How much it costs to have a cat in Portugal

Are you considering getting a cat or you’re moving to Portugal with your furry one? Owning a pet, especially a cat, comes with its fair share of expenses, from adoption fees to regular care and grooming costs. In this blog article, I'll take you through the financial aspects of owning two cats in Portugal. From initial adoption fees to monthly expenses, let's explore the total cost of having feline friends in your life.

Meet the boys

First, let me introduce my furry stars. Mishka, a 6-year-old mix breed, accompanied us from Canada to Portugal. The adoption cost for Mishka was around $50, making him a true bargain. Then, we have Gizmo, a 1-year-old pedigreed Devon Rex, whom we adopted in Portugal for 800€. The price included all vaccinations, neutering, and paperwork. With the introductions out of the way, let's dive into the expenses!

EU Passports

To ensure seamless and worry-free travel with the cats, we obtained EU passports for them. These passports, which come at a reasonable cost ranging from 30 to 40€, were effortlessly issued on the very same day. Being a responsible pet owner, I always make sure our cats are up-to-date with their vaccinations. So, when it was time to get the passports, I took Mishka to our trusted veterinarian. Gizmo already had a passport. The process was as easy as pie. The vet went through his health records, made sure everything was in order, and gave him the necessary vaccines. It was one less thing to worry about during our travels. Having those EU passports for our furry buddies gives us such peace of mind. So, whenever we need to travel, we know they're all set and ready to go.

Insurance

While Mishka is covered by insurance at an annual cost of 90€, Gizmo is not insured. The decision was made due to the realization that basic expenses, such as vaccinations and consultations, are not typically covered by insurance. We might get Gizmo insurance sometime later.

Vet Bills

Thankfully, our cats don't require frequent visits to the vet. However, it's essential to be prepared for medical expenses. Here are some prices that we paid last year:

Consultation: 70€

Hospitalization: 20€ / day

Blood Test: 4€-6.5€

As for the vaccines, the prices range from 12€ to 35€, depending on the type.

DNA test

When Mishka was adopted, I got MANY questions about his breed. To satisfy our curiosity, we ordered a DNA test from Basepaws, a feline version of 23andMe. The test, which cost $85 CAD, provided a comprehensive report on Mishka's heritage.

However, the current price for the kit has increased to $159.00.

Groomer

It's generally not recommended to shave a cat, but in Mishka's case, our vet actually suggested it. He sheds a lot, and with all that grooming he does himself, his long hairs tend to get inside him. It can be quite concerning as they can wrap around his organs, and that's not good at all. We wouldn't want him to get sick or uncomfortable. Each visit costs us 25€, but it's totally worth it. We usually take him there every 3 to 4 months, keeping his fur in check and preventing any issues. Considering the benefits for Mishka's health and comfort, I'd say it's a small price to pay. Plus, he looks so handsome and adorable after his spa day!

Food

Feeding our two feline friends, Mishka and Gizmo, is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. We've come to realize that providing them with a well-balanced diet requires careful planning and consideration. When it comes to mealtime, we want to ensure they get the best nutrition possible, while also being mindful of our budget.

As many cat owners know, some cats have a preference for wet food, while others lean towards dry kibble. Mishka and Gizmo are no exception! To keep them content and satisfied, we offer a combination of both wet and dry food in their diet. The cost of wet food per pack stands at 1.25€, which might not seem like much at first glance. However, with two hungry kitties, their daily intake adds up. Mishka and Gizmo each consume two packs of wet food every day, resulting in a total of four packs. Over the course of a month, the expense for wet food amounts to around 150€. For their dry food, we've chosen Royal Canin, a brand known for its high-quality and nutritionally balanced options. The 2kg bag of Royal Canin dry food costs 26.99€, and to our pleasant surprise, it lasts for about two months! Given that Mishka and Gizmo share the bag, their monthly intake averages out to 13.5€. We're delighted with this cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise on their dietary needs.

Litter

Choosing the right litter box for our furry friends was an important decision. After careful consideration, we settled on a high-quality litter box that met both our requirements and the cats' preferences. The initial cost for the litter box was 18.5€, which we believe was a worthy investment for the long-term comfort of Mishka and Gizmo. Another litterbox was sent to Mishka by his grandma!

To maintain cleanliness and minimize odour, we've opted for a combination of crystals and clumping litter. Crystals have proven to be highly effective in absorbing moisture and neutralizing unpleasant smells. A monthly supply of crystals costs us approximately 8€, which we find to be reasonable for the benefits it brings to our home and our cats' well-being. Additionally, we also use clumping litter, which forms tight clumps when wet, making it easy to clean the litter box daily. This not only reduces the amount of litter we use but also ensures that the litter box remains fresh and inviting for Mishka and Gizmo. The monthly cost for clumping litter comes to 11.9€, which we gladly invest in keeping our furry friends happy and comfortable.

One-Time Purchases

The Xiaomi Water Fountain: As responsible pet owners, we understand the importance of keeping our cats hydrated. To encourage them to drink more water, we decided to get them a Xiaomi water fountain designed specifically for pets. The running water in the fountain naturally attracts their attention, making them more likely to drink from it regularly. The 80€ we spent on this water fountain was a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing that our feline friends are staying adequately hydrated.

Dry Food Bowls: Our furry friends deserve to dine in style! We opted for a set of stylish and functional bowls that not only add a touch of elegance to their dining area but also are easy to clean and maintain. The cost of these bowls came to 34€, and seeing them enjoy their meals from these bowls brings us great joy.

The Cat Tree: Creating an enriching environment for our cats is a top priority. So, when we came across a discounted cat tree, we knew we had to take advantage of the opportunity. Originally priced at 300€, we were thrilled to grab it for only 100€! The cat tree is more than just a place for play and exercise; it also offers cozy spots for lounging and observing their kingdom from above. This addition has become their favourite hangout, and we can see how much joy and comfort it brings them.

Total Cost

Adding up all monthly expenses and one-time purchases, the total monthly cost of owning two cats in Portugal comes to 199€, with a one-time expense of approximately 240.5€.

Owning a cat is a joyous experience that brings immeasurable love and companionship. However, it's essential to be aware of the financial responsibilities that come with being a pet owner. By understanding the various expenses involved, you can make informed decisions about welcoming a furry friend into your home. Remember, the love and happiness your cats bring into your life make every penny spent well worth it.