“The last cat I had I spent close to $8,000 over two years...when you’re in the moment, you can’t really say no (to the cost).”

— Sydney Silverstein, graduate student, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.

“That’s hard to say because I think it really depends on how much money you’re making at the time...but probably not more than $1,000.”

— Rebecca Crosthwait, graduate student, Brush, Colo.

“I wouldn’t spend too much, maybe my kid’s college trust fund.”

— Hugh Naughton, professional singer and barista, Lawrence

“Whatever it took.”

— Brenda Scaman, landscape designer, Lawrence