My cat is 14 and has early kidney disease, and the vet quoted $200 a month for prescription food and fluids. My neighbor switched her dog to a raw diet and claims it cleared up allergies, but I've seen studies suggesting homemade raw diets often miss essential nutrients. Pet insurance has been a lifesaver for my other cat's surgery, but I'm not sure it's worth it for routine care. I sometimes feel like we anthropomorphize pets too much – do they really need premium care, or are we just projecting our own anxieties? How do you decide where to draw the line between giving your pet a good life and overspending?