The cost of being a cat parent in 2024 can vary widely depending on factors such as the cat's age, breed, health, and lifestyle, as well as the level of care and amenities you provide. According to data from Rover, the annual cost of owning a cat ranges from $710 to $2,865 per year, with a typical monthly cost of $60 to $240.
Initial Costs
When bringing a new cat home, there are upfront expenses you might incur:
- Adoption fees: From $0 (free kitten) to $185.
- Spay or neuter surgery: $160 to $250.
- Microchip: $20 to $95.
- Vet exam and vaccinations: $200 to $390.
- Collar: $5 to $30.
- Bed: $15 to $250.
- Food and treats: $40 to $155.
- Food and water bowls: $5 to $90.
- Litter box: $10 to $550.
- Litter: $10 to $90.
- Pet license: $15 to $95.
- Carrier: $20 to $160.
- Scratching post: $20 to $300.
- Brush: $5 to $50.
- Claw trimmers: $5 to $40.
- Toys: $0 to $80.
- Total: $535 to $2,810.
Annual Costs
Once you have your cat settled in, you'll encounter annual expenses:
- Food: $450 to $1,860 depending on the type and brand of food.
- Litter: $150 to $720 for keeping your cat's bathroom clean.
- Toys: $5 to $155 depending on how often you replace them.
- Annual vet checkup: $105 to $130.
- Total: $710 to $2,865 per year.
Optional Extras
Additional expenses might include:
- Grooming: $50 to $80.
- Drop-in visits: $10 to $30.
- Cat boarding or house sitting: $40 to $50.
- Parasite prevention: $30 to $110.
- Apartment pet deposit: $150 to $500.
- Emergency vet bills: $1,120 to $1,495.
- Dental cleaning: $630 to $1,145.
- Pet insurance: $10 to $100 per month.
- Litter Genie: $30 to $40.
- Total: $2,080 to $3,540.
Senior Cat and End-of-Life Care
If you have a senior cat or are dealing with end-of-life care, expenses may include:
- Senior pet medication: $190 to $350 per year.
- Specially formulated senior cat food: $45 to $90 per month.
- Vet visits and medical costs: $105 to $1,495.
- Euthanasia: $165 to $320.
- Cremation: $80 to $245.
- Private cremation: $190 to $510.
- Total: $775 to $3,010.
Overall, the cost of owning a cat can be significant, especially with the rising prices of essentials like pet food. Planning for these expenses and taking advantage of deals and discounts can help manage the budget. Additionally, pet insurance can be a way to save on unexpected costs throughout your cat's life.
