First-year costs
- Adoption fee: often $50 to $200 from a shelter, and many include vaccines and spay or neuter
- Spay or neuter (if not included): commonly a few hundred dollars
- First vet visit and kitten vaccines
- Setup: litter box, scratching post, carrier, bed, bowls and toys
Yearly costs
- Food: dry, wet or a mix. Wet food usually costs more.
- Litter: a steady monthly cost, especially with more than one cat
- Yearly vet checkup and vaccines
- Flea prevention, even for many indoor cats
- Dental care, which becomes more important as cats age
- Pet insurance (optional)
Many cat owners spend roughly $1,000 to $2,000 a year once everything is added up. Try your own numbers in our pet cost calculator (choose "Cat").
Costs that sneak up
- Urinary and dental problems, which are common in cats
- Senior care: cats 11 and older often need more checkups and bloodwork
- Pet sitting when you travel
Simple ways to save
- Adopt from a shelter where vaccines and spay or neuter are included.
- Keep your cat at a healthy weight. It's cheaper than treating weight-related problems.
- Keep up with yearly checkups so small problems get caught early.
- Set aside a small monthly amount for surprise vet bills.
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Questions people ask
How much does a cat cost per month?
Many owners spend roughly $80 to $170 a month on food, litter, preventatives and routine care, plus more for insurance or special diets.
Are cats cheaper than dogs?
Usually yes. Cats eat less, don't need walking or training classes, and grooming is simpler. Vet and emergency costs can still be significant.
How long do cats live?
Many indoor cats live into their mid to late teens, which is worth remembering when you think about lifetime costs.
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The Paw Plan shares general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different, so check with your vet about your pet's health, diet and care.