How Much Does a New Kitten Cost?

Everything You Need to Budget for Your Kitty ’s First Year

There ’s no doubt that kittens are cute : They purr , they pounce , and they cuddle like champion . And they ’re usually less pricey than dogs . But even if someone offer you one for free , there are still expense that hail with have a cat-o'-nine-tails .

If you ’re think about getting a fresh feline friend , it ’s essential you know how much a kitten monetary value , Andrea Woroch , a personal finance expert for Rover.com says . Understanding ( and budgeting for ) what you ’ll have to crush out to provide right forethought is an all-important part of preferent parentage .

Woman holding tiny kitten in her hands

Photo: Alex Photo / Adobe Stock

What Is the Average Cost of a Kitten?

The ordinary disbursement for kitten fear ranges from as low as $ 600 to as much as $ 5,300 . That means you’re able to expect to budget $ 50 to $ 450 a month for that first yr . Thereafter , hombre parent pass around $ 300 to $ 3,000 each twelvemonth or $ 25 to $ 250 a month .

Thecost of a catover a lifetime can really lend up . But for many of us , the joy of having a feline companion is totally worth it .

6 Expenses That Impact How Much a Kitten Costs

1. Purchase or Adoption Fee

What you devote to bring home a kitten will have the biggest shock on your first - year expense . It cost far more to purchase a kitty from a breeder than it does to get one from a tax shelter . Another financial bonus to adopting is that kittens from shelter typically receive veterinary service including vaccination , which eliminates some of the toll of lift a levelheaded kitten .

2. Health Checkups and Vaccinations

Like young shaver , kittens needvaccinationsto hike their immunity and protect them from common diseases . More trips to the vet to getfeline shots and wellness checksmean first - year veterinary expenses for kittens are higher than for grownup cats , who typically just need annual checkups .

According to VCA Animal Hospitals , kitten should get four round of vaccinations begin when they ’re six to eight weeks sure-enough and then every three to four hebdomad until four months of ageIt ’s criterion for kittens to get tested and handle forintestinal parasites ( worms)too , says the Michigan Humane Society , because most kittens have them . The sponge are passed to offspring through their mother ’s blood during pregnancy and through her milk when they nurse .

3. Spay or Neuter Surgery

Kittens are quick for aspay or neuter procedureat around six months of age . Most pet parent opt for this because it prevent unwanted pregnancies , menses , and annoying behavior like yowling when cats go into heating system . Thecost of spay or neuter surgerycan go up to $ 500 , depending on the pricing at veterinary clinic near you .

4. Pet Gear

hold your kitten sense ripe at home does n’t have to cost a lot unless you want to fling . There are toys , beds , collar , bowls , brushes , nail pruner , and litter box at various price period . And , you do n’t have to get everything all at once . Add things like a scrape post and a cat tree over time . The one matter you ca n’t skimp on ? Litter . The Humane Society of the United States urge you alter your kitten ’s litter box at least once a workweek .

5. Food

6. Microchipping

Think ofmicrochipping your catas a permanent identification ( ID ) tag . It reunite you with your furry pal if your cat gets mislay . Even indoor - only cats can unintentionally end up out of doors . When scanned by staff at a shelter or veterinary clinic , the chip provides your striking information so they can get you recognise where your furry buddy is .

The procedure is quick and simple — a veterinarian injects an electronic chip the sizing of a grain of Timothy Miles Bindon Rice under your kitten ’s peel . It just feels like set about a barb , says theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA ) .

How Can I Save on Kitten Expenses?

There are several ways you may cut the cost of raising a kitten :

Adopt Instead of Purchase

opt to adopt alternatively of buy a kitten from a stock breeder make the most shock on your initial expense . Not only are adoption fees lower , but they often include vaccinations and sometimes microchipping , spaying , and neutering , too .

Consider Pet Insurance

Veterinary service are the next large item in first - year expense for kitten and there are ways to save here as well . Depending on how expensive veterinary services are in your area , best-loved insurancemay reduce your out - of - sac fee .

For exemplar , some kitteninsurance plansfully embrace the cost of wellness visits , vaccination , and spay or neuter surgery . So if you ’re still on the claw for all of that aid , reckon comparing what you ’d give for an insurance plan versus directly out of your wallet .

Find Discount Veterinary Services

Another alternative is to seek outdiscount veterinarian servicesoffered by shelters and non - profit animal organizations . These clinic provide gratis or discounted inoculation , spaying and neutering , and microchipping .

Buy Pet Gear on Sale

The last , and perhaps easiest place , to bring through some coin is onpet gear . Besides frequent at dollar - character discount stores for pet bed , bowl , toy , and more , you may also adopt a few savvy shopping habits to get more bang for your vaulting horse , Woroch state . " For instance , shop gross sales and look for coupon before you buy anything . you may also appear into program that offer cash back on pet purchases to put toward future needs . "

With a little effort , you may make make for home a kitten more affordable and secure your new four - legged supporter has the happiest and healthiest liveliness .

testimonial for New Kitten Owners . VCA Animal Hospitals .

Infographic showing first year, annual, and lifetime average costs