, you may find yourself refilling your cat's bowl quite often, which can add to your water bill. A more cost-effective option would be a drinking fountain. These have a water reservoir that can be filled up and a triple action filter which removes debris and odours to provide your cat with a constant supply of fresh, clean water 24/7.
What's more, these cost very little to run — around 1p per day to be exact. That's about the cost of one takeaway coffee (less than £5) per year. A fountain may seem expensive to start off with, but they are a great small investment to make sure your cat is not only happy but hydrated and healthy. Some high-tech drinking fountains can also be controlled via an app and set on a timer, so you don't need to have it running all the time. Your cat can drink from the reservoir at the front of the fountain, and you can save on your energy bills.
Shop high-quality toys
While not a regular outlay like food and grooming, pet toys can be a frequent expense — especially if your pet gets a bit too enthusiastic at playtime. Brits spend an average of £500 per year on luxury items and toys for their pets, according to research from MoneySuperMarket (Retail Times). That's around £41 per month! Luckily, you can cut down on this cost by being savvy with your purchases.
Buying high-quality toys that are made to last means you won't need to replace them as often as cheaper versions. So, while they may cost a little more initially, the spending could save you more money in the long run.
If you're looking to keep your cat or dog occupied, you could also consider making your own toys by recycling things you find around your house. This can be as simple or as complicated as you like — you know your pet (and your crafting skills) best. Some pets will be happy with a ball of tin foil, while others will prefer something soft and cuddly.
In fact, many cats are also happy with a good old cardboard box. So, when you order your toys online, why not keep the box for your cat to play in? Some pet companies even turn their delivery boxes into play boxes for your cats to enjoy!
Make do and mend
Wear and tear are an inevitable part of pet ownership, but instead of replacing any broken toys or equipment, consider repairing them. Soft toys and beds can be repaired with a little stitching or a spare bit of fabric, while most high-quality equipment can be mended with a replacement part. You can often buy spare parts for drinking fountains, slow feeders, litter boxes, carriers, and toys which cost a mere fraction of the original item. Even worn-out cat towers can be mended with a replacement scratching post or new cushion, so you don't have to buy a full new unit. If you invest in high-quality items, they should last much longer before needing any replacement parts too.
Start grooming at home
Grooming not only helps your beloved pet look fabulous, but it can also help keep them happy and healthy. Keeping their hair trimmed helps your furry friends stay clean and cool, so staying on top of their grooming routine is vital to avoid having to pay more vet bills down the line.
Paying for a professional grooming service can be costly and by learning how to groom your pet yourself, you could save up to £90 per session (Nimble Fins). While this is more of an expense for dog owners, cats can also benefit from a regular grooming session. Not only will it give them a helping hand with their grooming, but it's a great bonding experience for you both too.
Grooming your pet doesn’t have to be complicated and you can cover the basics yourself by giving them a little shampoo, trimming their nails, and neatening up their fur. All you'll need to pay for is the initial cost of the grooming tools. Then, you can pay for a full pamper session as little or as often as you like. If you're not sure how to groom your pet at home, be sure to ask your groomer for tips to keep on top of their care in between sessions.
Remember preventative treatments
In 2021, UK pet owners spent over £4 billion pounds on vet services (Statista). So, understandably, you'll want to keep your pet fit and healthy and minimise their vet visits. Preventative treatments such as vaccines and flea and tick treatments are vital for keeping your pet feeling their best and preventing any bigger costs further down the line.
Feeding your pet the right diet and keeping an eye on what they're eating is also incredibly important. An upset stomach is among one of the most common reasons why pets visit the vet, but most cases are usually mild (PDSA). Making sure they're eating the right food in the right quantities can help avoid any sickness. Slow feeders can help your pet digest their food properly, so they're less likely to get sick. You should also keep any toxic foods and plants away from your pets.
"While many of us are reluctant to cut back on pampering our pets, we can still give them the love and attention they deserve on a budget. They'll be none the wiser if you buy their usual food in bulk or fix their favourite toy and you can save yourself some pounds in the process.
"In most cases, spending more money initially can be a wise choice. While this might seem counterintuitive, buying higher quality usually means you're getting something longer lasting, which can save you more money in the long run. This is the case for most pet care products, from food bowls and drinking fountains to toys and beds.
"Your pet will no doubt love many of these cost-cutting steps too. Buying them a more luxurious toy or a high-tech water fountain can be great for their wellbeing, so consider giving them a go — your pet and your wallet will thank you!"
- Paul Trott from Catit
About the brand:
Catit's mission is to provide practical, easy to use, and convenient products that meet the needs of fussy felines. They have developed original, award-winning products that satisfy a feline's exacting standards, including drinking fountains, litter accessories, and their smart feeders that were recently featured on The Gadget Show. Catit also offers a selection of delicious and nutritious food products for your cat to enjoy, including the popular Creamy treat range.
For more information, please visit https://catit.co.uk/
Resources and further reading:
https://www.wrenkitchens.com/blog/revealed-how-much-do-brits-spends-on-pet-food
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/cost-owning-cat
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pdsa-pet-insurance/top-10-common-conditions
https://catit.co.uk/make-a-happy-fish-plushie/
https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/average-cost-dog-grooming-uk
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/toxic-food-dogs
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-care-advice/toxic-items-cats
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisonous-plants
