You’ve started the exciting journey of becoming a cat owner. Congratulations! But before you get to the awesome part where you get to welcome your new friend home, you’ve probably got a million questions you need answers to. It’s perfectly normal.
Adding a cat to the family is a big step and a huge responsibility. In this article we’ll be answering the question ‘how much does a cat cost’ and outlining what expenses you should be expecting throughout your life together.
How much does a cat cost?
How much you should expect to pay for a cat is probably the first cost on your mind and there are a few factors to take into consideration. The price will vary based on whether you are looking for a kitten or an adult cat– and as a general rule, the younger the pet the more expensive the price tag. Oftentimes adopting a cat from a shelter will be cheaper than buying the pet from a breeder. Finally, if you are after a specific cat breed, you should keep in mind that some kittens such as Russian Blues or Maine Coons can be quite expensive and might even set you back a few thousand pounds.
How much do cat vaccinations cost?
Cat vaccinations are vital to help protect your pet from various illnesses. The costs vary depending on your veterinarian and the type of vaccine, so it’s important to contact your practice and ask for the vaccination schedule and the individual prices for each injection.
You can expect to pay somewhere between £60 and £100 for the initial course of two vaccinations and thereafter, a yearly booster will be required.
However, if you buy your cat from a breeder, the first set of vaccinations may have been completed by the time you pick your pet up and, in this case, the cost will often be included in the purchase price.
How much does it cost to neuter a cat?
If you don’t want to have more than one set of kitten paws in the house, you should also consider neutering your cat. Spaying a female cat is more expensive than castrating a male cat and costs vary so it is best to speak to your local vet practice for a quote.
How much is cat insurance?
Next, add insurance on your list of costs of owning a cat. Cat insurance can offer peace of mind knowing that your pet will be in good hands if unexpected health issues arise. The policies vary so much that it is impossible to estimate a cost upfront. It is a good idea to ‘shop around’ and ask a few providers for quotes so you can find the most cost-effective policy that meets your needs.
Don’t forget to read the small print before committing to a particular policy and be sure to check details such as the level of cover. Consider buying a policy with lifetime cover – this may be more costly but can be beneficial in the long term. This way you can avoid unexpected bills in the future.
How much are worming treatments for cats?
Another medical expense you should consider when adding up the costs of owning a cat is deworming. Following a regular cat deworming programme is important and will help keep these little parasites at bay. How often you need to deworm your cat may depend on their lifestyle - for example, do they roam free and hunt lots or do they live indoors? However, on average, the cost is £15 every few months.
How much does micro-chipping your cat cost?
If you want to increase the chances that you will get reunited with your new furry friend if they go missing, micro-chipping your cat is a great option. It is a simple procedure and although your pet may experience mild discomfort, this will be over very quickly. Micro-chipping your cat will give you peace of mind.
The costs can vary depending on the practice you choose, but the average price is around £20.
How much is cat food?
Depending on the type of cat food you choose, the yearly costs can vary quite a lot, but an estimate is about £250 per year. Don’t forget that cat treats are also an important part of life together. They are a great way to show extra love to your cat, to reward good behaviour and to promote bonding between you and your pet.
A pack will set you back about £3, so the cost can add up over the course of a year.
How much are cat toys?
Or you can splash out on the ultimate cat entertainment and pay up to £100 for cat furniture or cat trees.
How much are cat beds?
There are so many options when it comes to choosing the perfect bed for your cat. Size is one of the key factors that will influence how much this purchase will end up costing you. However there are also wall-mounted beds, cuddly cat beds and even radiator bags that double as a nice, warm bed for your four-legged friend.
Prices vary, but on average the cost of a simple cat bed is between £10-£25. Fancier options such as wicker cat baskets can set you back £60 or more.
As well as these costs, there may also be other expenses to think about, such as vet bills if your kitty is ill and cat sitting or cattery bills if you have to go away. Cats that toilet indoors will need litter trays and cat litter, and those that go outside may also use a cat flap, which will come with an installation bill unless there is already one in your house.
Now that you know how much a cat costs, discover even more handy tips about getting a new cat, next.
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Related articles:
Buying a Kitten from a Breeder
Getting a Cat or Kitten
Why Adopt an Older Cat?
How Much Space Do Cats Need
