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The cost of owning a cat

Discover the monthly, annual and initial costs of cat ownership, including food, insurance, vet fees and everyday care. 

The cost of owning a cat

Discover the monthly, annual and initial costs of cat ownership, including food, insurance, vet fees and everyday care. 

  • How much does it cost to own a cat in the UK?
  • Initial costs of getting a cat
  • Buying or adopting a cat
  • Essentials for a new cat
  • Your first vet visit and associated costs
  • Monthly costs of owning a cat
  • Annual and ongoing costs
  • Unexpected and emergency costs
  • How to reduce the cost of owning a cat
  • What to do if you're worried about affording your cat

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How much does it cost to own a cat in the UK? 

Owning a cat can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but while a pet can offer companionship, the cost of owning a cat is a long-term financial commitment.  

In fact, the typical annual cost of a cat is estimated to be over £1000 each year. A healthy cat can live up to eighteen years, so you might want to think about how you’ll budget for your pet for the foreseeable. Take a look at our guide for the costs of basic cat ownership.

One off expenses 

Item 

Approximate cost 

Cat carrier 

£25 - £40 

Microchip 

£20-£30 

Scratching post 

£30 - £40 

Toys 

£40 - £60 

Litter tray 

£10- £25 each, although we’d recommend having more than one 

Food and water bowls 

£10-£20 

Grooming tools - brush 

£10 - £20 

Cat flap (excluding installation) 

£40 - £60 

Cat bed 

£20 - £40 

 Monthly expenses 

Item 

Approximate cost 

Routine healthcare including worming, flea treatment etc. 

£10-£20 

Food 

£20-£50, although premium or prescription diets may cost more  

Litter 

£20-£30 

Insurance 

£25 - £50, although this varies with age, breed, any existing health conditions and even your postcode area 

Vet health club 

£20-£40 – Although not mandatory to sign up to, being part of your vet’s health club usually covers routine healthcare like flea and worming treatment as well as annual vaccines. 

 Annual expenses 

Item 

Approximate cost 

Annual vet check 

£50-£80 

Annual vaccinations 

£70-£90, depending on where you live 

Pet sitting 

£150 - £300 for one week, depending on where you live 

Initial costs of getting a cat

Buying or adopting a cat 

If you’re thinking about getting a cat, you’ll need to think about whether you’d like to buy a cat or adopt one who needs a home. 

Of course, we’re a bit biased but we think adopting from us is a great choice. Not only will you be providing a home for a cat that needs one but neutering, microchipping, vaccinations and an initial health check is all included in your adoption fee. You’ll also get four weeks free pet insurance. 

Adoption fees can vary depending on where you are in the UK but you can expect to pay between £80 and £120 to adopt an adult cat and £100 to £120 for a kitten. 

If you’re looking to buy a cat, non-pedigree cats and kittens can cost anything from £80 to £300, while pedigree cats like British Shorthairs, Maine Coons or Ragdolls can cost anything from £800-£2000. 

Essentials for a new cat

Before you bring your new cat home, you’ll need to add a few essentials to your shopping list. These will also need replacing from time to time. These include:

  • Two food bowls and two water bowls  
  • Food – prices vary hugely by brand but check the back of the packet if you’re unsure 
  • A soft, warm and comfortable bed, although cats regularly rotate their sleeping spaces so you may need more than one! 
  • Ideally two litter trays 
  • Litter – we’d recommend a litter tray with a complete litter change fresh litter changed at least once a week. Litters vary in price and you’ll have the option of clumping or non-clumping 
  • A sturdy scratching post 
  • A brush 
  • Cat toys  
  • A cat carrier 
  • A cat flap, or at least a method of allowing your cat access to the outside – if you want to install a cat flap, you’ll also need to add installation into the cost.

Your first vet visit and associated costs

If you have adopted a cat from Cats Protection, your cat will have received a full health check including its first set of vaccinations, neutering and microchipping. If you have bought a cat, you’ll need to factor in these costs. 

  • Vaccinations – annual vaccinations (including the initial vaccinations your cat needs) are approximately £70-£90 but are hugely dependent on where you live. They protect your cat against common but potentially serious cat diseases
  • Neutering – male cats cost around £50-£100 and female cats cost around £100-£300. Neutering is important to avoid unwanted litters of kittens but also offers a whole host of health benefits. 
  • Microchipping – microchipping costs around £20-£30 and is now a legal requirement so you could be charged up to £500 if you don’t comply. It is also the most effective method of being reunited with your cat should they go missing.
  • First vet visit – the initial health check for a cat is usually around £45-£60.  
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