THE CURIOUS TALE OF CATS AND BOXES
The curious tales of cats and boxes — including five reasons for this cardboard love affair backed by science.

How Much Does a Cat Cost? (2025 Edition)
Note: This post has been updated to reflect 2025 prices related to owning a cat or cats.
Cats have a reputation for being low maintenance pets. And sure, while they are in some regards less needy than dogs – there are still certain necessities required for owning a cat.
It’s important to understand these costs before you adopt, so you never end up in a situation where you can’t afford to care for your cat. So, let’s get right to it.
How Much Does a Cat Cost?
Like a lot of things in life, it costs more to own and care for a cat than it did a few years ago.
An analysis of how much it costs to own a cat in 2019 versus today shows substantial increases across the board — the total initial cost of owning a cat has increased from a range of $345-780 to $535- $2,810 today. This includes things like adoption fees and medical needs, as well as buying a litter box, toys, food & water bowls, etc.

Annual costs of food, litter and the like has also increased — the same analysis shows the cost in 2019 was between $788-1,693 while today’s cost range averages between $710-2,865.

Now, of course the cost of owning and caring for a cat all depends on your tastes and preferences. Every cat owner is entitled to their own choices. But, the data shows that the bulk of the increases relate to food costs, as well as medical expenses and even insurance premiums.
But while it may be more expensive, the cat love continues — as cat people still spend BILLIONS each year on their best buds!
So, if you’re on the fence about getting a cat due to the financial commitment, check out our helpful breakdown below.
How much does a cat cost per year
While there is some variation in the costs of owning a cat depending what quality and quantity of products you choose to purchase, below is a look at the basic costs associated with the essentials of owning a cat – both initial costs and reccurring costs.

Adoption Fees – $0 TO $300 (ONE-TIME FEE)
Adoption fees can vary, as most shelters charge anywhere from $0-$300 to adopt a cat. If you’re lucky, you’ll consider bringing a new cat home during an adoption event, where the adoption fees are oftentimes waved.

Spay/Neuter Surgery – $145 to $200 (ONE-TIME FEE)
Depending on whether you adopt a kitten or adult cat, your feline may have already been spayed or neutered. However, if you do need to pay for your cat to get “fixed” it will likely cost you north of $145.
Some shelters however offer to cover the cost of surgery during the adoption process.

Initial Medical Needs (vaccinations, etc.) – $130 TO $390
Typically, a newly adopted cat will need to receive vaccinations and a general health checkup from your veterinarian, which typically costs over $130.
However, more and more shelters are providing their cats with the essential vaccinations before you adopt, which helps to lower the cost of this initial checkup.
Regardless of whether or not your cat has received vaccinations from the shelter, you should always bring them for an initial vet visit so their normal health levels can be tracked and monitored, and your vet can check for any health issues the shelter may have missed or prescribe treatment for an existing condition.

Collar – $5 TO $30
While not all cat parents opt for a collar, if you do choose to get one it will likely cost you anywhere from a few bucks to some serious coin.

Litter Box – $10 TO $550
A litter box is a necessity for cat parents, and while inexpensive options do exist, investing in the right litter box for your household can help to reduce tracking and prevent litter box aversion.

Scratching Post – $20 TO $300
While a scratching post may not seem like a necessary purchase, not having one will only encourage your cat to scratch elsewhere – like your couch.

Travel Crate/Carrier Bag – $20 TO $160
A travel crate or carrier bag is essential for transporting your cat to and from the vet and the cattery, for vacations or for moving.

Toys – $0 TO $80
All cats should have a few toys in their life to help them stay fit both mentally and physically, but you can also make them yourself at home with these DIYs.

Food – $450 TO $1,860
This number is subject to some fluctuation, especially if you choose to forgo kibble for wet, raw or organic food. A typical diet of dry cat food costs around $450 per year. This estimation does not account for cats with dietary restrictions that may require a more expensive, prescription food or even a raw diet.

Annual Vet Charges – $105 TO $130
Despite some misconceptions around whether cats require yearly visits to the vet – you should always have your cat checked annually. Regular vet visits will help to catch any health issues before they become life-threatening.

Litter – $150 TO $720
While litter costs may vary by brand, their lasting power will also vary.
Opting for a less expensive litter typically requires replacing the litter in your cat’s box every week or two – negating the costs saved upfront. Using a litter that lasts for up to a month can help to cut down on litter costs long term.
You should also consider the cost of things like litter additives, which can help detect health problems, even attract cats to the box and eliminate the smells.

Treats – $5 TO $15 PER MONTH
What can we say? It’s hard to have a cat and not treat them. Plus, treats are a helpful tool when training your cat, and can be used for positive enforcement.
Expect to spend anywhere from $60 to $180 per year on cat treats.

Health Insurance – $180 TO $600
Though it may seem like a large expense upfront, pet insurance is a good investment in the long run.
Even just one emergency visit to the veterinarian can cost hundreds of dollars. Having pet insurance will help to reduce these costs and take the stress out of vet visits.

Miscellaneous – $0 TO $300
As a cat parent, you never know what life will throw at you. It’s good to keep a small amount of money set aside in case of an emergency or if you need to run to the store to grab a bottle of deodorizing carpet cleaner.
While having a cat may cost you – it’s an invaluable experience to give a furry friend their forever home. If you’re worried about affording a new cat, check out these penny pinching tips:
- Adopt from Shelters: Often more affordable and includes initial medical care.
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase food and litter in larger quantities or via subscriptions to save.
- DIY Toys: Create toys from household items to reduce expenses.
- Preventive Care: Regular check-ups can prevent costly health issues.
- Compare Insurance Plans: Ensure coverage fits your cat’s needs and your budget.
SOURCES
- Gitnux – Average Cost of a Cat
- Bonding Buddies – The Cost of Cat Parenthood in 2024
- Credit.com – Cost of Owning a Dog or Cat
- Vety – How Much Does a Cat Cost?
- Homeless to Housecats – Annual Costs of Owning a Cat