An elderly couple from Reading, Berkshire, has reported spending £25,000 on veterinary treatment for their cat, prompting renewed calls for regulation of pet care costs. Anthony Eslick, 81, and his wife Pauline, 63, sought extensive medical care for their seven-year-old black-and-white shorthair cat, Millie, who ultimately had to be euthanized after they exhausted their savings.

The couple acquired Millie as a six-week-old kitten, describing her early years as “happy and lively” before she began experiencing serious health problems affecting her eating and urinary functions. Over the course of Millie’s illness, the Eslicks incurred approximately £21,000 in fees at one veterinary clinic, which was later discounted to £17,200, primarily for a kidney bypass surgery and follow-up care. They also incurred an additional £4,300 in expenses at a second surgery.

Following Millie’s passing, the Eslicks spent their remaining £417 on her cremation and an urn to hold her remains. Anthony, a retired cider factory worker, expressed deep sadness over the loss and the financial toll, stating that Millie had been “a huge part of our family” but that they had “nothing left now.” Pauline added that they struggled to understand the high costs, describing the situation as “heartbreaking” and noting the cat’s importance to their family.

The couple’s experience has highlighted concerns about rising veterinary fees, often referred to as “petflation,” a term coined by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals charity to describe increases in pet care charges by as much as 60 percent over the past decade.

In response, officials are considering the introduction of an independent regulator to monitor and potentially cap veterinary charges. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds noted that proposed reforms aim to help pet owners avoid unforeseen expenses, improve price transparency, and enable access to more affordable care options.

The Eslicks’ case adds to a growing debate over the affordability and regulation of veterinary services amid rising costs, as more owners face difficult decisions regarding their pets’ health and associated expenses.