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Costs of owning a Cat PDF Print E-mail
Written by Melanie   

I found this fantastic article on the Cat Protection Society's website (http://www.catprotection.org.au/pdf/Fact_sheet_cost_of_owning_cat_170708.pdf) about the MINIMUM costs of owning cat which I have copied and placed below. The below costs don't include the cost of purchasing the kitten.

 
FACTSHEET  - The cost of owning a cat 

 

Many people think having a cat as a companion animal won’t involve any more expense 
than feeding the cat. Wrong! Every year tens of thousands of cats and kittens are 
surrendered to animal welfare agencies and pounds because their owners cannot afford 
to keep them. Many of these cats are euthanased as there simply aren’t enough homes 
for all of them. Being a responsible cat owner means making a commitment to the cat for 
their lifetime – up to 20 years. 

 

Below is a list of the expenses you can expect when taking on the responsibility of a cat.  

 

Please note if you are adopting a cat or kitten from the Cat Protection Society, they will 
already be desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and flea- and worm-treated. However, flea 
and worm treatment and vaccinations must be continued for the cat’s lifetime in order to 
remain effective. 

 

 

WHAT IS NEEDED MINIMUM 
EXPECTED COST 

 

Microchip 
It is a legal requirement for all cats in NSW to be microchipped by the 
time they are 12 weeks old 
$60.00  - $85 depending on where you get this done.

 

Vaccination 
At 8 weeks, 12 weeks then yearly for the rest of your cat’s life. 
Vaccination protects your cat from disease 
$70.00 each vaccination 

 

Desexing 
Both male and female cats need to be desexed. Female cats can 
become pregnant from as young as 3 months old and male cats can 
start spraying behaviours from 3–4 months old. At the Cat Protection 
Society we recommend early age desexing  between 8-10 weeks 
$80.00 Cost  for this operation can be more than $200 at some vet clinics 

 

Worming 
Cats need to be wormed fortnightly until 12 weeks of age, and then 
every three months for the rest of their lives.  
$3.00 per dose 

 

Flea Treatment 
Your cat will need flea treatment even if they don’t go outside. Fleas and 
their eggs can be brought in with clothing or by the wind. From 6 weeks 
old you can start monthly flea treatment for your cat 
$10.00 per treatment

 

Litter Tray 
Even if your cat is outside most of the time you will need to provide a 
litter tray for times when your cat isn’t comfortable going outside, and for 
night-time when your cat should ALWAYS be inside 
$10.00 litter trays are available in many different styles and can cost as much as $150 

 

Kitty Litter 
You will need to supply your cat with fresh kitty litter every other day 
depending on the type of litter you choose 
$8.00 per bag 

 

Scratch Posts 
All cats need to shed their dead nails. Ideally you should supply your cat 
with a number of scratch posts to save your furniture  
$20.00 posts come in many styles and sizes; costs vary 

 

Toys 
Even adult cats should be provided with stimulation; provide your cat 
with a few different toys to keep them amused 
$2.00 per toy 

 

Bedding 
Your cat will need a place of their own to sleep, even if they like to 
snuggle up with you in bed. A cat bed or blanket is ideal.  
$10.00 beds can be as plain or fancy as you choose and can cost up to $200.00 

 

Food 
You will need to provide a good quality food to ensure your cat will have 
a healthy life. Try to avoid supermarket brands and buy the best you can 
afford from pet supplies stores or your local vet. The Cat Protection 
Society recommends Hill’s Science Diet as it gives your cat all the 
nutrients they need. 
$23.00 per bag 

 

Registration 
Cats in NSW must be registered with your local council. This is a legal 
requirement and failure to do so will lead to a fine 
desexed: $40.00- $60 
undesexed: $150.00 
pensioner discount if desexed: $15.00 
Registration is for life 

 

Health Checks 
Even if your cat looks healthy they will need a yearly health check at 
your vet. This can be done when your cat gets their yearly vaccination 
$75 /$90.00 per visit 

 

Collar and Bell 
It is a good idea to have a collar and bell on your cat even if they are 
indoors only. If the cat does get outside people will know the cat is 
owned. It is also a good idea to have an ID tag on the collar with contact 
details in case the cat runs away 
Collar: $5.00 

 

Tag: $10.00 

 

Carry Cage 
You will need a secure pet carrier to transport your cat to the vet or for 
boarding. Most vets will not let a cat into the clinic unless the cat is in a 
secure pet carrier. Boarding catteries will also require your cat to arrive in a secure carry box.
$30.00 - $65

 

Brush 
Even though cats groom themselves, you need to brush your cat once a 
week if they are a short-hair and daily for a long-haired cat. This will 
minimise the amount of fur around the house and reduce the risk of 
furballs 
$10.00 

 

Minimum cost in the first year $1000.00 
Minimum cost in subsequent years $800.00 pa

 

The average life span for a domestic cat is 14 years, but cats can live to be 20+ years 
old. Are you willing to care for a cat for this long? 

 

When you decide a cat is the companion for you, you need to consider the fact that in 
the first year of owning your cat you will need to spend at least $1000 to keep the cat 
healthy. This cost will then be at least $800 per year for the rest of your cat’s life. 

 

Unexpected illness and injury to your cat can be very expensive and may increase the 
cost of maintaining your cat greatly. You may wish to consider pet insurance. 

 

If you go on holidays you will need to look at a boarding cattery for your cat, or a 
person to feed your cat in your home. Look at all the options before going away to 
minimise the stress on your cat. 

 

If you are having problems with your cat call your local vet for advice. They may be 
able to refer you to a behaviour consultant who will be able to give you assistance on 
cat related problems. You can also call the Cat Protection Society for advice. 
Consider kitten kindy. This helps you learn what to do to care for your kitten and helps 
your kitten socialise. It is also a great way for children to learn responsible cat care. 

 

If your cat isn’t using the litter tray, try using a different litter. Many types are available. 
Also try changing the litter more often as a cat’s sense of smell is much greater than 
ours. You can also call the Cat Protection Society for advice. If the problem continues, 
see the vet – the cat may be ill. 

 

If you would like your cat to be outdoors safely try an outdoor cat enclosure. Pre- 
made products are available or you can build your own. A free DIY guide on cat-proof 
fencing and cat enclosures is available from the Cat Protection Society website. 
 
Buying a pet as a surprise gift is a bad idea. Shelters receive thousands of surrenders 
each year because people make the wrong decision for a pet. If you want to buy a cat 
or kitten as a gift, take the person you are getting the cat for with you. That way they 
can choose the cat which suits them. Remember a cat is a living, feeling being and 
should be a life long friend.  

 

Choose a cat or kitten that best suits your circumstances. A very active cat may not 
do well in a small apartment; a shy cat may become nervous when introduced to a 
large busy house. Think about how many hours you will be home and what time you 
can spend with the cat before you adopt. Sometimes two cats may be better than one. 

 

Cats are intelligent, loving and playful and deserve loving, responsible homes.    

Last Updated on Sunday, 15 October 2017 03:43
 

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