{"id":1639,"date":"2019-01-28T22:38:14","date_gmt":"2019-01-28T22:38:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kitnipbox.com\/meow\/?p=1639"},"modified":"2023-02-15T17:29:31","modified_gmt":"2023-02-15T17:29:31","slug":"cost-of-owning-a-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kitnipbox.com\/meow\/index.php\/2019\/01\/28\/cost-of-owning-a-cat\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does It Cost To Own A Cat? A Cost Breakdown\ufffc"},"content":{"rendered":"

The cost of owning a cat<\/h1>\n

According to our estimates, the <\/span>cost of owning a cat <\/b>ranges from around $200 to nearly $4,000 per year. The <\/span>ASPCA estimates<\/span><\/a> that the typical owner will spend close to $800 annually.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following cost breakdown is a rough estimate of the expenses you\u2019ll encounter during a cat\u2019s lifetime, from adoption fees to litter box liners. <\/span>How much does a cat cost per year? <\/b>The actual cost will be influenced by the cat\u2019s health needs and overall lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

One-Time Cat Homing Fees – $140 to $1,395<\/span><\/h1>\n

First things first, <\/span>how much does a cat cost? <\/b>It typically costs between $25 and $200 to <\/span>adopt a cat<\/span><\/a> from a rescue. Sometimes, rescues will waive adoption fees altogether when shelters get overwhelmed with cats in need of homes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you choose to acquire a cat from a breeder, the <\/span>cost of owning a cat<\/b> will be higher. However, we strongly encourage adopting cats, since there are so many wonderful, loving <\/span>kitties overlooked<\/span><\/a> at shelters and rescue organizations. Rescue cats make purr-fect furry companions!<\/span><\/p>\n

Essentials – $115<\/span><\/h2>\n

What\u2019s the<\/span> cost of cat litte<\/b>r? Or the <\/span>price of cat food<\/b>? <\/span>\u00a0<\/b>Essentials for your new companion include a cat litter box, litter scoop, scratching post, carrier, and food and water bowls. Expenses like spaying and neutering, ID collars, cat beds, and other accessories might add a couple of hundred dollars to your startup costs, as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Annual Expenses – $162 to $3,872\/year <\/span><\/h1>\n

Cat Food – $90 – $2,520\/year<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s great cat food available for every budget. The average grain-free dry food costs around $300 per year, while low-cost wet food might cost about $273.75 annually. Fresh, raw, and freeze-dried food range from $1,000 to over $2,000 a year. These calculations of the<\/span> costs of owning a cat <\/b>are based on the prices of popular foods sold online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cat Litter and Accessories – $72 – $378\/year<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to results from the analysis of multiple popular products sold online, clay <\/span>cat litter costs<\/b> around $72 per year. Biodegradable and silica gel products are more expensive at up to $250 annually. Accessories like liners, deodorizers, and a litter mat will also add to your overall <\/span>cat cost per year<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Routine Veterinary Care – Around $100 and up.<\/span><\/h2>\n

So, in terms of vet care, <\/span>how much does it cost to own a cat? <\/b>The average cat owner will spend around $100 per year on routine healthcare <\/span>(source)<\/span><\/a>. This includes checkups, dental care, vaccinations, and flea and tick medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterinary checkups can involve additional tests on your cat if something unusual pops up. These procedures can range from $100 to $800 or more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Emergencies and Chronic Illness – may cost $10,000 or more<\/span><\/h2>\n

Emergencies and illnesses are your biggest financial planning wild cards when it comes to the <\/span>costs of owning a cat<\/b>. Treatment for diabetes <\/span>might cost<\/span><\/a> over $10,000 during a cat\u2019s lifetime. Treating a cat with a fever might even cost over $8,000 <\/span>(source)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pet Insurance – up to $583\/year <\/span><\/h2>\n

According to Value Penguin<\/span><\/a>, the average accident-and-illness policy for a <\/span>cat costs <\/b>$335.16<\/span> per year<\/b>. Insurance can save you thousands of dollars if your cat becomes sick or injured. Some plans cover all your veterinary expenses, including regular checkups and prescription food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fun Budget – up to $200\/year<\/span><\/h2>\n

In addition to the essentials, you may want to set aside around $200 per year for <\/span>discretionary spending<\/span><\/a>. This budget might cover cat shampoo, toys,\u00a0 trees, or a new bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Need more information?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For tips on owning a cat on a budget and a detailed expense breakdown, check out this\u00a0<\/span>comprehensive guide<\/span><\/a> about the costs of cat ownership.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The cost of owning a cat According to our estimates, the cost of owning a cat ranges from around $200 to nearly $4,000 per year. The ASPCA estimates that the typical owner will spend close to $800 annually. The following…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":1640,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,192,202],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-facts","category-cat-health","category-guest-blogs"],"yoast_head":"\nHow Much Does It Cost To Own A Cat? A Cost Breakdown | KitNipBox<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to get a cat but don\u2019t know how much a cat costs per year? 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