7 TIPS TO AVOID COSTLY VETERINARY BILLS FOR YOUR CAT

Veterinary care services are an essential part of keeping your kitty's health and wellness in check. However, with vet services becoming costly, taking your cat to the vet can sometimes present a dilemma. High-cost services can sometimes even be the difference between getting professional cat treatment or looking for other alternatives. Fortunately, there are certain ways to trim costs and still get your cat professional care despite the growing costs.

Here are seven tips to help you avoid expensive veterinary bills while providing excellent care for your feline.

1. Get Pet Insurance

Despite rising healthcare costs, APPA notes that less than 1% of owners have pet health insurance. Pet insurance is a proactive way to get ready for possible vet bills. It can help you pay for chronic illnesses and cover for preventative care and emergency treatments. As soon as you adopt a cat, sign them up for pet insurance to get the most out of it. Remember, if your feline gets ill or injured, the condition cannot be covered by an insurance plan.

2. Put Emphasis on Prevention

Being aware of hazards that might put your cat's health at risk and how to avoid them will help you significantly avoid costly veterinary bills. Here are some of our articles you get you started on prevention strategies:

• Substances That Can Poison Your
• Cat Care Mistakes
• Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Feral Cat
• Tips to Ensure Your Feral Cat Is Safe When Outdoors
• Vaccines Your Outdoor Cat Needs

3. Apply for Care Credit

Care Credit is a healthcare financing program that helps financing pet care and some human medical services. Care Credit comes with zero or meager interest charges and can be repeatedly used for your cat's procedures. Once you apply, your payments can be used for cat emergencies or any vet care services.

4. Open a Special Savings Account

A dedicated savings account will help you save towards veterinary bills without taking away from your other savings or money. Still, it would be best if you commit to putting money into the account regularly. Having the money set aside will help cushion you in case of emergencies or other situations that might arise.

5. Plan ahead for Routine Bills

Knowing what services your cat occasionally needs beforehand gives you a more relaxed feeling. It's also a great way to maintain a healthy budget. Routine care services such as vaccinations, tests, check-ups are things you should keep tabs on. Note down what cat-care services your veterinarian annually recommends, the accompanying costs, and then plan. Being financially and mentally prepared helps ease the stress of getting caught unaware by such vet bills.

6. Find a Veterinary Clinic That Offers Wellness Plans

A wellness plan is an annual or monthly subscription-based service that provides various pet care services for free or at a discounted offer by vets or pet stores. Ask your vet if they have any wellness plan programs and enroll. Wellness plans help you adopt a more proactive approach to your cat's health. How? Vets can spot illness signs or conditions before they develop and become potentially expensive.

7. Communicate with Your Vet

Don't shy away from honestly telling your vet about your ability to afford cat treatment. Who knows, they can get your cat treated within your budget or inform you of programs that might help your situation.

Veterinary bills are only getting costly, and at some point, your beloved kitty will vet services. Having funds set aside to cater for veterinary services can prevent you from being overwhelmed and stressed by the hiking bills. Give your kitty and yourself the gift of security and peace of mind by planning ahead.