Cats are an incredibly popular choice for pets. Considering how cute and fluffy cats are, it’s no wonder people are taken by these animals and want to share their homes with them.
Even though cats are a top choice in pets, many people are unaware of the cost of getting and owning one. PetSmart is one of the more popular ways to buy a cat. The cost of adopting a cat through PetSmart is under $100. If you’ve got a soft spot for a feline but haven’t had a cat in a while or have never owned one, we’re here to help you learn how much cats cost at PetSmart and give you some buying tips to keep your furry friend happy.
About PetSmart
You may or may not know that PetSmart is a nationwide pet retailer with over 1,600 store locations across the United States. In addition to selling pet supplies, PetSmart also partners with thousands of local adoption groups to offer pets for adoption in its stores and at events. When you adopt a pet like a cat at PetSmart, it pays the partner group a small fee to help them save the lives of more pets.
If you happen to visit a PetSmart store and see cats lounging in a kitty condo right inside the store, these cats are not “for sale” by the store. Rather, the cats are there because PetSmart has teamed up with a local shelter or adoption group to provide a space inside the store for the cats.
This gives people who may be interested in adopting a cat a chance to see some of the animals up for adoption. It also helps socialize the cats by exposing them to many different people, many of which are already animal lovers.
The Case for Cat Adoption
Sadly, it’s common for people to allow their un-spayed or un-neutered cats to breed without planning for any resulting kittens. There are lots of cats living in shelters and foster homes across America that need new homes. Adoption is an excellent way to get a cat, and many of the cats at shelters and in foster homes are very nice animals that need a second chance.
If you’re thinking to yourself that you’d never be able to find a purebred cat at PetSmart, you’re wrong! Many of the cats in animal shelters are purebreds, and some rescue groups even specialize in particular breeds!
Even if your heart is set on getting a purebred cat, keep an open mind because there are so many wonderful mixed breed cats out there waiting for new loving homes.
How Much Cats Cost at PetSmart
The thing about PetSmart is that the cost of adopting a cat can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the age of the cat you want, its general health, and the breed. This means we cannot give you an exact amount but rather a ballpark figure.
On the PetSmart website, there is a Pet Adoption Tool that helps you find a cat to adopt from pet adoption groups near you. Once you enter your zip code, you’re given a database of shelters and rescue groups near you that have cats to adopt.
The cost of adopting a cat through PetSmart is under $100. Most often, kittens aged between 2 and 6 months cost around $90, and those over 7 months of age cost about $80. Adult cats tend to cost around $65. Again, these are rough estimates, and the fees may vary depending on the factors we mentioned above.
Since fees vary from one pet rescue/adoption group to another, the best way to find out the cost for a cat is to get in touch with your local PetSmart. Ask what pet rescue organization is at that store and then contact the rescue/group directly.
If you plan on getting a kitten, you should know that adoption fees for kittens at PetSmart include the spaying and neutering costs. That makes getting a kitten through PetSmart a real bargain, as spaying and neutering services at veterinary clinics are typically costly.
Things You’ll Need for Your New Cat
Before you bring a new cat into your life, you need to get some cat supplies. Of course, you’ll need to pick up some quality cat food and a couple of bowls for your cat’s food and water. If you’re getting a kitten, be sure to buy kitten food because young cats have different nutritional requirements than adults.
If your cat spends most of its time indoors, you should have a litter box available that’s filled with cat litter, so your pet does its business in the right place. If you don’t want litter spread all over, get a litter box with high sides to keep the area neat.
In addition to food and a litter box filled with litter, you should also pick up a few cat toys to keep your pet occupied. Most cats enjoy playing with toy mice, so pick up a few of those and maybe something like a feather toy you can use to play with your cat.
Conclusion
If you have your heart set on sharing your life with a cat, it is a great idea to get a cat through PetSmart. Adopting a cat is easy, and it’s generally much cheaper than buying a cat from a breeder.
Keep an open mind when looking at cats near you that need homes, and remember that every cat is special and unique. Regardless of what cat you choose, it will surely fill your home with love and bring you much joy!
Featured Image Credit: Susan Schmitz, Shutterstock
