How much does a kitten cost over its lifetime?
The Australian Government’s MoneySmart estimates the average cat owner could fork out anywhere up to $6,000 in their cat’s first year, and up to $1,715 each year after that. According to the RSPCA, cats can live up to 20 years. If your cat lives to 20, that could equate to well over $30,000.
What are the upfront costs of getting a kitten?
Upfront costs are the ones you’ll need to pay initially to acquire and comfortably set up your new kitten.
Adoption/purchase fees
Depending on where you purchase your furry friend and what breed you choose, getting a kitten can cost you anywhere from nothing to thousands of dollars. Unless someone gifts you the kitten for free, you’ll likely incur a cost, whether you adopt or buy.
Adopting a kitten from a rescue shelter could cost you around $200. For example, at the time of writing, RSPCA says that it charges $270 to adopt a kitten aged under six months old and $220 to adopt a cat older than that.
Buying a kitten from a pet shop or breeder is typically more expensive, depending on the breed and rarity of the cat. According to Catster, the price of a kitten from a designer breed could set you back anywhere from $500 to $5,000. If you choose to buy from a breeder, seeking out a reputable one is important.
Vet fees
Once you have your new companion, the RSPCA says you’ll encounter upfront vet costs for:
- Desexing: about $115-$300 (male or female)
- Flea and worming treatments: $100
- Kitten vaccinations: $170-$200
- Microchipping: $60.
Some shelters and breeders may desex, vaccinate, microchip and give worm and flea treatment to your kitten before you take it home. This is likely to be reflected in the overall purchase fee. Keep in mind that it may be mandatory in some states to desex and microchip your kitten before it reaches a certain age.
Council registration fees
Depending on where you live, you may have to pay a cat registration fee to your local council. In some states and territories, you must register your cat if it’s over three months old. In others, only dogs need to be registered. As the rules vary, it’s a good idea to check with your local council.
If you do need to pay registration fees, the costs will generally depend on whether your cat is desexed or not, and as registration fees are set by local councils, they can range significantly, so you might expect to pay anywhere from $30-$130 per year.
Accessories
How much you actually spend on toys and accessories will depend on how much you want to shell out. In terms of essentials, the RSPCA suggests you’ll need to cover at least the following:
- Food and bowls: $370 upwards
- Carry cage and bed: $50-$100
- Collar and bell: $15-$50
- Grooming: $50 upwards
- Name tag: $6-$20
- Scratching post: $20-$300
- Toys and treats: $30 upwards
- Tray and litter: $130-$180
What are the ongoing costs of having a kitten?
After covering the upfront costs, there are a number of ongoing expenses like cat food, kitty litter, annual vet checkups and pet insurance to think about.
Insurance
If your cat becomes sick or injured and needs veterinary care, pet insurance may help you claw back some of the costs. The cost of pet insurance will largely depend on your cat’s breed and age. As a general rule, premiums will be more expensive as your cat gets older and its risk of injury or illness increases.
According to recent Canstar data, the average annual premium for accident and illness pet insurance for cats, based on age, is as follows:
- Younger than 1 year: $560
- 2–3 years: $644
- 4–5 years: $745
- 6–7 years: $894
Vet visits/medical costs
Throughout its life, your cat will need regular visits to the vet for checkups and treatments. This may increase as your cat ages and becomes more likely to encounter health problems.
According to the RSPCA, the average cost of annual vaccinations and vet checkups is at least $80, presuming there is no major issue with your pet’s health. Additional health expenses, like flea and worming treatments, will cost you between $100-$150 each year.
You may also face additional costs if you choose to get a ‘grumpy’ flat-faced cat – such as Persian, Himalayan, British and Exotic Shorthair breeds.
Like their dog equivalents, French bulldogs and pugs, these types of cats can suffer from breathing problems and may be more susceptible to conditions like heat stroke, according to Perth Vet Emergency.
Food, litter and toys
The RSPCA says you’re likely to spend upwards of $370 per year on food and $120 on litter. The price of treats and toys will vary depending on how much you want to spoil your cat. Alternatively, you could cut back on these costs by DIYing any toys, treats and play structures.
Grooming
Although they are self-grooming animals, cats can still benefit from regular checking, grooming and cleaning. For example, cat claws need regular trimming to avoid both damage to you and your furniture and to prevent your cat from getting sore, broken claws.
The RSPCA estimates grooming costs will add up to about $50 per year. Of course, this could vary depending on what breed your cat is and how frequently you groom it. Additionally, if you decide to enlist the help of a professional, grooming will likely cost you a bit more.
While it’s possible to groom your kitten on your own, expert grooming assistance may minimise the risk of you hurting your cat – while clipping its claws, for example – and indeed the risk of it scratching you!
