Owning an animal is a serious responsibility - including providing healthcare for them. In 2005, consumers, veterinarians and farmers spent about $5 billion on animal medications alone, said Ron Phillips, vice president for legislative and public affairs for the Animal Health Institute.

That number has steadily increased, but the biggest change, Phillips said, concerns who’s spending the most money. About 10 years ago, 60 percent of the medication money was spent on livestock and 40 percent on pets or companion animals. Now, it’s 60 percent for pets and 40 percent for livestock.

In general cat’s medical care over their lifetimes is less than the medical costs for dogs. According to Pawprints and Purrs website located at Sniksnak, an animal adoption agency based in Keithville, La., the annual costs of pet ownership is approximately:

Cat - $640
Small dog - $780
Medium dog - $1,115
Large dog - $1,500

What are the most common medical treatments required for cats? By far, the most common cat treatment is for fleas. This is followed by tapeworms and other intestinal parasites like rounds worms, coccidian, and hookworms. After worms, cats are most frequently treated for ear mites and urinary problems.

Animal Health Institute

Sniksnak

Posted by Barbara.