We ’re not kitten around — bozo make great positron emission tomography . But how much can you expect to pass as an possessor ? Take a look at these figures ( and try not to get hissy about it ) .

No matter what phase you ’re in — just starting your search , visit shelters , or picking up your raw feline friend — it ’s always crucial to consider the price of owning a big cat . All favorite proprietor should have monetary fund set apart to supply the good potential life for their four - legged - admirer . But just how much do you really call for ? Let ’s take a look :

Bringing Your Cat Home

During the first year of your computerized axial tomography ’s living , you ’ll husk out some extra dough to gather all the necessary supplies . These one - time costs admit purchase food for thought and urine bowl , a bedding material box seat , and a scratching post . Keep in mind they may need new ones in a few years if the previous ones wear out promptly . " Although these figures can vary ground on the type of positron emission tomography you are bringing into your place , we estimate that the mediocre preferent owner spends$1,100–2,000within the first class of owning a new pet , " say Kelly DiCicco , Manager of Promotions for theASPCA .

Luckily , the initial adoption fee or purchase cost will only be included in your annual expenses once . Certainvaccinations , microchips , andspaying / neuteringare also a one - meter cost . you may breathe a sigh of fill-in knowing this first twelvemonth of their life will probably be the most expensive .

Annual Expenses

The basic everyday expenses for a bozo are nutrient , water , and kitty litter — but a slew more goes into that price , especially depend on your specific cat . Most cat are pretty low maintenance when it comes to groom ( they do the line of work themselves , after all ! ) but some may require extra care to keep their coat clean and shiny . Should your feline need professional training , it could cost an additional$300 a year .

The costs ofkeeping a neat bedding material boxcan sum up up fast , too . And you ca n’t always cut corners and go with the gaudy kitty litter — if your little crony does n’t care the smell or feel of their litter , they ’ll happily do their business on your brand unexampled bedspread or fresh rug . houseclean up that mess could end up costing you more later on , so always try out with litters until your cat picks the onehelikes best . * eyeroll *

Lifetime Expenses

After yearly expenses , you must think about the lifetime cost of own a cat . This mostly bet on the overall health and health of your pet — are you prepared for the unexpected costs ?

First , think about preventive care . You ’ll need to get flea and check mark bar for your cat , as well as vaccinations to ascertain they detain healthy and thevet billsdon’t bestow up by and by on . You ’ll also need to set aside some fund for the possibility of an emergency veteran sojourn . The saying " curiosity killed the hombre " is around for a intellect — it ’s potential they ’ll get into thing they should n’t . An unforeseen medical intervention like emergency operations can be thousands . Even when you ’re prepared withpet insurance policy , you ’ll be paying century a twelvemonth to keep that coverage in the event of an accident .

Do n’t forget to throw biography events into the mix . What materialize in the issue of a move ? Will you need to give a favorite deposition or cleanup fee in your new place ? You ’ll also have to be prepare withboarding or computerized tomography - sitting optionsanytime you are n’t household , and those can add up fast .

japanese fortune cat figures; what are the true costs of owning a cat?

Photo: Alain Pham / Unsplash

For a closer look at the numbers pool , we assemble the average cost of owning a big cat and betoken the lifespan cost . The following expense are based on information fromMoneyandPetfinder .

Cost of Owning a Cat by Breed

It ’s important to point out that some cat breed are more expensive than others . If you ’re looking for a lower fiscal committedness , you may desire to avoid certain breed that are more known for medical issues and pricey maintenance . The most expensive cat strain includeSavannahs , Bengals , andPersians . These breeds , while beautiful , lean to cost a prettier penny . Savannah cat typically have the highest Leontyne Price tatter , but they ’re loosely healthy . Persian cats , on the other hand , can be purchased for as niggling as$500but are prone to many health conditions that could add up over time .

On the most affordable list of cat breeds , you may findsnowshoes , Maine coons , Oriental shorthairs , andSiamese . Of course , a domestic ( or mixed breed ) computed tomography will always be the least expensive choice . In a fortune of cases , try out a assorted breed from a tax shelter saves you money — think cheaper adoption fee , vaccinations , and spay / neuter already take aid of .

Budgeting for a Cat

Becoming a khat parent does n’t have to come apart the banking concern . There are multiple ways to reduce costs without cutting quality of life , for you or your feline friend .

Start out by looking intoadoption — you’ll save on the initial cost with the tot benefit of saving an brute in demand . In some cases , shelters will even help cover the costs of vaccination and spaying / neutering .

" economise the price of a visit to your groomer with regularnail trimmingsand brushings . It ’s good for your pet , it will reduce the amount of hair floating around your home , and your big cat will have few hairballs , " DiCicco says .

Infographic showing first year, annual, and lifetime average costs

Corinne Mucha

Keep thing canonic . Purchase a simplecat copse or combfor basic brushing , and do n’t go demented on a fancy collar . Look up DIY tutorial on making computed axial tomography toys or ascratching post , and frequent yard sales to keep an eye out for softly used supplies .

" fiscal lot alone are not reliable indicators of the capacity to love and manage for a companion animal , " DiCicco says . " Pet owners who are financially advantaged do not do it their pets any more or less than those in different fiscal situations . Outside of financial costs and consideration for your life-style , all favorite , whether you are get home a large dog or a petite kitten , require love and right care . " The costs of owning a cat can add up , but budgeting in advance can certainly help prepare you ( and your kitty ) for a prospicient lifetime of love .

Woman holding tiny kitten in her hands

woman holding dog

Photo Illustration with blueberries in background

woman petting dog that is laying on bed

woman holding beagle

Female veterinary doctor giving a vaccine injection to a kitten

puppy getting vaccinations; dog vaccination cost

groomer using clippers on a white dog

man holding and kissing four husky puppies

pug with owner in pet shop

illustration of pet clinic

Cheerful woman playing with dog and cat at home

dog being bathed

Overhead view of a white German Shepherd sitting on a lawn surrounded by colourful Easter eggs

young puppy sitting in grass

dog having leg bandaged by veterinarian