Hi r/personalfinance! I volunteer regularly at an animal shelter where I help socialize cats to prepare them for adoption. There is one that has kind of grabbed my heart and I am at least partially serious about adopting her. What is holding me back is the financial side of pet ownership. Currently my only pets are some succulents /s
Here is some of my basic info:
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22F
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Current full time college student, graduating in December with a BSN in nursing
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Current savings are a little over $1500
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Currently working a part time job as a home health caregiver, earning about $200-400 a month, but I could increase that potentially to $400-500 if I picked up more hours and watched less Netflix.
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Current monthly spending is usually $50-100 in miscellaneous things such as toiletries and meals with friends. I am relatively frugal!
Initial fees for the cat would be a $40 adoption and a $400 deposit at my current apartment ($200 refundable on move out) plus food and litter supplies (estimating ? $120 right out, monthly will be less). I might be able to get the pet deposit waived by my MHNP that I see for anxiety and get the cat classified as an emotional support animal. The cat would already be spayed, with shots, and microchipped. My parents will be paying my rent and providing my food money until December, where I will move in with them while I study for my boards. When work starts (timeline estimates mid february) I will move in cities to live with my long term significant other.
I'm a full time student, but I could definitely pick up more hours. I really haven't been saving for anything in particular other than my first month of rent/food for when I move to my new city (rent/bills will be ~$750). Eventually I will need to get a new car, but that can definitely wait until my big girl money comes in.
My question is: do you think I can afford to adopt a cat? How much do you spend a month on your cat? Is there a certain amount I should save first?
I appreciate all advice! I also posted this on r/cats
Edited to correct some numbers
Edit 2: y'all are so supportive! You have definitely given me a lot to think about. I live out of state from this particular shelter, but I am going back this week to visit my parents during my short summer break. If she is there, I will see if I can adopt her! Also thank you for the gold! That's a first!
Edit 3: to those of you offering donations, I so appreciate it!! I had no idea reddit was this kind.
Submitted August 05, 2018 at 06:51PM by CystaCysta https://ift.tt/2vDNUCt
