The Cost of Cat Ownership: What to Budget For

Are you thinking about getting a cat for the very first time? Congratulations!

Cats bring plenty of joy, companionship and personality into the home, but it’s worth understanding the costs involved before bringing your new feline friend home.

From upfront essentials to monthly expenses, yearly vet care and the occasional unexpected cost, here’s what to budget for when owning a cat.

Upfront costs of cat ownership

The first costs you’ll likely deal with are those tied to adopting a cat or buying one from a breeder.

If you’re thinking of adopting, fees can vary depending on the shelter, but often include essentials like vaccinations, microchipping and desexing. Buying from a breeder will typically cost more, especially for specific or in-demand breeds.

Outside of adoption or purchase fees, your cat will also need essentials from day one. These are:

• Food and water bowls
• A litter tray and cat litter
• A cat carrier for vet visits or travel
• A bed
• Toys and enrichment items
• A scratching post

These costs can add up quickly, but they’re mostly one-off purchases. Choosing quality products from the start can help reduce how often you need to replace items, which may save you money in the long run.

The good news is that if you purchase products through Petstock, you can earn rewards along the way and get more out of every dollar spent.

Monthly cat ownership costs

Once your cat is settled in, most of your spending will be ongoing. Monthly costs will vary depending on your cat’s age, lifestyle and individual needs, but the main categories to budget for are food, litter and preventative health care.

Cat food

Food is one of the most consistent cat ownership expenses. Costs will vary depending on whether you feed dry food, wet food, or a mix of both.

Premium cat food can cost more upfront, but it often delivers better nutrition, which may support your cat’s long-term health.

Brands like Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin offer breed and life-stage-specific cat food formulas. Many cat owners value the convenience of tailored nutrition that supports their cat’s dietary needs.

Cat owners typically spend around $30 to $95 per month on their cat’s dietary needs.

When possible, buying larger quantities of wet or dry food can save money over time. Petstock offers free standard delivery on orders over $25, and with Autoship, you can receive regular deliveries while saving up to 15% off full-priced Autoship items.

Cat litter

Cat litter is another ongoing cost. The type of litter you choose, whether clumping, crystal or natural, will influence how often you need to replace it and how much you spend each month.

Buying in bulk or choosing a litter that lasts longer between changes can help keep costs down.

Expect to pay between $20 and $45 for cat litter per month.

Health

Even healthy cats need regular care. This includes flea, tick and worming treatments, as well as other preventative health products that help protect your cat from common parasites.

The cost of flea, tick and worming treatments can vary by brand and your cat’s weight. As a guide, costs can start at around $20 for an allwormer, and around $30 for a single worm and flea treatment.

These are important parts of responsible pet ownership and should be factored into your regular cat care budget.

Yearly cat ownership costs

When you zoom out and review your overall expenses, the yearly cost of owning a cat will include a few additional items such as vet visits, grooming and occasional replacements for toys or enrichment products.

Vet visits

Routine vet visits are essential, but it’s also important to budget for unexpected visits. Cats are curious creatures, which is one of their many charms, but it can also lead to the occasional mishap.

Cats can get sick or injured, and emergency vet visits can be one of the biggest costs of cat ownership.

Some cat parents choose to take out pet insurance for peace of mind and help with emergency vet bills. Others set aside part of their annual pet care funds for unexpected vet visits or treatments.

No matter which route you take, having a plan can help reduce stress if these situations arise.

Vet bills will vary based on your cat’s needs, but Petstock Rewards members can access cost-saving perks like free kitten health checks, dental checks and weight checks with a qualified vet nurse. Petstock also offers $20 off your first visit to Petstock Vet for new customers.

Grooming and maintenance

Most cats groom themselves well, but depending on their coat type, you may still need grooming accessories or occasional professional grooming. This might include brushes, detanglers, deshedding tools or other grooming products.

Cats can be very particular about their grooming, so it’s worth being prepared to give them a little extra support whenever they need it.

Petstock’s range of cat grooming accessories starts from around $16 for a basic grooming brush or detangler, and goes up from there.

Other costs to account for

Toys and enrichment

Cats are curious and playful by nature, so toys are a great way to bond with them while keeping them engaged and active.

Cat toys such as wands, tunnels, puzzle feeders and interactive options may need replacing from time to time, especially if your cat has a favourite.

This is where it helps to be strategic with your purchases. Some brands available at Petstock offer Pet Cash, which can be redeemed on products or services. Earning Everyday Rewards points on purchases can also help offset everyday replacement costs over time.

Travel and boarding

If you go away, you’ll need to organise care for your cat. Whether that’s a pet sitter, boarding facility, or asking a friend or family member to help, it’s worth factoring care into your budget.

Prices can vary depending on the option you choose, so it’s worth researching what works best for your cat, your home and your budget.

Home adjustments

Some cat-related costs are not always front of mind at first. From cat-proofing your home to protecting furniture from scratching, small home adjustments can come with additional costs.

A good scratching post is a must-have for your cat. If you have a balcony or outdoor area, you may want to consider enclosures or barriers to help keep your cat safe

Behavioural needs

Cats need mental stimulation just as much as physical care. Puzzle feeders, climbing towers and interactive toys can support your cat’s wellbeing, but they should also be factored into your budget.

If your cat experiences anxiety or other behavioural concerns, vet-recommended medication, supplements or calming products may be needed. Every cat has different needs, so wellbeing support is an important part of ongoing care.

Overall costs

With the above costs in mind, you can start to get a clearer idea of what to set aside for your cat’s recurring expenses.

• Food costs: Around $30 to $95 per month
• Cat litter: Around $20 to $45 per month
• Flea, tick and worming treatments: From around $20 to $30, depending on the product and your cat’s needs
• Vet visits: Budget for routine check-ups, vaccinations and unexpected visits
• Grooming accessories: Starting from around $16 for a basic grooming brush or detangler
• Toys and enrichment: Set aside extra for replacement toys, puzzle feeders and climbing products as needed
• Travel, boarding and home adjustments: Costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and your cat’s needs

Remember, there are plenty of ways to save money over time without compromising on care. Buying in bulk, choosing quality products, watching for special offers and using Pet Cash can all help reduce your overall spend.
You can also earn Everyday Rewards points on a range of purchases through Petstock, helping you save on everyday costs.

Ready to get everything you need for your new cat? Explore Petstock’s range of kitten, adult and senior cat products today.