How much does it cost to own a cat?

These figures are a guide only, as real-world costs can vary depending on your cat, your vet, and where you shop. Here’s what each one is based on.

Food

Two mid-priced pouches of wet food per day plus 30g of dry food, assuming mid-range pricing of £2.50 per kg for dry food and 30p per pouch for wet food. It’s worth shopping around and comparing options to suit your budget and cat.

Flea and worm treatment

Assuming you buy an effective treatment online, rather than off the shelf or via a vet prescription. It also considers the monthly treatment for fleas and worming which should be four times a year. Vet-prescribed treatments may cost more but could be recommended for cats with specific health needs.

Insurance

Depending on your provider, level of cover, and your cat’s age and health. This figure is based on a lifetime policy with a high level of cover for a young, healthy adult cat with no pre-existing conditions, plus £120 a year set aside to cover the excess on a single claim.

Annual check-up

The cost of an annual check-up and booster vaccination can vary between vets.

How much does a cat cost to buy or adopt?

Adoption fees from rescue centres usually include vaccinations, neutering, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, and a vet health check. Some may include four weeks’ free insurance. Buying a non-pedigree kitten can cost less upfront but that’s without the essential extras.

Pedigree kittens cost considerably more depending on breed. For example, the Burmese or Norwegian Forest cat are often priced in the hundreds to low thousands, depending on lineage. The price of a Manx kitten depends on whether they have a full tail, a stump, or none, as breed standards consider all three acceptable. Always research a breed’s common health issues and ask to see health testing certificates before buying from any breeder.

Veterinary and microchipping costs

Microchipping, vaccinations, and neutering are essential one-off costs if not already covered by an adoption fee. Every year you should budget for on-going costs like their annual boosters and check-ups. Pet insurance protects against unexpected bills, so arrange cover as early as possible, since most insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions.

Why pet insurance matters

Pet insurance is one of the best-value ways to protect against unexpected vet bills. Cover can start from £8 a month for a young cat, yet a single incident can run into the hundreds or thousands of pounds. Road traffic accidents are a common cause of emergency treatment in cats, with costs often averaging £450–£900 or more. Frequent issues for indoor cats like urinary tract infections costs several hundred pounds to diagnose and treat. Without insurance, you’ll end up with quite a hole in your pocket.

You should arrange cover as soon as you get your cat. Any issue that develops before you take out a policy generally won’t be covered once you do.

The fun side of owning a cat

Owning a cat isn’t just about providing the basics like treats, toys and accessories. You can have fun and enjoying finding ones that suit your cat’s personality. Our guide on what to think about before getting a cat covers the full range of one-off and ongoing items owners typically pay for, from bedding and scratching posts to cattery fees.

If you’re considering a harness or lead to give your cat some supervised time outdoors, read our advice on cat harnesses and leads before buying one. For ideas on keeping your cat happy and stimulated, take a look at our cat enrichment guide.

The cost of saying goodbye

Many owners do not think about this cost in advance, but it costs around £100 to put your cat to sleep at a vet practice. Home visits and cremation options cost a lot more. Speaking to your vet about the options available, and any charitable support you may be eligible for, can help if cost is a concern at this difficult time.

Other costs to think about

When you first get your cat, certain items you buy such as carriers, beds, and scratching posts, will get worn and need replacing. Factor this cost into your budget, not just the initial set-up cost.

Need help?

Woodgreen may be able to offer practical advice and support, including financial assistance with veterinary costs, to pet owners living in eligible postcode areas. Please contact the Pet Helpline team to discuss the support available.