Cats make great pets for many people and are one of the top pets in America today. While the cost of owning a cat versus owning a dog differs, there is still a significant cost to cat ownership. The average pet owner is often surprised at the cost both of owning a cat per year, as well as the cost of owning a cat over its life.
When It Comes to Pets, Money Matters
Some argue that their love for their pet is the main consideration and that the cost does not matter. The reality is that cost matters a great deal and directly influences both the type and quality of care that an animal will receive. Pet owners should plan ahead and budget accordingly for their four-legged friends so that routine wellness care, preventative medications, food and emergency health problems are less of a financial burden. Recognizing that cats can cost a lot of money helps cat owners to plan ahead and be more prepared to provide the necessary care for their cat. Owning a cat is not a right, but a privilege and a luxury.
How Much Does it Cost to Own a Cat?
While the actual cost of owning a cat is highly variable, the average cost to own a cat is $809 per year, with the first year averaging $1,174. As most cats live an average of 9 to 15 years, this becomes an average lifetime cost of $7,646 to $12,500. These figures are merely estimates by the ASPCA, however, many cat owners will spend two to three times these values over the course of their cat’s life.
The main variable of the cost is based on where a cat owner resides. Many areas of the country have a higher cost of living than others, which then translates into higher costs for pet foods, medications and veterinary care. Other variables include a cat owner’s choice of diet, litter, flea prevention, grooming, and little extras, such as toys or treats. Cats with chronic medical problems, such as allergies, kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism, will ultimately cost more than those that remain healthy.
Saving Money on Pet Ownership
While some people think they can cut costs on food, litter and veterinary expenses, they may be sorely mistaken. Feeding low quality food can lead to the onset of urinary or intestinal problems in some cats, resulting in higher veterinary bills. The same goes for avoiding routine veterinary care. Skipping annual exams, vaccines, flea prevention or deworming can allow problems to go undetected for longer, costing more in the end.
More and more pet owners are taking out insurance policies for their cats. There are many different insurance options for cat owners to consider. Most policies cover medical emergencies or medical problems associated with chronic health conditions. Some policies also cover wellness care, including veterinary exams, vaccines, and flea and heartworm preventatives. It is important for cat owners to recognize that these insurance policies are unlikely to save them money in the long term, but are hugely beneficial in affording treatment if their cat experiences an unexpected medical problem.
The Financial Exception of Feral Cats
Cats are different than dogs in the sense that they can lead a semi-wild or feral life, and cost the owner virtually nothing. There are tens of thousands of these "pets" living on the farms and the back streets of America's cities. These animals are often infested with parasites and deadly viral diseases, and survive by hunting, which takes a tremendous toll on wildlife. Their quality of life is very poor and most do not live more than a few years. The cost of owning these exclusively outdoor cats differs greatly from that of the average housecat, due to the differences in the expectation of their quality of life.
The Myth of the 'Free Kitten'
The cost associated with adopting a new cat or kitten is negligible relative to the cost of caring for a cat throughout its life. As such, there is no such thing as a free kitten. Before adopting a new cat, prospective owners should not only consider their available financial budget, but also the budget of their free time for the care of a cat. Pets require a lot of time, energy and attention in order to meet their basic physical and social needs. For some people, recognizing that they may not be to care for a cat at a given point in time is the responsible decision.
The animal shelters in this country are overflowing with abandoned and unwanted cats and dogs. Millions are euthanized every year and millions more lead unhappy and poor quality lives with owners that do not meet their basic needs. If a prospective owner is prepared to undertake the commitment of cat ownership, adopting a needy cat from a shelter or rescue is often the way to go.
Some prospective owners have their hearts set on owning a purebred cat. In these cases, only purchase a cat that is guaranteed to be healthy, is well-bred, and whose parents and grandparents have been screened and tested for are heritable diseases. Cat owners should approach cat ownership with their eyes wide open about both the cost of owning a cat over its life, as well as the time and emotional commitment required.