The Badge Archive

Domestic Indoor Cat, such as an American Shorthair or Domestic Longhair:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Domestic indoor cats typically cost $500–$1,500 per year, including food, vet care, litter, and supplies.
   • Adoption fees range from $50–$200, while buying from a breeder can cost $500+.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Indoor cats don’t need a large home but benefit from safe spaces to climb, hide, and explore.
   • They enjoy window perches, scratching posts, and interactive play areas.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • An indoor cat eats around ½ to 1 cup of dry food per day, depending on age and activity level.
   • Wet food can be given in moderation alongside a balanced diet.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Domestic indoor cats vary in personality—some love cuddles, while others prefer independent play.
   • They need daily interaction, enrichment, and playtime to stay happy and healthy.

Domestic Outdoor Cat, such as a tabby or mixed-breed cat that spends time outside:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Outdoor cats typically cost $600–$2,000 per year, including food, vet care, flea prevention, and supplies.
   • They may need extra medical care due to injuries, parasites, or exposure to outdoor risks.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Outdoor cats roam freely and may cover large areas, but they still need a safe home base for shelter and food.
   • Some owners build catios (enclosed outdoor spaces) to keep them safe while allowing outdoor time.
   • Outdoor cats require extra care to stay safe, including regular vet visits, parasite prevention, and shelter.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • Outdoor cats eat ½ to 1½ cups of dry food per day, depending on activity level and size.
   • They may hunt small animals, but still need regular meals to stay healthy.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Some outdoor cats are independent and prefer minimal handling, while others enjoy affection and playtime.
   • They may be less social than indoor cats but still bond with their caregivers.

Purebred Cats, which often have unique care needs based on their breed:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Purebred cats typically cost $1,000–$3,000 per year, depending on food, vet care, grooming, and supplies.
   • Adoption fees range from $100–$600, while buying from a breeder can cost $1,500+, with some rare breeds costing even more.
   • Purebred cats often have specific health concerns, grooming needs, and behavioral traits, so researching individual breeds is important before adopting one.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Most purebred cats can live comfortably indoors but may need extra space for climbing, scratching, and playing.
   • Some breeds, like Bengals, are highly active and benefit from larger play areas or outdoor enclosures.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • Food needs vary by breed, but most purebred cats eat ½ to 1½ cups of dry food per day, depending on size and activity level.
   • Some breeds, like the Sphynx, require higher-calorie diets to maintain body temperature, while others, like Persians, may need special diets for dental health.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Purebred cats have distinct personalities—some, like Ragdolls, love cuddling, while others, like Abyssinians, prefer active play.
   • Many purebred cats form strong bonds with their owners and require daily interaction and enrichment.

Large or Exotic Cat Breeds, such as Maine Coons, Bengals, or Savannah Cats:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Large or exotic cats typically cost $1,500–$3,500 per year, including food, vet care, grooming, and supplies.
   • Adoption fees range from $100–$600, while buying from a breeder can cost $2,000+, depending on rarity.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Large breeds need more room to move and climb, benefiting from tall cat trees, shelves, and open spaces.
   • Exotic breeds, like Bengals or Savannahs, may require secure outdoor enclosures or extra play areas.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • Large cats eat 1 to 3 cups of dry food per day, depending on breed and activity level.
   • Some exotic breeds may need high-protein diets similar to wild cats.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Large breeds, like Maine Coons and Ragdolls, are affectionate and social, often enjoying cuddles.
   • Exotic breeds, like Bengals or Savannahs, are high-energy and playful, preferring interactive games and climbing.
   • Large and exotic cats require extra care, space, and enrichment to stay happy and healthy.

aSmall dog, such as a Chihuahua or a Miniature Poodle:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Small dogs typically cost $500–$2,000 per year, depending on vet care, food, grooming, and supplies.
   • Adoption fees range from $50–$500, while buying from a breeder can cost $1,000+.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Small dogs can live comfortably in apartments or houses with indoor space and access to outdoor walks.
   • They don’t need large yards but enjoy having room to move and play inside.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • A small dog eats around ½ to 1½ cups of dry food per day, depending on breed and activity level.
   • Wet food or treats should be given in moderation alongside a balanced diet.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Small dogs often love attention and companionship and may prefer staying close to their owner.
   • Some breeds are lap dogs and enjoy cuddling, while others have playful, independent personalities.

Medium-sized dog, such as a Border Collie or a Labrador Retriever mix:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Medium-sized dogs typically cost $700–$2,500 per year, depending on vet care, food, grooming, and supplies.
   • Adoption fees range from $50–$500, while buying from a breeder can cost $1,000+.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Medium-sized dogs need a home with enough indoor space to move around comfortably.
   • They benefit from a yard or regular outdoor walks to stay active and healthy.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • A medium-sized dog eats around 2 to 3 cups of dry food per day, depending on breed and activity level.
   • Wet food or treats should be given in moderation alongside a balanced diet.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Medium-sized dogs often love companionship and playtime.
   • Some breeds are highly energetic and need daily exercise and mental stimulation, while others are more relaxed and enjoy cuddling.

Large dog, such as a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Large dogs typically cost $1,000–$3,000 per year, depending on vet care, food, grooming, and supplies.
   • Adoption fees range from $50–$500, while buying from a breeder can cost $1,500+.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Large dogs need a home with enough indoor space to move comfortably.
   • They benefit from a yard or regular outdoor exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • A large dog eats around 3 to 5 cups of dry food per day, depending on breed and activity level.
   • They may require special diets to support joint health and prevent obesity.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Large dogs often love companionship and structured playtime.
   • Some breeds are highly energetic and need daily exercise and mental stimulation, while others are more relaxed and enjoy cuddling.

Giant dog breeds, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, or Mastiffs, here’s what their care typically looks like:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Giant dogs can cost $1,500–$4,000 per year, including food, vet care, grooming, and supplies.
   • Adoption fees range from $100–$600, while buying from a breeder can cost $2,000+.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Giant dogs need a large home with plenty of space to move comfortably.
   • They benefit from a yard or regular outdoor exercise, but they don’t always require excessive running.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • A giant dog eats around 4 to 8 cups of dry food per day, depending on breed and activity level.
   • They may require special diets to support joint health and prevent obesity.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Giant dogs are often gentle and affectionate, despite their size.
   • Some breeds are highly social and need daily interaction, while others are more independent.

Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) – Typically kept alone in small tanks with specific care requirements.

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Betta fish typically cost $100–$300 per year, including food, water treatments, and tank maintenance.
   • A proper setup (tank, filter, heater, decorations) can cost $50–$150 initially.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Betta fish need at least a 5-gallon tank to stay healthy.
   • Smaller tanks require more frequent cleaning and can stress the fish.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • Bettas eat small portions of pellets or flakes once or twice a day.
   • They also enjoy live or frozen treats like brine shrimp or bloodworms occasionally.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Betta fish recognize their owners and may swim toward them.
   • They prefer watching and interacting rather than being handled, as touching can harm their delicate fins.

Small Tank Fish (1-10 gallons), such as guppies, tetras, or bettas:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Small tank fish typically cost $100–$500 per year, including food, water treatments, and tank maintenance.
   • A proper setup (tank, filter, heater, decorations) can cost $50–$200 initially.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Small fish need at least a 5-10 gallon tank, depending on the species.
   • Some fish, like guppies and tetras, do best in groups of 3-6, requiring more space.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • Small fish eat tiny portions of flakes or pellets once or twice a day.
   • Some species enjoy live or frozen treats like brine shrimp or bloodworms occasionally.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Small fish recognize movement and their owners but prefer watching and interacting rather than being handled.
   • They enjoy a well-decorated tank with hiding spots and enrichment.

Large Tank Fish (20-100 gallons), such as goldfish, cichlids, or angelfish:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Large tank fish typically cost $500–$2,000 per year, including food, water treatments, filtration, and tank maintenance.
   • A proper setup (tank, filter, heater, decorations) can cost $200–$1,000 initially, depending on size and equipment quality.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Large fish need at least a 20-gallon tank, with some species requiring 75+ gallons for proper swimming space.
   • Tanks should have strong filtration and plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • Large fish eat pellets, flakes, or live food once or twice a day, depending on species.
   • Some species, like cichlids, need high-protein diets, while others, like goldfish, require vegetable-based food.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Large fish recognize their owners and may swim toward them during feeding time.
   • They prefer watching and interacting rather than being handled, as touching can damage their scales or slime coat.

Saltwater Fish (Standard 30+ gallon tanks), such as clownfish, tangs, or gobies:

1. How much does it cost to care for this pet?
   • Saltwater fish typically cost $1,000–$3,000 per year, including food, water treatments, filtration, and tank maintenance.
   • A proper setup (tank, salt mix, live rock, filtration system) can cost $500–$2,000 initially, depending on size and equipment quality.
2. How much space does this pet need?
   • Saltwater fish need at least a 30-gallon tank, with some species requiring 75+ gallons for proper swimming space.
   • Tanks should have strong filtration, live rock, and stable water conditions to support marine life.
3. How much food does this pet need?
   • Saltwater fish eat marine flakes, pellets, or frozen food once or twice a day, depending on species.
   • Some species require special diets, such as herbivorous tangs needing algae-based food.
4. What kind of human contact does this pet like?
   • Saltwater fish recognize movement and their owners but prefer watching and interacting rather than being handled.
   • They thrive in a well-maintained tank with stable water conditions and enrichment.