Being a pet owner means making completely rational financial decisions—until it comes to our furry friends. Suddenly, $40 for a bag of specialty dog treats seems reasonable, and a custom pet portrait? Absolutely necessary.
No matter the price tag, we can’t help but splurge on certain pet-related expenses. Here are 10 things that cost way more than they should—but pet owners keep buying anyway.
1. Fancy Cat Litter
Regular litter? No, no—our cats deserve the odor-absorbing, dust-free, premium-clumping, lavender-infused variety that costs as much as a small car payment.
The sad part? Our cats don’t care. They’ll still kick it all over the floor.
2. Custom Pet Portraits
Do we need a framed Renaissance-style painting of our dog dressed as a nobleman? Yes.
Pet portraits are pricey, but once we see an artist offering them, it suddenly feels like a must-have home décor item.
3. Overpriced Pet Beds They Don’t Even Use
We spent way too much on a memory-foam, orthopedic, ultra-plush pet bed, only for them to ignore it in favor of the box it came in or the cold, hard floor.
We keep buying new ones anyway, hoping one day they’ll appreciate luxury.
4. Designer Pet Clothing
A basic coat for winter? Fine. A $50 name-brand dog hoodie? Also fine. Even if our pets wear it for five minutes before trying to rip it off, it’s all worth it for the Instagram photo.
5. Gourmet or Boutique Pet Treats
We tell ourselves it’s “for a special occasion,” but somehow we’re always buying overpriced, bakery-style pet treats that look better than human desserts.
Will our dog inhale it in three seconds without even tasting it? Yes. But we buy them anyway.
6. Expensive Pet Carriers and Travel Accessories
Could we use a simple, affordable pet carrier? Yes. Do we instead buy a stylish, padded, airline-approved version with multiple compartments, cooling vents, and memory-foam lining? Also yes.
At least our pets can travel in first-class comfort—even if they’d rather not be in it at all.
7. High-Tech Pet Gadgets
Automatic treat dispensers, WiFi-enabled feeders, pet cameras with two-way audio—we convince ourselves we need them for our pet’s happiness and well-being.
Do we mostly just use them to check in and tell our dog they’re a good boy while we’re at work? Absolutely.
8. Themed Pet Costumes
We all say, “This year, I’m not buying another pet costume.” Then Halloween rolls around, and suddenly, our dog needs to be dressed as Baby Yoda.
At this point, we’re just funding the pet costume industry.
Read More: 10 Habits That Secretly Make Your Cat Despise You
9. Subscription Boxes for Pets
A new monthly box of treats, toys, and surprises? Yes, please! Even if we already have a mountain of half-chewed toys, we justify the cost because it’s “for their enrichment.”
It’s basically a subscription service for our guilt.
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10. Fancy Bowls and Feeding Stations
We could use a simple bowl, but somehow we end up with elevated, ergonomic, slow-feeder, ceramic, or personalized name-engraved bowls that cost more than our own dishware.
And yet, our pet still prefers drinking out of the toilet or a puddle outside.
Read More: 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds
