Cats are some of the most loving and loyal animals you can have in your home. No price tag can be put on owning a cat, from chasing shadows to curling up in your lap. If you want to add a cat to your household, you might wonder how much does a cat cost in 2023 and the average cost of owning a cat.
Though the cost of owning a cat is not high, there are continual expenses associated with having a feline friend. Although many pet parents feel that cats are less expensive to care for than dogs, the truth is that both animals come with high costs. Bringing a cat home monthly can cost a lot of money.
“An ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) publication often cited by pet lovers estimates that a new cat will cost $1,150 in its first year. The ASPCA estimates each successive year costs $809, not including new cat purchases.
What are the costs of owning a cat? Cat litter, food, vet visits, Routine Medical Costs (Vaccines), and more are calculated based on the annual cost. The first year of owning a cat can cost as little as $290, and each year after that can cost as little as $200. This annual figure can be brought closer to the ASPCA’s estimate by adding luxuries like vet checks, treats, healthy food, and new toys. A few thousand dollars a year is likely to be the cost of the most expensive lifestyles.”
Bring Home a New Cat and How Much Does a Cat Cost?
The initial cost of adopting a cat can vary greatly depending on the source. Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization may cost as little as $50 while purchasing a kitten from a breeder can run upwards of $1,000. However, it’s important to remember that cat ownership entails ongoing expenses such as food, litter, vaccinations, and vet visits.
Additionally, unexpected medical emergencies can easily add up to thousands of dollars. However, a feline friend’s love and companionship are priceless and well worth any financial investment. Ultimately, how much a cat cost depends on how much you choose to invest in its care.
Adopting
50$-200$
Adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue organization can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both the pet and the owner. And in many cases, it can save you some money – adoption fees are often significantly lower than purchasing from a breeder or pet store.
Adoption fees typically cover basic medical care such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering, which can save hundreds of dollars on vet bills in the long run. Adopting also benefits society by reducing overpopulation and giving pets in need a loving home. So, next time you’re considering getting a new furry friend, consider adoption – your wallet and your conscience will thank you.
Breeder
700$ – 1500$
When searching for a new pet, many people turn to breeders to find their perfect furry companion. However, owning a cat from a breeder can come with a hefty price tag. Breeders often charge high prices for “designer” or purebred cats, sometimes even thousands of dollars. In addition to the cost of the actual cat, there may be fees for vaccinations and registration papers.
Of course, not all breeders are expensive, and it is possible to find affordable options through reputable sources such as shelter adoptions or small local breeders. However, it’s important to consider the cost before committing to a breeder-purchased cat. Most importantly, adopting a cat from a shelter is a more financially responsible choice over the long run.
Cat breeds with the most expensive health conditions:
| Cat Names | Common health & Conditions | Average Cost |
Persian | There’s polycystic kidney disease (PKD), progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRA), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HCM) | |
Bengal | Disorders of the eye and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) | |
Savannah | None | |
Peterbald | None | |
Russian Blue | None | |
Sphynx | Diseases of the heart, respiratory system, and digestive system | |
Scottish Fold | Osteochondrodysplasia, Parkinson’s disease, and hemochromatosis | |
British Shorthair | Affected by hemophilia B and hemolytic uremic syndrome |
Your first-time cat ownership costs include the following:
| Bringing Home a New Cat: One-Time Cost | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Prices |
| ID Tag and Collar | 10$-20$ |
| Cat X-Ray | 100$-300$ |
| Spay/Neuter (optional) | 120$ |
| Teeth Cleaning | 100$-200$ |
| Cat Ultrasound | 200$-400$ |
| Microchip | 35$-45$ |
| Bed | 25$ |
| Cat Tree (optional) | 70$ |
| Cat Caves | 50$ |
| Cat Nail Clipper (optional) | 5$ |
| Litter Box | 20$ |
| Cat Brush (optional) | 5$ |
| Litter Scoop | 20$ |
| Food and Water Bowls | 8$ |
| Scratching Post | 10$ |
| Carrier | 30 |
Annual Cat Ownership Expenses:
In the event of illness or injury, vet bills can be huge. A breakdown of veterinary care costs is below.
| Annual Expenses | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Prices |
| Medical Checkup | 0-200$/year |
| Dental Care | 0-600$/year |
| Cat Vaccinations Cost | 0-70$/year |
| Emergency Medical Expenses | 0-15,000$/year |
| Treatments for Fleas, Ticks, Worms, and Mites | 0-80$/year |
| Here are Some Common Conditions and Their Costs: | |
|---|---|
| Common Conditions | Prices |
| Fever Preumania | 9250$ |
| Acute Liver Failure | 6,350$ |
| Hit By Car | 4000$ |
| Ingested Hair Pin | 3000$ |
| Seizures | 2300$ |
| Urethral blockage | 1500$ |
| Long-Term Treatment Costs | |
|---|---|
| Disease | Prices |
| Diabetes | 15,980$ |
| Hip Dysplasia | 8,350$ |
| Glaucoma | 6,785$ |
| Chemotherapy For Cancer | 6,000$ |
| Pet Insurance | 0-600$/year |
| Cat Food | 100$ – 3000/year |
| Cost vs Food Type | |
|---|---|
| Food Types | Costs |
| Commercial Raw Cat food | 700$ |
| Freeze-Dried Cat food | 400$ |
| Premium Canned | 320$ |
| Economy Wet | 150$ |
| Homemade Cat Food | 80$ |
| Premium/Grain-Free Day | 50$ |
| Economy Dry | 30$ |
| Cat Litter and Supplies | $40 – $210/year |
| Litter box liners | $33/year |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $40/year |
| Litter mat | 10$/year |
| Vacuum for litter box area | $45 |
| Dedicated trash can | 50$ |
| Fun and Games | $0-$300/year |
Cats need the same care as humans. How much it costs to keep a child healthy and happy depends on your finances, willingness to pay, and buying skills. Investing in your cat is less about dollars spent than your energy, intelligence, and love.
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