If you're thinking about bringing home a new feline friend, it's important to know the cost of owning a cat so you can budget and be prepared. Getting a pet is a huge responsibility – mentally, physically, and financially – so it's a good idea to have a clear understanding of what you're getting into.
While there are obvious things you'll need to stock up on (like food, treats, and the best cat toys), there are also some ongoing (and unexpected!) costs you might not have considered before.
With the help of expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, we've outlined everything you'll need to budget for – including upfront, ongoing, and surprise payments to be aware of.
Why is it important to know the cost of owning a cat?
Before you decide to bring home a new cat, it's important to work out a budget and determine whether you can afford all the costs involved.
Dr MacMillan says: "Unprepared owners can soon find themselves unable to afford things like routine parasite treatment or emergency vet visits. This could have some serious welfare implications for your cat. Over the years, I have seen unwanted pregnancies, household flea infestations, and untreated ailments all occur because of this.
"Sadly, some people run out of funds altogether and end up in a position where they are forced to rehome their pet. By being sensible and taking a realistic look at your finances before leaping into cat ownership, you could save yourself a lot of heartache and stress in the long run."
What is the lifetime cost of a cat?
It's impossible to give an exact lifetime cost of owning a cat, as this all depends on the breed you choose, how long they live, and the lifestyle they lead. If your pet runs into health issues during their life, things like vet bills and premium food costs can quickly add up.
After the initial expenses (outlined below), you can expect to spend anywhere between $33 and $290 per month on your cat – but it all depends on how much you're willing to spend. Keep in mind that this doesn't include unexpected costs, such as vet emergencies or pet sitters.
Initial costs of getting a cat
Unless you're looking for a specific pedigree breed, buying a cat doesn't have to be expensive – some rescue centers don't charge anything at all, while others just ask for a small adoption fee.
However, there are lots of things you'll need to buy in preparation for your cat coming home – and that's where things can get pricey.
You'll need a sturdy carrier for vet visits, a comfortable bed for them to sleep in, of of the best scratching posts to keep their claws in good condition, as well as bowls, collars, and toys. And that's all before you've had them microchipped and neutered or spayed!
Item | Budget | Average | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Cat | $0–$50 | $200 | $500-$1,500 |
$13 | $20 | $500 | |
$2 | $6 | $100 | |
$9 | $20 | $500 | |
$20 | $50 | $500 | |
Food bowls or automatic feeders | $2 | $7 | $120 |
Water bowls or fountains | $2 | $7 | $150 |
$10 | $20 | $40 | |
$10 | $50 | $100 | |
Microchipping | $50 | $70 | $70 |
Neutering or spaying | $10–$100 | $100–$300 | $500 |
Vaccinations | $150–$300 | $150–$300 | $150–$300 |
$10 | $30 | $300+ | |
Total | $288–$578 | $730–$1,080 | $3,050–$4,680 |
Ongoing costs of having a cat
Once you've tackled those initial payments, you'll be spending monthly on things like insurance, food, and routine treatments. Cats live for around 13–20 years, so it's important to ensure you can afford those regular costs for many years to come.
Product | Budget | Average | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
$10–$20 | $25–$35 | $40–$70+ | |
Routine healthcare (fleas, worming, vaccination etc.) | $10–$15 | $20–$30 | $35–$50+ |
$10–$20 | $25–$50 | $60–$100+ | |
$3–$8 | $8–$15 | $15–$30+ | |
Toy replacements | $0-$3 | $3–$10 | $20–$40+ |
$8 | $15 | $30 | |
Total | $41–$74/month | $96–$140/month | $200–$320/month |
Dr MacMillan says: "As well as initial costs, it is essential that you factor in the ongoing costs of owning a cat. These include routine veterinary care, such as annual booster vaccinations, anti-parasite treatment, and other check-ups.
"Many vets run pet health care plans that help owners to budget for this, as well as helping them to make some savings. Pet insurance is recommended to help cover your unexpected vet bills, but this will be another regular ongoing cost that needs to be accounted for.
"Food and kitty litter will also add up over the years, so they need to be factored in. Most owners find that toys and equipment often need replacing over time as they become worn or broken. If you like to travel or work away from home a lot then you will need to account for cattery or pet sitter fees for your cat."
Unexpected extra costs of cat ownership
Here are some unexpected costs you might not have considered:
1. Vet bills
Vet visits are inevitable for your cat, and if you want to avoid hefty bills, it's worth investing in pet insurance to help significantly reduce the cost.
Dr MacMillan says: "Insurance also allows cats to receive a higher level of care than most pet owners could otherwise afford, opening up the door to things like specialist referral treatment."
2. Behaviorist
If you struggle with cat behavioral issues, like aggression, anxiety, or litter box problems, you might have to fork out for a specialist to help.
3. Cattery or cat sitter
While cats are independent creatures and can be left longer than dogs, they still require daily care and attention, which is something to bear in mind if you like to go on vacation. You might have to pay for their stay in a cattery or a cat sitter.
4. Pet camera
If you worry about leaving your cats alone, you might want to buy one of the best pet cameras for peace of mind. This can also be helpful for checking if your cat sitter is actually coming to look after them – with their permission to film, of course.
Read next: How to be a good cat owner and things to do when preparing for a new kitten
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
This page was last updated in August 2025 by Megan Milstead.
