<prompt> Human: I would get a dog, but dogs are higher maintenance and wouldnt want to leave them for 8 hours of the day at home all alone. Plus, cats are quieter in terms of noise volume. I have a gross income of 50K for reference and live alone in Canada. Assuming the cat lasts 20 years and say 1-2 surgeries on top of vaccinations, how much should I put aside? Im considering to get one from the local animal shelter, which I suspect is cheaper. Note that I know next to nothing about cats, so I cant speak for which breed I want. I do want a breed that is low maintenance and suitable for a first time owner. Thanks!  <response>: I would recommend 1. Getting a cat from a shelter. There are tons of cats that need homes in shelters and it will be significantly cheaper than getting a purebred. They also are usually neuteredvaccinated already. 2. Get an older cat - not a kitten. Kittens are a bit higher maintenance similar to a puppy, minus the walks. Try for one that is 1-2 years old, they are still very cute and playful! This also has the bonus that you can tell the cats personality by then, whereas all kittens kind of act the same. 3. Get a cat that fits with your personality! Do you want a talkative cat? A playful cat? A cuddly cat? Really give it some thought. Many shelters and Petsmart have the option to go in and play with the cats before actually taking the plunge to adopt one. The shelter workersvolunteers will also be able to suggest which cats will be right for you based on your wants and lifestyle.4. Consider getting 2 cats! Cats are social animals and will be much better behaved if they have a playmate for stimulation. Many shelters will only adopt out bonded pairs together. 5. Consider pet insurance. Its really only worth it if you get it while theyre young, before they have any health conditions, so decide up front if this is something you want. I think for healthy cats it is usually 10-30mo - well worth it if your cat ever needs surgery, though I personally dont have it. Overall, cats are not very expensive. Ive had my cat for just over a year, and got him when he was 6 weeks old. Initial costs: His first vet visits were about 400-500 in total as he was an orphan found outside so needed 2 rounds of de-worming, all vaccinations, and neuter and my vet is a little on the expensive end. If you get it directly from the shelter, this should all be taken care of for a 50-100 fee. Litter box, toys, scratching posts, food bowls. Less than 100 unless your cat is spoiled like mine. Regular costs: His most recent vet visit for annual exam and rabies shot was 120.For food: My cat used to only eat a certain kind that was about 12 for 8 servings, but recently has accepted eating a new kind that is 10 for 20 servings! So food costs can vary as cats are notoriously picky. He gets one packet of wet food per day and dry food ad lib. Dry food is about 20 for a bag that lasts a couple months. Treats, maybe 5-10month. So overall, about 30month. Litter - 20 for a box that lasts two months. I also use a Litter Genie, which is about 5 for a refill per month. Pet rent: In my area, it is generally 50 per month and an extra deposit of 150-300. My cats are secret : Miscellaneous costs:He contracted fleas and subsequently tapeworms from a family members dog : This ended up being pretty expensive, as I had to take him into the vet, get two doses of flea medication, tapeworm de-wormer, and get flea spray for our house. Overall, I think it was less than 300 for all of the above, but a pain to deal with. Keep your cat indoors and be very careful about interacting with outdoor animals! 