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Pet Fancy
The current economy means we’re all cutting back on spending—even with the holidays looming (bah humbug!). But one group that isn’t watching their pennies? Pet owners.
According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans will spend $43.4 billion this year on their pets—26% higher than what was spent in 2004.
And for our little furry friends, the news just keeps getting better: the group estimates that spending is on pace to grow more than 13% by 2013 (that's a LOT of tiaras and puppy sweaters). In fact, a poll earlier this year in ShopSmart says female shoppers are more likely to buy cheaper food and toiletries for themselves, but are refusing to switch to less-expensive pet food and personal care items.
We’ve often joked that if reincarnation does in fact exist, we want to come back as our pets.They spend most of the day napping and don’t have to worry about pesky things like the economy. When it comes to your pet, is money no object—or are you scaling back on spending in all areas?
Wow, what a good point--no, we haven't switched our cat's litter or food. However, we are putting off her 1-year vaccinations. We figure she got a bunch of shots as a kitten, so she should be fine until we have that extra hundred bucks or so.
P.S. Lizzie314, I agree with going too far -- no Juicy Couture here! Just special treats and good health.
Honestly, I am completely feeling the money crunch, but I would do anything for our babies. They are our first "kids," and my fiance and I would put our cats' health way at the top of the list. Call me crazy, but I adore them!
I don't go all out on toys and clothes, but I won't cut back on the food I give him, mostly because of the pet food scare last year. I'm also a little leary of the vets who want to do all sorts of tests that cost hundreds of dollars ... I generally go with the wait and see approach, because anything that's been wrong with him has usually corrected itself within a few days with rest and care.
I find it ridiculous that people would spend so much money on pets. A dog needs dog food and the occasional trip to the vet, not Juicy Couture shorts and crystal-studded collars. This fetishizing of dogs to substitute as children has got to stop. Maybe it will take a recession for that to happen.
I have a Boxer who has issues with allergies and a series of issues when he is not on the right diet. So, Tyson is probably the healthiest one in the family! I shop at Natural Pawz for him, and he eats basically organic. This is one expense that is not up for negotiation. I will find an area in my life to cut back before sacrificing his quality of life.