I've often wondered this myself as it is a struggle for me with just 3 cats. My cats get their yearly check ups and vaccinations but now that they are getting older (Callie is 6 and S/W are almost 8) it is getting to be more costly.

I have spent almost $3500/4000 this year alone due to Callie's surgery. That was back when she ingested her toy in late February. I have to take her to the vet school in September to have her heart checked out by a cardiologist and I'm afraid for how I am going to afford that.

Fortunately, I get really good quality food for a cheap price since I work at the vet school. We have budgeted the cat litter, food, etc. in our food budget but the vet bills are generally what kill us. I need to take them in to have their teeth cleaned but will probably wait until their next vet visit.

We do have a credit card set aside for extreme emergencies. I could never let something happen to them and not have a way to pay for it. It's just hard because you want to give them the best quality life you can but that can be extremely expensive. I love them, though, and would do anything in my power to make sure they are healthy and taken care of.