How Much It Costs to Own a Cat in 2024

Adopting a cat has many benefits, including companionship and improved mental and physical health. But it comes with financial responsibility. Cat parents should anticipate the cost of living necessities, veterinary care, pet insurance, and other optional expenses before adopting a cat.

Keep reading to find out the cost of cat ownership and money-saving tips to give your new feline friend the care it deserves.

Costs of owning a cat

The cost of owning a cat falls into three categories: one-time initial costs, ongoing essential costs, and optional or unexpected costs. The data from the table below compares these three factors to help you budget for the potential costs of adopting a cat.^{[1] [2] [3]}

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Initial one-time costs of owning a cat

New cat parents incur several costs in their first year. The first fee you’ll likely encounter is an initial adoption fee, which can range from $0–$185. Many cities and counties also mandate pet owners to register their pets, which requires a licensing fee. Depending on where you live, it could cost as low as $15 or as high as $95.

When your new pet arrives, you’ll need some additional items, including:

You may also want to consider an enrichment toy, like scratching posts or cat trees, which range from $20–$300.

In the early stages, it’s a good idea to visit the veterinarian for an initial checkup, core vaccines, and procedures. These cost:

Ongoing essential costs of cat ownership

The ongoing essential costs of cat ownership include living necessities like:

• Cat food: $450–$1,860 per year

• Litter: $150–$720 per year

You may also want to take your cat to a groomer, especially if you have a long-haired cat or one with special needs. This can cost around $50–$80 per visit.

Another ongoing cost is vet care. A healthy adult cat should visit the vet for a wellness checkup at least once a year, at $25–$186 per visit. Kittens, senior cats, or cats with ongoing health issues may have to visit the vet more.

Additionally, the checkup may include routine vaccines, at $95–$185 total, to prevent certain diseases. Also, your vet may prescribe medications and treatments for flea and tick prevention, which can range from $30– $110.

Optional and unexpected costs when owning a cat

You and your cat have unique needs, which can incur additional costs. For example, living in an apartment likely means your landlord charges a pet deposit ($150–$500) and could charge a pet fee ($300–$600 per year). Or, if you travel away from home, you’ll need pet sitting or pet boarding services ($40–$50 per stay).

Unexpected costs also add up when emergencies happen. For many cat owners, a visit to the vet hospital — which already costs $1,120–$1,495 per visit — can result in a hefty bill. Pet insurance ranges from $120–$1,200 per year and could help save you money if an emergency happens.

How to save money on cat care

To save money on cat care, consider the following tips:

• 

  DIY grooming

  Learning basic grooming skills for your cat’s needs can save you time and money at the pet salon. Some grooming skills you may want to do yourself include nail trimming, fur brushing, and ear cleaning.

• 

  Shop smart

  Be a savvy shopper by buying your pet’s medication cheaper at reputable online pharmacies, purchasing pet supplies at big-box discounted retailers, and buying food, litter, and other supplies in bulk.

• 

  Invest in preventative care

  The best way to avoid costly health emergencies is to prevent them. Spending money on regular vet visits, vaccines, and teeth cleaning can save you down the road.

• 

  Give your cat homemade toys and treats

  You can save money while providing enrichment by handmaking your toys and treats. Many recipes and instructions are available online.

• 

  Compare vet costs

  If you can’t afford the cost of a vet, accredited vet schools and clinics provide free or low-cost services. You can find vets in your area through the American Vet Medical Association or the ASPCA website locator.

Should you buy pet insurance for your cat?

Most cat parents should buy cat insurance. A growing number of U.S. pet parents view insurance as an essential pet expense. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reports that U.S. pet insurance policyholders increased by 17.1% in 2023.^[4]

Pet insurance covers unexpected accidents and illnesses. The types of pet insurance coverage include:

• Accident-only policy: Accident-only insurance covers medical care costs from accidents, such as ingestion of a foreign object, lacerations, and broken bones. The average cost of pet insurance for a cat is $116 per year for an accident-only policy.

• Accident and illness policy: This comprehensive policy covers emergency care for both accidents and illnesses, like cancer, infections, and digestive issues. An accident and illness policy costs $383 per year for a cat, on average.

• Wellness plan: Insurers often sell wellness plans as add-on coverage. Wellness plans cover preventive and routine care, such as wellness checks, vaccines, and microchipping.

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Pros and cons of pet health insurance

Like every financial decision, pet insurance has its advantages and disadvantages.