Whether you’re adopting your first feline or adding another cat to your fur family, it’s important to be prepared for the costs. Expenses like cat litter, food, toys, and vet care can add up faster than you might expect.
In fact, according to Synchrony’s 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study, nearly 8 in 10 U.S. pet parents underestimate the true cost of caring for their animals. (1, 2)
The study also found that lifetime cat care costs have risen by nearly 20 percent since 2022 — a jump likely driven by rising prices and a growing commitment among pet parents to prioritize their cat’s health and well-being. (1)
So, what does cat ownership really cost? Let’s break it down, and look at how options like CareCredit and pet insurance can help you manage the financial load,* allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying life with your cat.
How Much Does a Cat Cost Per Year?
According to the Synchrony 2025 study mentioned above — which was conducted on behalf of CareCredit — caring for a cat costs between $1,873 and $3,006 yearly. (1) That translates to about $156 to $250 monthly. While some pet parents may spend less or more each year, the Synchrony study reflects the typical range most pet parents fall into.
These amounts cover a variety of categories, including:
- Routine veterinary care: Vet checkups, vaccinations, parasite control (flea/tick, deworming), and basic diagnostics
- Daily essentials: Food, treats, litter, etc.
- Supplies and maintenance: Litter boxes, cat trees, scratching posts, food/water bowls, beds, toys, grooming supplies, carriers, etc.
- Miscellaneous: Cleaning supplies, pet sitting, professional groomers, etc.
Factors That Influence How Much You’ll Spend on Your Cat
Where you fall within the yearly cost range depends on several factors, including:
- Age and life stage: Kittens typically have higher costs due to vaccines, spaying/neutering, and extra vet visits. And senior cats often need more frequent vet care, diagnostics, medications, and special diets.
- Health status: A healthy cat with no chronic issues tends to cost less. But if your cat develops an illness or needs emergency care or specialty treatments, costs can escalate quickly.
- Breed and size: It may cost more to feed larger or purebred cats, and some breeds are more prone to certain genetic health issues that necessitate more money spent on veterinary care.
- Quality of care and lifestyle: How much you invest in your cat’s overall care can significantly impact long-term costs. Choosing higher-quality food, prioritizing regular veterinary checkups and preventative treatments, and investing in pet insurance will increase your annual expenses. However, these costs are predictable. High quality of care may result in health issues getting noticed early, which could help prevent the need for emergency care, which can cost a lot more all at once.
- Location and cost of living: Where you live influences vet prices, pet supplies costs, insurance premiums, and boarding fees.
- How much you “spoil” your cat: Some pet parents stick to the basics, while others go all out (think custom cat trees, treat subscription boxes, and automated litter boxes), which can quickly increase costs.
How Much Does a Cat Cost by Category? Ongoing Costs of Cat Ownership
Ongoing cat ownership comes with regular expenses that add up over time, from daily essentials to routine veterinary care. Let’s break down what pet parents can expect to spend on their cat in each major category.
Veterinary Care
This category covers routine veterinary exam costs, vaccinations, routine tests, and common procedures that cats may need. Here’s a general breakdown of average costs for cats: (3)
- Routine vet visit (1-2 times yearly): $53-$124 per exam
- Blood test (basic diagnostic): $113
- Deworming medication: $28
- Fecal exam: $36
- Urinalysis: $25
- Flea and tick control: $28/month
- Vaccinations: $30-$42 per vaccine
- Dental cleaning: $430
- Dental tooth extraction: $81
These costs are averages, so you may pay more or less for each item. Your cat may not receive all of these services every year, so take this into consideration when calculating your individual budget. Also remember that the cost can increase significantly if your cat faces an unexpected illness or injury. In those situations, tools like CareCredit can help make larger or unexpected veterinary bills more manageable.* With flexible financing options, it allows you to pay over time.
Food, Treats, and Litter
Food is one of the most consistent (and important) expenses for cat parents. Together, food and treats can cost an estimated $360 to $1,080 per year. (4)
“Nutrition is the foundation for your cat’s overall health,” says Dr. Ashly Smith, regional medical director at Small Door Veterinary. A complete and balanced diet supports healthy organ function, a strong immune system, good skin and coat quality, steady energy levels, and can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, she explains.
Food costs can vary depending on whether you feed wet, dry, or a mix of both, as well as the brand and quality of the ingredients. Special diets for health conditions typically cost more. Treats can also add up, especially if you give them daily or opt for specialty or functional treats like dental chews or hairball control formulas.
Other ongoing monthly expenses include cat litter ($15–$40/month) and litter box maintenance ($15/month). (4)
Other Supplies
You may also have to periodically replace durable items, such as (4):
- Litter box: $10–$200
- Litter scoop: $10
- Basic food or water bowl: $10
- Scratching post: $30–$80
- Cat tree: $50–$200
- Enrichment toys: $20–$50
- Grooming tools (cat brush and nail clippers): $15
- Pet bed: $20–$60
These costs can vary greatly depending on whether you’re purchasing budget, mid-range, or premium brands. Remember, specialty items like automated, self-cleaning litter boxes can cost significantly more than the prices we’ve listed here.
Miscellaneous Costs
There are several miscellaneous expenses that cat parents may encounter throughout the year. Here are some common “other” expenses to consider:
Grooming: Most cats groom themselves, but long-haired breeds or elderly cats may need extra help. Some pet parents also bring their cats to a groomer or vet to have their ears cleaned and nails trimmed. A cat grooming session can cost about $50. (4)
Boarding or pet sitting: If you travel, you may need to board your cat or hire a pet sitter. Rates typically range from $23 to $122 per day, depending on your location and the type of care. (4) Drop-in visits are generally the most budget-friendly option, while overnight stays in your home or boarding at a facility tend to be more expensive.
Pet insurance: This is optional, but it’s very helpful for covering unexpected medical expenses. It can run you about $300 to $756 per year for accident and illness coverage for cats. Tack on an extra $12 to $29 per month if you add health and wellness coverage. (4)
Cleaning supplies: Common cleaning expenses include enzyme cleaners for accidents, lint rollers for fur, vacuum filters, and disinfectants for litter box areas. This can cost $25 to $75 per year.
Tech: According to the new Synchrony research, annual costs for smart products and services, such as automated litter boxes, feeders, and telehealth tools, increased to $350–$480. (2) These are typically one-time or occasional purchases rather than yearly expenses.
These “other” costs might not apply to every pet parent, or every month or year, but it’s a good idea to budget a little extra to cover them when needed.
What Is the Average Lifetime Cost of a Cat?
According to Synchrony’s 2025 report, the cost of caring for a cat over an average 15-year lifespan is estimated to range from $20,073 to $47,106. (1)
The report also found that unexpected expenses are the leading source of financial stress for cat parents, with nearly half citing them as their top concern, and around 10 percent saying they’ve struggled to cover an unplanned cost. (1)
In most cases, those surprise expenses stem from health-related issues. Even with regular wellness visits and preventative care, sudden illnesses, injuries, or chronic conditions can lead to significant veterinary bills.
Cost of Owning a Cat: Tips and Advice
While the costs of cat ownership can add up, they don’t have to catch you off guard. With smart planning and the right tools, you can focus less on finances and more on the joy of sharing your life with a happy, healthy cat.
Here are some tips to help you budget smartly for your cat’s care:
Start with a monthly pet budget
Setting aside a realistic amount each month for essentials like food, litter, and preventative vet care can make expenses more manageable. It helps you stay prepared and avoid last-minute stress when it’s time to buy more supplies.
Create an emergency fund
Try to save a small amount each month specifically for emergencies and unexpected vet bills. Even a modest fund can make a big difference when faced with an urgent health issue.
Consider pet insurance
According to Dr. Smith, getting pet insurance is one of the most effective ways to reduce the financial burden of cat ownership. “Insurance helps absorb those unexpected costs, so decisions can be made based on what is best for the cat rather than financial pressure,” she says.
Most pet insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses, with optional add-ons available for routine care. Enrolling your cat while they are young and healthy can help lock in lower premiums and avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions later on, Dr. Smith explains.
Use a financing tool for bigger expenses
If you’re facing a larger bill, such as a dental cleaning, surgical procedure, cancer treatment, or orthopedic rehab, consider using CareCredit. Accepted at thousands of veterinary clinics, CareCredit works like a regular credit card and allows you to break up significant expenses into manageable monthly payments.* It can be used on a wide range of treatments and services in the CareCredit network.
Shop smart
Buy food, litter, and common supplies in bulk or during sales. Subscription services or auto-ship programs can sometimes offer discounts, and online retailers may have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores.
Consider budget-friendly cat food
Dr. Smith says that it’s perfectly fine to choose a more budget-friendly cat food, as long as it’s labeled “complete and balanced” for your cat’s life stage and includes meat or meat by-products as the first ingredient. Look for foods that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), usually noted near the nutrition label on the packaging.
Dr. Smith also notes that combining wet and dry food can help reduce overall costs. She says dry food tends to be more affordable and convenient, while wet food supports hydration and benefits urinary and kidney health. A mixed approach can offer a good balance of nutrition and practicality for many cats, without breaking the budget.
Be smart with extras
Dr. Smith says treats are totally fine in moderation, but they should make up no more than 10 percent of your cat’s overall diet. As for supplements, most cats don’t need them if they’re already eating a complete and balanced food. Always check with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your cat’s routine to make sure they’re safe and beneficial.
Prioritize preventative care
Keeping up with wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings may seem like a high upfront cost, but it plays a key role in preventing serious health issues later on.
Dr. Smith explains that catching problems early, such as dental disease, kidney changes, or weight gain, often allows for easier, more affordable treatment with better long-term outcomes. It’s one of the best ways to help your cat enjoy a long, healthy life by your side.
References
- Lifetime of Care Study. Synchrony. June 2025. Retrieved from https://www.petlifetimeofcare2025.com
- New Synchrony Study Finds Nearly 8 out of 10 Pet Owners Underestimate the Cost of Care, Reaching Up to $61,000 During a Pet’s Lifetime. MultiVu. June 2025. Retrieved from https://www.multivu.com/synchrony/9310651-en-synchrony-2025-pet-lifetime-of-care-study
- Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs. CareCredit. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/costs/
- Bauhaus, Jean Marie. How Much Does a Cat Cost? CareCredit. Oct 2025. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/costs-of-owning-a-cat/
*Subject to credit approval. See carecredit.com for details.
This information is shared solely for your convenience. Neither Synchrony nor any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, make any representations or warranties regarding the products described, and no endorsement is implied. You are urged to consult with your individual veterinarian with respect to any professional advice presented.
