Cost of buying and owning a cat

How much does caring for your cat really cost?

Cats need a loving home, care and commitment. The real cost to keep a cat across their lifetime can be in the thousands if you include their basic welfare needs. If they live longer than average or need unexpected vet support, this cost could be higher.

Cost of cat toys and belongings

Buying all the kit for your new cat or kitten is very exciting. But it adds up quickly, and the overall price may turn your whiskers up. To keep costs down, you may be able to ask friends or family if they have any cat toys they no longer need. 

Here’s a new cat checklist of things you’ll need to get you started:

• Litter tray (at least one per cat)
• Cat tree – especially important for indoor cats
• Food and water bowls 
• Cosy bed 
• Cat scratching post
• Cat carrier 
• Brush or comb 
• Toys

One-off cat costs

Even after you’ve bought your cat and welcomed them into the family, there are some one-off cat and kitten costs that you’ll encounter in their lifetime. These include: 

• Initial vaccinations – you will need to pay for your kitten’s first vaccinations.
• Microchip – this is now a legal requirement in England. Most breeders and cat shelters will microchip their cats before they go to their forever homes, but this cost is usually passed on to the buyer. 
• Neutering and castration – is important to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The price varies depending on where you live, and it’s more expensive to spay females.
• Cat sitter – if you go on holiday or are unable to take care of your cat for a period of time, it’s your responsibility to find someone to care for them. This could be a responsible family member or friend, or you may have to take them to a cattery or pay a pet sitter to come and look after them.

If you’re welcoming two furry friends, you’ll need to account for purchasing extra supplies, so the cats don’t need to share resources or equipment. 

If you have safe outdoor access, you may consider installing a cat flap. You’ll need to consider the price of the cat flap as well as installation costs.
 

Unexpected cat costs 

Sometimes things go wrong. If your kitty has an accident or catches an illness, knowing you’re prepared with pet insurance may help. That way, if you’re hit with vet bills out of the blue, you can access support when it comes to footing the bill.

End of life cat costs 

While it’s unbearable to think about your feline crossing the rainbow bridge, it’s something you need to be able to budget for. Specialist food, medical costs, euthanasia and cremation are costs you may need to face when your cat gets older.

While it’s a rewarding responsibility to raise a cat, there’s no harm in limiting costs where you can. Here are some ways you could save pennies while still providing your feline with the best life:

Keep vet bills down

No one likes taking their pet to the vet, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If your cat is unwell, you have a responsibility to get them checked. The vet isn’t the only answer, though – providing your cat with proper nutrition and treating them with TLC could minimise unexpected visits. 

Stay up to date with preventative treatments like vaccinations to minimise the risk that your feline catches a disease that requires costly medical treatment. Sometimes local vets may offer their own schemes, where you can pay monthly to receive routine treatments and discounts on certain appointments.

Get the right food 

Food is another recurring cost of owning a cat. Your feline needs good-quality food to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need to grow up happy and healthy. There are many options on the market at various price points. Talk with your vet for recommendations on what food will get your feline purring.

Check the meat content of the food you’re providing, as sometimes higher price tags don’t always equal better quality. There are also different options for different stages of your cat’s life. Kittens need different nutrient levels than senior felines, so be sure to select an age-appropriate option.

Stay on top of their cat litter 

While it’s not the most glamorous job, it’s an important one. Rather than waiting until the whole litter tray is soiled, spot clean it as soon as your pet uses it. This helps keep the overall litter cleaner for longer, as you won’t have to replace the whole lot as regularly. If you remove any mess as soon as you can, you may only need to do a full clean once a week. By ensuring the litter tray remains clean, your cat is more likely to use it.

Your pet should use the toilet regularly to help prevent costly complications, like cystitis or constipation. 

Consider getting insurance 

Vet bills can hit when you least expect, and cat insurance may help take some of the financial strain away if your moggie gets into mischief. It’s worth shopping around to find the best deal for your family. You can tailor your policy to suit you, with a range of cover levels and excess amounts.

There’s no better feeling than returning home after a long day and hearing that familiar thump of your cat coming down the stairs to greet you. Dogs may be heralded as man’s best friend, but cats are equally worthy of this title. 

Whether you open your heart to a Ragdoll or a Russian Blue, owning and raising a cat not only brings unmatched joy but also provides a range of mental health benefits. Find out more:

Provide companionship

Our feline friends are great at combating loneliness – your furry friend gives you a life to be responsible for. They offer unconditional love, physical affection, and emotional support. It goes without saying that their calming presence may even help to improve mental well-being in tough times. 

Lower stress

Stroking a cat can put the world to rights. And hearing them purr? You’ll forget whatever you were worrying about. But don’t just take our word for it. Studies have shown that spending time with pets can increase our oxytocin levels – the hormone associated with bonding and affection. 

Reduce depression 

According to the Mental Health Foundation, pets can be a great source of comfort and motivation, from reducing anxiety to boosting self-confidence. Owning a cat also provides structure to your day, which can provide purpose and a sense of achievement.

Improve food allergies

As if you needed any more persuading that cats make terrific family pets, researchers have suggested that kids growing up with cats and dogs may be less likely to develop food allergies later in life. The study examined various food allergies and exposure to different types of pets. Interestingly, it found that cat exposure may decrease the risk of soybean, egg, and wheat allergies. 

It’s hard to imagine our pets ever getting into trouble. But vet bills can quickly add up, and Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance may come in handy if your feline starts feeling poorly. Knowing you have cover in place could remove some of the financial burden if your pet gets into a pickle. 

Sainsbury’s Bank offers different cat insurance policies, so you can choose the cover that suits your family best.

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Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Bank plc acts as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance Ltd who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered office: 4th Floor, Limelight, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JH. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Sainsbury's Bank plc and Pinnacle Insurance Ltd are not part of the same corporate group.

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