What Are the True Costs of Owning a Cat? (2024)

No matter what phase you're in—just starting your search, visiting shelters, or picking up your new feline friend—it's always important to consider the cost of owning a cat. All pet owners should have funds set aside to provide the best possible life for their four-legged-friends. But just how much do you really need? Let's take a look:

Bringing Your Cat Home

During the first year of your cat's life, you'll shell out some extra dough to gather all the necessary supplies. These one-time costs include purchasing food and water bowls, a litter box, and a scratching post. Keep in mind they may need new ones in a few years if the old ones wear out quickly. "Although these figures can vary based on the type of pet you are bringing into your home, we estimate that the average pet owner spends $1,100–2,000 within the first year of owning a new pet," says Kelly DiCicco, Manager of Promotions for the ASPCA.

Luckily, the initial adoption fee or purchase price will only be included in your annual expenses once. Certain vaccinations, microchips, and spaying/neutering are also a one-time cost. You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing this first year of their life will probably be the most expensive.

Annual Expenses

The basic everyday expenses for a cat are food, water, and kitty litter—but a lot more goes into that cost, especially depending on your specific cat. Most cats are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming (they do the job themselves, after all!) but some may require extra care to keep their coat clean and shiny. Should your feline need professional grooming, it could cost an additional $300 a year.

The costs of keeping a clean litter box can add up fast, too. And you can't always cut corners and go with the cheapest kitty litter—if your little buddy doesn't like the smell or feel of their litter, they'll happily do their business on your brand new bedspread or clean carpet. Cleaning up that mess could end up costing you more later, so always experiment with litters until your cat picks the one he likes best. *eyeroll*

Lifetime Expenses

After yearly expenses, you must think about the lifetime costs of owning a cat. This mostly depends on the overall health and wellness of your pet—are you prepared for the unexpected costs?

First, think about preventative care. You'll need to get flea and tick prevention for your cat, as well as vaccinations to ensure they stay healthy and the vet bills don't add up later on. You'll also need to set aside some funds for the possibility of an emergency vet visit. The saying "curiosity killed the cat" is around for a reason—it's possible they'll get into things they shouldn't. An unforeseen medical intervention like emergency operations can cost thousands. Even when you're prepared with pet insurance, you'll be paying hundreds a year to keep that coverage in the event of an accident.

Don't forget to throw life events into the mix. What happens in the event of a move? Will you need to pay a pet deposit or cleaning fee in your new place? You'll also have to be prepared with boarding or cat-sitting options anytime you aren't home, and those can add up fast.

For a closer look at the numbers, we gathered the average costs of owning a cat and predicted the lifetime cost. The following expenses are based on data from Money and Petfinder.