The Cost of Owning a Cat: A Complete Breakdown

Written by PetCalc Editors

Published 2024-12-06

Costs of Owning a Cat

Cats make wonderful, low-maintenance companions for many households, but like all pets, they come with their own set of expenses. Whether you're adopting a cat from a shelter or purchasing a pedigree breed, understanding the costs involved is key to ensuring you can provide the best care for your feline friend.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the typical costs of owning a cat, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and pet insurance. We'll also explain how the cost of owning a cat may vary depending on its breed.

Table of Contents

Initial Costs of Owning a Cat

When bringing a cat into your home, you'll need to account for initial costs. Whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder, here's what to expect:

1. Adoption/Purchase Fees

  • Adoption: Adopting a cat from a shelter usually costs between $50 and $150 , and typically includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping

  • Buying from a Breeder: Purebred cats can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the breed, pedigree, and location

2. Essential Supplies

  • Cat Bed: A comfortable cat bed generally costs around $20 to $60 (Example: Petco Cat Beds )

  • Litter Box: Standard litter boxes cost between $15 and $30 , but self-cleaning litter boxes for easy maintenance can range from $100 to $200 (Example: PetSmart Litter Boxes )

  • Toys and Accessories: You'll spend about $20 to $50 on toys, collars, and grooming supplies when you first bring your cat home

Recurring Costs: Annual Expenses

Once your cat is settled into your home, you'll need to budget for the ongoing costs of food, vet care, grooming, and insurance.

1. Food

On average, you can expect to spend between $200 and $500 per year on cat food. However, some breeds have specific dietary requirements that could raise or lower this cost:

  • Premium Foods: Higher-quality cat food or specialized diets may increase your costs. For example, Royal Canin and Hill's Science Diet both offer premium formulas for cats, especially those with health concerns, which can cost between $20 and $50 per bag

  • Standard Foods: You can find good quality cat food for around $10 to $30 per month (Example: Hill's Science Diet Adult Cat Food

2. Vet Care

Regular veterinary care is essential to your cat’s well-being. You should budget between $200 and $400 annually for:

  • Annual Wellness Exam: Usually costs between $50 and $150

  • Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations typically cost $50 to $150 each year

  • Flea/Tick and Worming Treatments: These preventative medications usually cost between $50 and $100 annually

3. Grooming

Cats are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but some breeds require more frequent attention:

  • Self-Grooming: For most short-haired cats, grooming is minimal, and you can expect to spend around $20 to $50 annually on grooming supplies like brushes

  • Professional Grooming: If you have a long-haired cat, like a Persian or Maine Coon , professional grooming could cost between $100 and $300 per year

Consider these at-home grooming tools for long-haired cats:

  • Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool: Around $40 to $60 (Available at Chewy )

4. Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can help cover unexpected medical expenses, which may be higher for certain breeds with genetic conditions. On average, expect to pay between $150 and $400 annually for pet insurance, depending on the breed and the level of coverage you choose:

  • Healthy Paws Pet Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses. (Visit Healthy Paws )

  • Trupanion: Offers high-quality coverage with fast reimbursement. (Visit Trupanion )

How Breed Affects the Cost of Owning a Cat

While all cats share similar basic needs, the breed of your cat can influence various expenses. Some breeds are more prone to certain health problems, which can lead to higher veterinary bills, and certain long-haired breeds may require more frequent grooming.

Food Costs

  • Large breeds like Maine Coons , may consume more food, raising annual food costs slightly.

  • Specialized diets may be required for cats with health issues or for breeds with dietary restrictions, such as the Sphynx (prone to skin problems) or Persians (prone to kidney issues).

Veterinary Care

  • Persian cats, due to their flat faces, may require additional vet visits for respiratory issues

  • Maine Coons are prone to genetic conditions like hip dysplasia or heart disease , which can lead to increased medical costs

  • Sphynx cats may have higher veterinary costs due to their predisposition for skin problems

Grooming

  • Long-haired breeds like Persians , Ragdolls , and Angoras require more frequent grooming and may have higher grooming costs than short-haired breeds like American Shorthair or Russian Blue

Pet Insurance

  • Breeds prone to genetic health problems , such as Siamese , Persians , and Maine Coons , tend to have higher insurance premiums

| Expense Category | Breeds with Higher Costs | Breeds with Lower Costs

|| ------------------- | -------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- || **Food** | Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair | Domestic Shorthair, Siamese ||

**Veterinary Care** | Persian, Siamese, Maine Coon | American Shorthair, Domestic Shorthair ||

**Grooming** | Persian, Ragdoll, Angora, Sphynx | Domestic Shorthair, Russian Blue ||

**Pet Insurance** | Persian, Maine Coon, Siamese | Domestic Shorthair, Bengal |

Hidden and Unexpected Costs

While most of your cat’s expenses will be predictable, there are some hidden costs to consider:

  • Emergency Vet Visits: Unexpected injuries or illnesses could lead to emergency medical expenses ranging from $200 to $2,000 or more

  • Boarding: If you travel, boarding your cat may cost between $15 and $40 per night

  • Training: While cats generally don’t need training like dogs, some may benefit from behavior classes or consultations, costing around $50 to $150 per session

How to Save on Cat Expenses

Here are a few tips to keep the costs of owning a cat manageable:

  • Adopt from a Shelter: Adoption fees are generally lower than buying from a breeder, and many shelters include initial vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping

  • Shop for Deals: Buy food, litter, and supplies in bulk or use auto-ship services to save on long-term costs. (Check out Chewy for discounts)

  • Preventative Care: Regular vet visits and flea treatments can help prevent costly health issues down the line.

Helpful Resources

Conclusion

Owning a cat can be a rewarding and relatively affordable experience. While the basic costs are similar across most breeds, certain breeds may require more expensive food, grooming, or medical care. By understanding these costs and planning ahead, you can ensure your cat lives a happy, healthy life without breaking the bank.