Here’s How Much It Costs to Own a Cat in 2023

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Cat owners spend hundreds to thousands of dollars per year on their pets. Here’s a closer look at where all that money goes. 

Spring is a popular time to add a new pet to the household, and for those interested in welcoming a cat or kitten, I have good news. You’ll probably save a lot of money compared to getting a dog. But that doesn’t mean your furry friend is going to come cheap.

Here’s a look at what one recent Rover survey had to say about the average cost of cat ownership, along with some steps you can take to keep your costs down.

The first year is by far the most expensive

Bringing home a new cat means you also have to cover a lot of additional costs for them, including:

Vet visitsSpaying or neuteringCollarsBedFoodFood bowlsLitterLitter boxCarrierScratching postToysGrooming suppliesMicrochipping

Then, there are the adoption fees itself. This varies depending on several factors, including the breed, age, and health of the cat as well as where you get it. Adopting a cat from an animal shelter is usually your most affordable option. You could easily spend thousands of dollars if you want a purebred cat from a breeder.

All told, Rover estimates new cat owners could spend anywhere from $755 to $3,020 in their first year. The range is so wide because you have a lot of choice in how much you spend on your pet. Also, vet costs can vary significantly from one city to another, and that can affect how much you pay for checkups, vaccinations, and routine surgeries.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, avoid bells and whistles, like automatic cat feeders or memory foam beds. Focus on just the essentials at first. You can always upgrade down the road if that’s important to you.

Most cat owners will still spend hundreds of dollars in 2023

Ongoing annual expenses for cats range from about $325 to $1,600 in 2023. This includes your pet’s food, litter, toys, and an annual vet checkup.

Again, there’s quite a range here and a lot of it comes down to your food and litter choices. This is a personal decision you’ll have to make based on your budget and the food or litter’s ingredients. If you’re not sure what’s really worth upgrading for and what’s mostly just marketing hype, you could always ask your vet for their opinion.

Once you’ve settled on a food and litter you’re happy with, keep an eye out for coupons or sales and stock up when you find them. Don’t forget to check for coupons online as well.

How much you spend on your cat is ultimately up to you

So far, we’ve talked about essential costs, but there are a lot of extras you can splurge on too if you want. Things like regular grooming appointments or litter disposal systems are popular with some people, while others see them as unnecessary.

Then, you have the things that are absolutely necessary but hard to budget for, like emergency vet bills. You never know when your cat will get sick or injured, and if they do, you often have no choice but to take them in for treatment and pay whatever the vet charges.

More and more people are turning to pet insurance in an effort to combat this. Pet insurance helps pay for some vet bills, but it also has costs of its own, including premiums, deductibles, and copays. Still, many find this easier to budget for than the vet bills themselves.

Those seeking an affordable rate on pet insurance should start by comparing quotes from several top providers. Going with an accident-only plan can also help keep costs low, though pet owners will be on their own if their pet gets sick.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which cat expenses fit into your budget. And if you don’t think you have enough money to buy all the things your cat needs, you may be better off waiting to add a new pet to your household.

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