The economics of pet ownership

My mom forwarded me a fun blog post recently where the writer muses over a $300 bill for getting his cat's teeth cleaned. You can read it here: http://www.uexpress.com/village-idiot/2017/9/8/the-cat-effect.

A few responses.

First, the economics teacher in me says that this is a great example of the paradox of value. The paradox of value holds forth that necessities tend to have a low market value and luxuries tend to have a high market value. That's why pencils are dirt cheap and pink Cadillacs are expensive. One can contrast the cost of getting our cat's teeth cleaned (at least $300 the last time it was properly done) with getting my own teeth cleaned (less than $200 for a check-up and cleaning).

Sam petting Ernie. It's a little silly how silly the two of them get together. 

Second, the silly home economist would offer a cheaper solution to this man's conundrum. Simply do what we did. Take cat to veterinarian for check up. Get told to schedule a follow-up appointment to get teeth cleaned (because they're in bad shape). Procrastinate in setting up said appointment. Take cat to vet. Vet technician discovers that during the interlude, eight of the teeth simply decayed away. Only two remained, one of which was pulled. That was less expensive.

Third, the dad in me must reflect on the meaning of this cat in our lives. We joke about his demise a lot in our household. He's at least 17 years old. Deaf. Probably blind. Losing weight rapidly. Showing less interest in eating. Having difficulty moving. He doesn't have much time ahead of him. And this house will be cast in terrible sadness the day he dies. For 15 years he's brought a great deal of warmth to my wife and I. Amusement, too (who can't find humor in a cross-eyed Siamese mix). And for my son's lifetime that he can remember, the cat has brought tremendous affection. The cat, Ernie, does like my daughter, by the way, though his affection is largely unrequited. The cat has taught my son the rewards of kindness and gentleness. I've often said to him that God gave us pets so that we can practice the acts of love and care, and they also teach us about joy and loss.

Sam with Odin, an member of our pet extended family. I love seeing how Sam can bond with other animals. 

Ernie has been with us for far longer than I expected, and our time with him hasn't been what I expected either. I've longed for a dog for quite some time, but Ernie is a one-pet-in-the-household sort of pet. He hated our apartment, only beginning to warm up to us when we moved to Lansdale. He hid from us for the first eight weeks of his time with us. He didn't let me pet him for the first six months we owned him. In fact, I didn't get to do so until a Monday Night Football Game in 2002 when I stayed up to watch the Eagles beat the Forty-Niners (I think). At one time I speculated he was mute. But with us, at least, he is the most affectionate creature I've ever known. And that's a gift for which I'm thankful.