The Comprehensive Cost Breakdown of Cat Ownership

It’s no secret that cats make for loving and loyal companions. In fact, they’re one of the most popular pets in America; roughly 46.5 million households have one. 

If you’re bringing home a new cat to your household, one important question to ask before jumping into the adoption process is how much does it cost to have a cat?

While cats are generally less high-maintenance than dogs, they still have needs that must be fulfilled by their owners. Fortunately, this guide breaks down all the financial information you need to consider as future cat owners before making the exciting decision to add a cat to your family. 

Adoption Fees

Understanding how to adopt a cat is the first step in becoming a responsible cat owner. The adoption cost of a cat will depend on several different factors, including: 

• Their breed – Some cat breeds are rarer or more desirable than others, making them more expensive. Some notably pricey cat breeds include the British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Russian Blue. These breeds can cost hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars. Purebred cats are also known to have a higher risk of health issues, which may increase their vet bills and add to the average cost of a cat. 
• Their age – Kittens are generally more desirable than adult and senior cats, so it’s usually more expensive to adopt one. Aside from the adoption fee, kittens also need more frequent vet visits for things like vaccinations and spaying/neutering, adding to their cost. 
• Where you adopt from – There are three main places you can buy a cat: a shelter, a pet store, or a breeder. Breeders typically sell purebred cats, meaning they’ll be much more expensive than pet store or shelter cats—often $750 or more. On the other hand, shelter cats are more affordable, with the adoption fee often ranging from $50 to $175. 

While purebred cats from breeders can be wonderful pets, consider stopping by your local animal shelter first to see if you can give a home to a cat in need. 

Pet Insurance and Vet Visits

Regular visits to a veterinary clinic are important for your cat’s overall wellbeing. And if something unexpected happens, the vet should be your first stop as cat owners. 

However, the cost of vet visits can add up quickly. Routine visits can cost $160 each year, and common medications for heartworm and flea/tick prevention can cost $140 a year—not to mention any emergency visits you may need to make. 

Fortunately, pet insurance may help cover the cost of vet visits. A cat insurance could give you more assurance that your cat will receive the care they need no matter what. Cat insurance plans may vary, but you can expect to pay around $348 a year for pet insurance.

Cat Care Essentials

While those fancy water fountains and elaborate cat towers are fun to splurge on, there are only a few products your cat absolutely needs to lead a healthy and comfortable life. And the good news? Many of them are one-time purchases to add to the overall cat cost. 

Here’s what you’ll want to budget for:

• Cat carrier
• Cat litter box and cleaning supplies (scoop, bags)
• Cat bed
• Scratching post and other enriching toys
• Nail trimmers
• Brush (especially for long-haired cats prone to matting)
• Food and water dishes

Additionally, the two purchases you’ll need to make on a regular basis are:

• Cat litter
• Cat food

It’s hard to say exactly how much these items will cost you—there are a ton of products on the market, and some are more expensive than others. However, remember that quality is what’s most important, and the priceiest option isn’t necessarily the best one. As long as it’s built to last, you should only have to buy it once. 

Cat Food

When it comes to your cat’s food, it’s important to consider more than just price and overall cat cost. 

A cat’s diet can either increase or decrease their overall wellbeing. It's important to be aware of what can cats not eat to avoid any health issues. If their food doesn’t have the proper nutrients, or if it has unnecessary ingredients such as fillers and hormones, it can negatively impact their physical health, causing weight gain and other digestive issues. 

Many commercial cat foods are:

• Plant-based, meaning they’re high in carbohydrates
• Highly processed with chemical preservatives

Cats are carnivores—they have to eat meat. They’re simply not evolved to digest plant-based foods. That’s why protein-heavy diets are strongly recommended by cat nutrition experts. 

Fresh and freeze-dried raw meals are perfect for replicating a cat’s natural diet and making sure they receive the nutrients they need to live their best life. 

Give Your Cat an Ancestral Diet with Darwin’s

After reading this article about the average cost of cat ownership, not only should you have a better understanding of the cost of owning a cat, but you should also know more about what a cat needs to thrive in life—most importantly, a nutritious diet.

Many owners are turning to natural pet food and natural cat food as healthier alternatives for their feline friends. At Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, we understand cats’ natural hunting instincts and how important a high-protein diet is. That’s why we formulate raw cat food and raw meals inspired by nature and informed by science. 

But not all cats have identical needs—we’ve considered this, too. That’s why we also offer menu consultants who can give you a free consultation to build a comprehensive feeding plan for your cat before trying a raw diet. 

Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or a newbie, it’s never too late to feed your feline friena healthy, conscious diet from Darwin’s.

Sources: 

Forbes. Pet Ownership Statistics 2023. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/ 

Brownsburg Animal Clinic. Most and Least Expensive Cat Breeds. https://brownsburganimalclinic.com/most-and-least-expensive-cat-breeds/ 

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. How Much Does It Cost to Have a Cat? https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cat-ownership-cost/ 

ASPCA. Cutting Pet Care Costs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cutting-pet-care-costs 

VCA Animal Hospitals. Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Cats. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-feeding-guidelines-for-cats