Cost of Owning a Cat

Want a furry friend? Cats bring joy. They can ease stress and even help with loneliness. Their soft purrs might even calm your blood pressure.

But hold on a minute. Getting a cat is a big step. It’s a commitment, especially financially. With things getting more expensive, it’s wise to know what you’re signing up for. This guide breaks down what you’ll really spend, covering both yearly and lifetime costs.

Buying or Adopting Your Cat

Budget £80-£1,200

The price for a cat depends on where you get it, its age, and breed. A basic house cat might cost around £80. If you want a specific breed, like a British Shorthair or Siamese, expect to pay more. These often come from special breeders and can be around £500.

Some breeds are even pricier. A Persian, Maine Coon, or Sphynx could be £500 to £1200. Very rare breeds, like the Bengal or Savannah, can cost thousands of pounds.

Equipment Costs

Budget £145-£460 + £30 per month

Your new cat needs some stuff. Here’s a list of common items and their price ranges:

• Cat flap: £10-£50
• Cat bed: £20-£50
• Litter tray / box: £15-£60
• Toys: £10-£40
• Bowls / feeders: £5-£25
• Collars: £5-£20
• Grooming tools: £25-£50
• Scratching posts: £25-£100
• Blankets: £10-£25
• Cat carrier: £20-£40

For these first items, plan to spend about £145 to £460. Also, set aside about £30 each month for things you’ll use up, like litter and new toys. If you buy fancy feeders or cat trees, your cost will go up.

Routine Health & Microchipping Costs

Budget £125-£175 + £15 per month

When you get a kitten, vaccinations are a must. These protect against common diseases like cat flu and feline leukaemia. The first shots usually cost £80 to £100. Yearly booster shots are about £40 to £50. You’ll also need deworming, which is £10-£15 every three months, and flea control, around £5 each month.

A microchip is like an ID for your cat. Vets can put a tiny chip under their skin. If your cat gets lost, this chip helps get them back to you. Microchipping costs about £10 to £20, depending on your location.

Cat Food

Budget £200-£350 per year

Cats need animal protein. As kittens, they often eat wet food. Growing cats will eat a mix of dry and wet food, plus some treats. Your cat’s diet will cost you roughly £200 to £400 each year. This depends on the food’s quality and type.

You might pay more if your cat has allergies or needs a special diet. Some owners also buy supplements for better health.

Cat Insurance

Budget £275-£300 per year

Cat insurance isn’t required. But it’s smart if you can afford it. Insurance covers accidents and long-term health problems. A “lifetime plan” is usually best. This kind of plan costs about £300 a year. Try to pick a plan that includes dental care.

Older cats can be more expensive to insure. Premiums often rise once a cat is 6 years old. You can pay monthly or yearly to spread the cost.

Grooming

Budget £40-£80 per quarter

Grooming costs change based on your cat’s breed, age, and coat. Long-haired cats need more brushing to stop mats and fur balls. Professional grooming usually runs £40 to £80. This often includes a haircut, nail trim, and cleaning ears and eyes.

You can save money by doing most of the grooming yourself at home.

Neuter & Spaying

Budget £30-£100

Once your cat is old enough, consider neutering or spaying them. The cost for these procedures changes by vet clinic. Neutering a male cat might be £30 to £80. Spaying a female cat typically costs £50 to £100.

Pet Sitting & Boarding

Budget £4-£11 per day

Sometimes you need to travel. If family can’t watch your cat, you might hire a professional sitter. This can cost £5 to £10 a day. Another choice is a boarding cattery. Rural catteries charge £4-£5 daily. If it’s near an airport or train station, expect £10-£11 per day.

Cat Passport

Budget £75-£140

Taking your cat abroad requires a pet passport. The total cost is usually £75 to £140. This includes the microchip, a rabies vaccination (£15-£60), and the passport application fee (£60). Depending on where you travel, your cat might also need a rabies blood test (£60-£120) and tapeworm treatment (£20-£30).