How Much Does It Cost To Take Care Of A Cat
Introduction
It’s no secret that cats are expensive. They eat special food, go to the vet for special cat exams, and have litter boxes that need constant cleaning (not to mention frequent refills of odor-absorbing pellets). I’m just as guilty of anyone of spending a small fortune to keep my cat happy and healthy. But over time, this got me wondering: How much does it really cost to care for a cat? After doing some research and crunching some numbers, here’s what I found…
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The True Cost of the Cat
You may be thinking that the cost of caring for a cat is going to be higher than the cost of caring for a dog. But it’s actually not!
According to an article by VetStreet, “Caring for Your Cat: A Comprehensive Guide,” cats are much less demanding than dogs when it comes to their care requirements: they only need food, water and litter box cleaning; they don’t require exercise or grooming like dogs do. The average annual cost of owning a cat is $1,078 per year (compared with $2,638 per year for dogs).
Food
The cost of food varies depending on the type of food you buy, but it’s possible to save money on your cat’s diet without compromising their health. Food brands that are more expensive don’t necessarily offer better nutrition than cheaper ones.
While most people assume that wet food is a healthier option, dry kibble contains fewer calories than wet cat food and can be a good choice for weight control if you’re concerned about your feline friend putting on too much weight. Also, keep in mind that cats need water as part of their diet; make sure they always have access to fresh water at all times so they can stay hydrated!
Litter
Your cat will need a litter box. This is where he or she will do the majority of their business, and it’s also where they’ll eat and drink. You can find them at any pet store for under $10.
Litter comes in clumping and non-clumping varieties, but you should only use clumping litter since it’s easier to clean up when your cat uses the box and easier to dispose of as well. Litter scoopers are also available for around $5 each at most pet stores; these tools make it easy to remove waste from the box without having to touch it yourself or risk stepping in it yourself on accident later on! You may want a few of these just so that one isn’t always sitting around waiting until you need something else before you can use it again (which would defeat its purpose).
If you have multiple cats, consider getting a mat underneath their boxes too so that they don’t track litter onto your flooring throughout the house – this can get expensive if done frequently enough! Litter liner bags work well enough as long as they’re thick enough not slip through holes while still being able to trap liquids within them so they don’t leak out onto surfaces below like tile floors often do when wetted down directly from above (or even worse: wood floors!).
Medical
You might be surprised to learn that it costs more to take care of a cat than it does a dog, but the truth is that cats are more expensive than dogs in general. That’s because cats require more specialized food and grooming, as well as regular visits to the vet. So how much does it cost to keep your feline friend healthy? You can expect to spend between $300 and $1,000 per year for their medical needs, depending on their age and breed. These expenses may include:
- Flea prevention products (sprays or collars)
- Vaccinations for rabies and other diseases
- Annual wellness exams with blood work done by your veterinarian
Supplies
You’ll also need to purchase supplies for your cat. Here are some of the basic items you’ll need:
- Litter box – $12-$20
- Litter – $5-$12 per bag (depending on size)
- Litter scoop – $3-$8
- Cat food bowl – $3-$10 (depending on material)
- Cat brush – $4-$15 (depending on material)
If you’re getting a kitten, you might want to consider purchasing a carrier for transport purposes and/or a bed or furniture for them to sleep in. If you have an older cat who likes to climb, consider buying some toys that will keep him entertained and mentally stimulated!
Taking care of a cat is cheaper than owning a dog, but there are still some costs involved.
Taking care of a cat is cheaper than owning a dog, but there are still some costs involved. Some of the expenses related to taking care of your cat include:
- Food and water bowls (a very basic necessity)
- Toys and bedding (a luxury item that your cat will appreciate)
- A litter box (another basic necessity)
Conclusion
Cats are wonderful pets if you have a budget. I do think it’s important to know what the basic cost of owning a cat is so that you can decide if you can afford it. There may be unexpected costs, like vet visits and food recalls that happen from time to time but in general, the $10-per-month estimate for routine care should cover most cats.