For the most part, I stick to my monthly budget. I even tweak it every few months to make sure I’m on track. Of course, emergencies pop up and that’s what emergency funds are for – to help pay for those unexpected expenses. But…some “emergencies” pop up either too frequently or cost much more than I budgeted for wiping out my ER fund and dipping into other areas.
Welcome to my furry budget buster: Sam.
I’ve had Sam since he was a 5-week old kitten. Small, gray and aloof for many years, he and his brother Fred needed little veterinary care for their first 10 years (you could say I’m making up for all those years I saved money!) Right around 9-years of age, Sam became super cuddly. This might have been due to another cat of ours dying or it could have been health-related, because about that same time, Sam had a serious issue that required a hefty vet bill. At the time I chalked it up to switching out his food too quickly, so it might have been my own doing.
Yet, since then, I’ve had to be diligent in what I feed old Sam. When I say diligent I mean purchasing some of the most expensive food and giving him medication to keep him “regular.” This past year in particular has been touch-and-go. Poor Sam is now pushing 16-years old and this year alone has had vet bills in excess of $2,800. Why don’t you just put him out of his misery? you might ask. Because according to the vet, his blood work is really good, “Like that of a 3-year-old cat,” they say. I just can’t justify putting him down…at least not yet.
Believe me, the thought has crossed my mind and my wallet would thank me for it. But for now, my furry budget buster is using up his 6th or 7th life while I work my fingers off trying to make extra income to pay for his daunting vet bills. Oh yes, and I looked into vet insurance. Apparently they won’t take clients over 14-years of age because of the types of health issues I’m now facing.
At least I have an idea of what to expect with our younger cat and time to save up money for future vet bills.
What’s your budget buster? Would you continue to pay for a quasi-ailing cat or pet?
3 Comments
$2800 is hefty, but then he is adorable! Pets are family, letting go is very, very difficult. I can certainly sympathize with your predicament, LH.
@Money Cone – It’s very hard, especially since this last vet bill had to do with another one of our cats biting him! But, he’s doing really well so far.