If you’re thinking about acquiring a feline friend to add to your family, you may be wondering what the costs of owning one are. The cost of having a cat can depend on its age, breed and health condition. It is also important to know that cats can live up to 17 years and represent a long-term commitment. Read on to explore the details regarding the cost of owning a cat.
Costs of owning a cat
The ASPCA estimates that annual American costs associated with owning a cat are $1,149, with one-time initial costs averaging $455. However, cat ownership costs vary depending on whether you are buying or adopting a cat and whether your cat develops medical conditions or complications.
Cost to adopt or buy a cat
Adoption can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a cat, although prospective cat owners looking for specific breeds might consider purchasing if money is no object. The average cost of a purebred cat can vary greatly based on the particular breed and in some cases can exceed thousands of dollars.
If you are looking to become a pet owner but aren’t interested in a particular breed, adoption is the best option and helps control the pet population. According to the Cat Adoption Team, average adoption fees range from $225 for kittens up to $110 for adult cats.
Initial costs of owning a cat
The most important part of the initial expense of owning a cat is represented by veterinary care, including the first vaccinations, preventive treatment against heartworm and any spaying or neutering. Initial vaccines last from when kittens are 6 to 20 weeks of age and can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 per vaccine.
Other upfront expenses may include spaying or neutering and microchipping. You’ll probably want to invest in a bed and water bowl to make your new cat live as comfortably as possible. Cat toys and scratching posts are optional but useful accessories for your cat’s home that can improve his life and teach him not to scratch furniture from an early age.
Average annual expenses for a cat
Annual cat expenses include what your cat needs for its daily life, including cat food, toys, cat litter, grooming products, and medical care. You can expect to spend $200 to $500 per year on food and supplies, as well as optional add-ons like scratching posts.
Cats should also visit a veterinarian for annual checkups to ensure a healthy lifestyle. These costs can possibly be reduced with pet insurance coverage, though whether or not it’s worth it will depend on the type of insurance plan you have and how it covers medical expenses such as health checkups, emergency vet visits, and particular health problems .
All in all, you can expect to spend the majority of your cat’s cost in the first few years, considering the initial cost of adoption, vaccination, and purchasing the first supplies needed to keep your cat healthy and comfortable. This cost will decrease over the years as your cat ages. However, be sure to save on surprise costs in terms of medical care and unexpected circumstances.
How much does a cat cost Frequently asked questions
Are cats or dogs cheaper?
While it depends on the breed of cat, cats are generally lower cost than dogs when it comes to annual costs, vet bills, and spay/neuter surgeries.
What is the initial cost to adopt a cat?
If you don’t get it from a breeder, the cost of a cat can range from as little as $110 to as much as $225.
How can I save on my cat?
Consider purchasing cat food and cat litter in bulk and keep your indoor cats healthy by avoiding exposing them to smoke inside the home. You shouldn’t cut costs by avoiding cat care.