How much realistically does it cost to keep a cat?

Question

If you can give rough costings on initial costs and then weekly amounts

Answer 1

Initially, you need to have them spayed or neutered (this is both the ethical thing to do, and will also save you headaches in the long run), get them vaccinated for rabies, distemper, and Feline HIV. That's about 200 - I think if you go to the humane society and adopt, it may be a bit cheaper through them, the initial stuff. Then, they will need booster shots, a checkup, and a dental cleaning (if they lose their teeth, they can't eat and have to be put down) once a year. THAT is if they are healthy, which is most probable, and costs would vary depending on where you live - in San Francisco, that'd run me about 150 a year right there. The food is not that expensive, check at your grocery or pet store - but again, don't cheap out on the food, or it'll show up in your vet bills! If they go outside, they get into messes - at least all mine have, and there are some vet bills due to fights where they end up with abscesses and other infections. Litter isn't too expensive. I figured once we spent about 10 a week on cats, and we have 2, but that's just the food and litter.
Just like in life, they will have all sorts of hidden surprises for your wallet. Don't get it if you are struggling and couldn't afford to take care of it if it got sick. If you have enough to cover emergencies, they are worth the costs. They are independent and sweet. Good luck.
PS - don't forget, even if you want to go away for the weekend, you have to add to your trip costs by finding a petsitter, unless you've got a very good friend in the neighborhood.

Answer 2

Ok well apart from the initial cost of mine (£350 each) then there were food and water bowls which were around £15 for 4 bowls. Then there were 2 beds for them £30 each, then toys, about £50 across the 2 year period I have had them, collars which I change when they need to be, say 4 times a year, so around £20 a year. Then I had them spayed, £120 for the 2, Their vaccines I can't remember how much they cost, I think the bill is around £70 for those, something like that. I have them insured, which costs me £21 a month, but worth it as if they need vet treatment then it only costs us £50 a time, instead of a huge vet bill. For food I would say no more than £15 a month, they drink water so no cost there. Recently they had some issues where I needed to get them medication not covered by the insurance, that was an extra £100 so be aware there are costs that can crop up unexpectedly.

Answer 3

The first year you'll have some vaccinations and spay/neuter bills, so vet bills will be higher than usual this year -- if you're paying them all, you'll need to allow $300-400. (It's really much cheaper to get a cat from rescue where this has already been done -- really, $100 for an adoption is a bargain for a cat who has been fixed, dewormed, and vaccinated.). As the cat gets older (10 years or more), you can also plan on some big vet bills, but by then, you'll be so attached you won't mind.

You'll probably spend $10-20/month on litter (again, the cost depends on the quality, how often you change it, etc, but I wouldn't cheap up on this area). Food costs vary depending on what you feed, but I'd allow a dollar a day -- that assumes you feed some canned food as well as dry, which is really better for the cat's health. Also, it's more sensible to feed good quality food -- they eat less, there is less to clean out of the litter box because they absorb more, and in the long run, you'll have lower vet bills. The stuff you buy in grocery stores that's so cheap is mostly fat and corn -- hard on the cat physically and not very nutritious.

So -- excluding vet bills, we're talking about $40-50/month.

For continuing vet care after the initial vet work, I'd assume a couple of hundred dollars a year if you keep the cat inside -- if you let the cat go outside, it will be much more expensive because the risk of disease and injury goes up, and you have to pay for flea and worm products. But again, vet costs vary considerably depending on the cost of living in your area.

Answer 4

Initally if you get your cat from a shelter or a rescue group it is about $35.00 to $100.00 depending and that includes their shots and neutering and spaying fees. food cost is approx $!.00 per day buy the good stuff, they stay healthier. cat litter is about $20.00 a month for fresh step and that is the best kind, litter box is $5.00 to $20.00 if you want one with a cover, and after that you should have your cat checked once a year at the vet $200.00 and you can get their vaccinations at a clinic at petco or petsmart and some community colleges that have vet tech schools give vaccinations for a donation of $5.00 each year. Remember cats need dental cleaning too and every few years that will cost you $150. but it is worth it because bad teeth lead to heart disease and that will cost you a lot more in the long run. Keep your cat indoors and your cost won't be as much.It's all worth it because you receive so much love from a cat.

Answer 5

The Cost of a Cat

Purchase prices of cats and kittens vary according to type and quality of animal. However, many kittens are free for the asking because of the seemingly unending supply of unplanned and unwanted litters. While most house cats are mixed breeds, pure breeds are now becoming popular, and their costs vary as do purebred dogs.

Kittens - The First Year
Veterinary Care/Laboratory Tests - $50 to $125+
Immunizations - $70 to $135
Internal/External Parasite Treatment and Control - $50 to $100
Spay/Neuter - $40 to $200. The cost may depend on the cat's size and age.
Food - $75 to $125+
Miscellaneous (toys, beds, bowls, etc.) - $100 to $125+
Total: $385 to $810+

Cats - Annual Costs
Veterinary Care/Laboratory Tests - $70 to $150+
Immunizations(given at 1yr then every 3 if indoors)- $30 to $75
Internal/External Parasite Control - $40 to $80
Food - $75 to $150+
Miscellaneous (litter, toys, etc.) - $100 to $125+
Total: $315 to $580+

These costs will vary considerably, depending on special care. Typically, indoor cats require only routine annual veterinary care until they reach their later years — usually after they are 10 years old. In later years, more medical attention, special diets, and medications may be required.

You should also note that costs vary between stores, veterinarians and by region.

Answer 6

It depends partly on the cat . Food and litter - about $15 a month, yearly vet check and shots - around $75 , and then if it has not been spayed or neutered another vet bill - around $ 65 . That's if it is kept inside . Out door cats tend to get hurt ,into fights and need to be wormed so they will cost more . When getting a cat , even a so called free cat , you are taking on a 20 year responsibility to give it the good care it deserves .

Answer 7

Kittens are cheap but initial jabs,spaying/neutering and microchipping(all of which are things you must do to be a good owner) will cost around £150 £200.

Then you need a litterbox and cat litter,food,a flea collar so about another £30 or £40.

Then monthly food costs about £20.

Plus annual boosters.

Answer 8

Don't forget to get pet insurance, could save you a huge amount. And I think it would probably be about £5-10 per month.
Cat food doesn't have to be expensive, maybe £5-10 a week.
Vaccinations cost around £60 a year I think, but best to ask your vet. The first year for a kitten or unvaccinated cat is more.

Answer 9

Really it just depends on how many cats, how much they eat, how often you clean the cat litter. We have 2, and it usually costs us about 25-50 a month for upkeep. Initial pricing is up to the person that you get your cat from. You can check the local newspapers for cats in your area.

Answer 10

depends. if u feed them dry or wet food. dry is less expensive so go with that for less money. there is vet bills if it gets sick so pray for it 2 b healthy. u should probably get it fixed so thats a chunk of money. flea medicine depending on what brand (i think flea collars cost less). there are toys and treats 2. around $30-$45/week. the initial cost depends on the breed and if it needs shots or not. u will need to take him to the vet atleast 1 time a year if its healthy. cats dont cost all 2 much though. if its a good healthy cat then it shouldnt cost much money to take care of it.