What Having a Very Expensive Cat Has Taught Me

[Amelie Coel]

I’d always wanted a cat, but I didn’t want to contend with cat hair all over my clothing and furniture. When I finally moved into an apartment that allowed cats, I couldn’t wait to get a Sphynx. I found a breeder, I met my little girl, and I spent a ton of money on her. To me, it was well worth it to bring my Chloé home. I did a lot of research before I got her, but there are still some things I wish I would have considered ahead of time. So I am sharing my ideas here – hopefully someone will find them useful (or at least interesting :) )

Dietary Requirements Are Different

The big bags of cat food you see at the store are designed to meet the dietary requirements of the average domestic cat. Expensive breeds are imported, and their diets are much different. Every breed of cat requires different amounts of nutrients, and diets often have to be supplemented with fresh ingredients. You’ll have to go to a specialty pet shop to find the right kind of dry food, and research what raw foods you might want to throw into the mix.

They Often Need Special Grooming

Long haired cats need to be brushed often to remove shed hairs that are trapped between the layers of fur. Sometimes, the fur obstructs their eyes, and you’ll need to remove any build up around the eye area. Hairless cats need baths often, because they secrete oils that accumulate on their skin and they don’t have any fur to absorb them. This absence of fur also means that ear wax accumulates quickly, and you’ll have to swab out your cat’s ears.

It’s a lot more complicated than your typical cat maintenance. It helps to find grooming guides specific to the breed you’ve selected.

Health Concerns are More Complex

Expensive cats are purebred, and this actually leads to health complications. Mixing breeds actually leads to healthier kittens by allowing genetic diversity. Purebred cats are stuck with health complications that are specific to their breed, and this means they’ll need a lot more checkups. Before you purchase an expensive cat, research which health issues they’re most susceptible to.

I found out the hard way that Sphynx cats are at high risk for respiratory infections, because they lack fur to trap bacteria and allergens. I wound up purchasing pet insurance, and I’m glad I did. If you’re going to rack up a lot of vet bills, it’s ultimately less expensive to get pet insurance.

You Need to Prepare Your Home Correctly

You don’t want to let your expensive cat outside for fear that they’ll be harmed, stolen, or exposed to diseases. Being unable to roam free and hunt limits the amount of exercise your cat will get, so you need to make it easy for your cat to be active around your home. Get climbing posts and interactive toys. I got Chloé a toy that randomly projects a laser around the room. She’d chase that dot for hours if I’d let her.

You Might Want Two Cats

Some breeds are very social, and want constant interaction. If you work or go to school and no one is home to socialize with your cat during the day, you may want to get your cat a companion. About three months after I brought Chloé home, I realized she needed a friend. That’s when I adopted Bella, and they soon became inseparable friends. If I’m going to be working late, I know that Chloé won’t feel isolated or stressed out. She loves having Bella around, and so do I.

Expensive cats only become more expensive with time. I’ve spent more than I care to admit keeping my pets happy, but it’s worth every penny. Before you purchase an expensive cat, make sure you’re prepared to keep up with their costly needs. Every cat deserves a forever home.