How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Cat?
Pet ownership is rewarding but requires spending money on food, supplies, veterinary costs, and more. Once you've decided on owning a pet, the next step is to plan for its care. Many owners underestimate the long-term costs of owning a pet. There is a misconception that cats cost less money to take care of than dogs. In fact, owning a cat can cost just as much as a dog depending on the situation.
How much does it cost to own a cat?
There are a few cost categories to consider when looking to adopt a cat. Some occur only once, such as the adoption fee, while others are monthly or yearly.
Food | $130 - $600 annually
Food costs depend on your cat's health. Healthy, adult cats don't need the same type of food as an elderly diabetic cat. You can expect to pay at least $130-$600 annually for cat food and treats.
Veterinary Care | $250 - $1000 annually
Your cat should be seen by a vet for a checkup every year. During this exam, annual vaccinations will be given. They will be given a physical exam to identify any potential problems, diseases, or injuries. Most veterinarians also recommend flea and tick preventative, especially if your cat is allowed outside. Depending on your findings, your vet bills could be anywhere from $250 - $1000 annually.
Kittens require more visits to the vet to receive the recommended vaccines and treatments. Elderly cats are prone to health concerns and will need more intensive veterinary care. The costs will rise and fall accordingly through their lifecycle.
If your cat is not spayed or neutered, this will be a one-time additional cost as well.
Adoption Fee | $0 - $1,500
Many animal rescues and shelters have cats available for adoption at low or no cost. If you choose to adopt a cat from a breeder, the cost will be significantly higher. Breeders charge upwards of $1,500 or more for a highly sought-after breed.
Supplies | $145 - $600
If you’re a new cat owner, you’ll have to buy supplies for your feline friend. These include food and water bowls, litter boxes and litter, cat beds, pet carriers, and toys/scratching posts/etc. You can estimate to spend anywhere between $145 - $600 the first year. After that, many of these items won’t need to be purchased again until they are broken and need replacing.
Pet Deposits
Depending on where you live, you could be responsible for paying a pet deposit with your security deposit or rent. It’s important to check with your landlord to incorporate this cost into your budget.
Boarding | $15 - $30 per night
If you travel often and plan to board your cat, expect to pay between $15 - $30 per night at a boarding facility.
Pet Insurance $10 - $25 per month
Some owners choose to pay for pet insurance to help mitigate high and unexpected vet costs. Just like your own insurance, this is something you’ll pay once a month and normally costs between $10 - $25 a month for a cat.
You can save money on your cat’s veterinary bills by scheduling routine visits, even when your cat is healthy.
Budgeting for your cat
If you’re asking yourself, “How much does it cost to raise a cat," chances are you’re concerned about finances.
It may seem counterintuitive, but going to the vet regularly can save you money. By identifying potential health concerns in advance, you avoid the expense of more serious vet care. Keeping up with your annual vet visits can help prevent unexpected, and large, vet bills in the future.
If you’re on a budget but still want a feline companion, animal rescues and shelters are a great option. Many have low to no adoption fees~~,~~ and most veterinary care such as vaccinations, dewormer, and spaying/neutering has already been taken care of.
Ask your vet for recommendations on affordable food for your cat. Not buying treats is also a great way to save money and avoid overfeeding your cat and risking obesity.
Overall, the cost of raising a cat will vary depending on a multitude of factors. The best advice is to do your research and budget accordingly to give your furry feline the best life possible.