Last month Basil and I celebrated 3 years together and off we trotted to the annual vet check up! He meowed all the way there and I was accompanied by a silent moody cat all the way home. Don’t worry, he forgave me quickly and he’s back to his normal self now.
This week, Julie saw an article by Chris Bates via Linked In, in which he was reflecting on the true cost of pet ownership. It got us thinking.
When combining vets bills, food, insurance, pet sitter costs, toys and of course some bow ties, Basil will probably cost about £12,000 over next 10 years or so, unless his twitter feed becomes so popular we get a modelling contract or sponsorship!
It adds up – if I invested that monthly I could accumulate over £15,000 in 10 years (assuming a 5% pa return) or I could direct the money towards my mortgage, saving around £17,000 in mortgage interest and becoming debt-free over 4 years earlier!
To go one step further, if the same money was invested into my pension, the addition of tax relief would mean that I’m almost £20,000 better off after 10 years.
So, an extra £20,000 or a fluffy cat for 10 years, being a wonderful therapist and bringing much happiness to my home? I think I’ll stick with Basil – Happiness is priceless.
With thanks to Chris Bates for the idea (He also chose his cat, Smokey, over the money).