There are many reasons to own a cat. It is a friendly companion that offers a rewarding and happy experience to owners. A cat can also keep unwanted pests out of your home and live for up to eighteen years, making it an excellent and cost-effective pet.
The average cost of keeping a cat in the UK is £100 per month. £36 of which goes on cat food.
Average amount spent per month on a cat by owners in the UK Study, Statista
Although the cost of a cat depends on various factors, the average monthly cost according to Statista is £100 per month. Battersea.org.uk reports that the yearly cost of keeping a cat is £1,000, on average. They may not be the cheapest pet to own, but they are certainly worth it.
In today’s article, we will break down the individual factors of this cost.
How much does a cat cost?
The average cost of a standard domestic cat in the UK is between £50 and £150. This is especially if you buy it from a rescue home or a reputable breeding company. The cost also depends on its breed quality. For instance, Norwegian Forest cats, Maine Coon, and Russian blue cats have an average cost of £1,000.
On the other hand, some breeds are very expensive. The Savannah, Bengal, and Ashera breeds are hybrids of domestic cats and small leopards and costs tens of thousands.
How much is cat food per year?
Although the cost of cat food is relatively less than dog food, it can still cost you a lot of money. The annual food expenses of your cat are between £100 and £200, depending on the food type you feed to your cat.
It is crucial to buy quality food for your pet, leading to improved overall physical and mental health. Although quality food does not come cheap, it is worth your investment if you love your pet. Likewise, we recommend checking ingredients to ensure you get a higher meat content.
Cost of toys and bedding for a cat
Toys and beddings are essential items for your cat that improve your cat’s comfort. Owning a cat requires you to buy a wide range of items, including a bed, bowl, litter trays, toys, etc. Expect to spend about £200 per year on these things. Remember, these are basic expenses, meaning if you want to purchase more items, such as scratching posts, they will cost you more.
Average cost of cat insurance
According to Moneyhelper.org.uk, the average cost of purchasing an insurance policy for your cat is around £285 per year. Make sure you choose a reliable insurance company that costs less.
Otherwise, you will experience increased premiums when your cat gets six or seven. Discuss the insurance policy for your cat with an experienced pet insurance agent or search online to see your options.
Read Next: Is dog insurance worth it?
What is the average cat vet cost?
Because vet bills in the UK are costly, cat owners look for affordable insurance policies. However, if you don’t get an insurance policy or want to pay out of pocket, expect to pay an average of £60 per appointment. The average cost of surgery is around £1,500.
If your cat experiences severe and chronic illnesses, the cost of treatment will break the bank. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on your pet’s health by providing it with good care, quality food, and protection.
Cost of vaccinating a new cat
When you buy a cat and bring it home, you will have to get it vaccinated immediately or as soon as possible. The first round of vaccination will cost you around £100, and the second round will cost between £50 and £80.
If you want to buy a kitten or cat from a rescue shelter, you can save money on the first round of vaccination because the rescue shelter’s staff would have already done the vaccination.
How much does it cost to neuter a cat?
Neutering or spaying your cat is an essential undertaking for pet owners, allowing them to protect their cat’s paws. Make sure you hire an experienced professional to get the job done adequately. The average cost of neutering or spaying is £100.
Average cost of microchipping a cat UK
Although microchipping is not a legal requirement in the UK, unlike dogs, you can go for it if you want to keep your furry friend safe. The average cost of microchipping your cat is between £15 and £20. The authorities are planning to make microchipping mandatory for cats.
Cat flea and worm treatment cost
Fleas and worms are tiny parasites that can make your cat’s life a living hell. These parasites feed off your cat and cause severe health conditions. That’s why it is crucial to ensure your cat undergoes flea and worm treatment. The average monthly cost of flea treatment is around £5, and worm treatment is £15.
Price of grooming
Each cat breed or species have their own requirements. If you keep a domestic cat, it will require regular brushing to prevent “Matts” in their fur. Therefore, you need a high-quality brush to get the job done. These brushes tend to be pretty cheap.
On the other hand, it will require more grooming if you have a pedigree or long-haired cat. Remember, this is a time-consuming task, so you may need to go to a groomer. The cost of grooming your cat is between £20 and £35, depending on your pet’s size.
Cost of installing a cat flap
Installing a flap for your cat will make its life a bit easier and comfortable. Keep in mind that you have to spend at least £10 to buy a flap. On the other hand, if you want to buy a high-quality flap with a microchip or infrared sensors, expect to pay £50.
If you can install the flip yourself, go for it because you can save some money that way. However, if you don’t know how to do it, make sure you hire a professional installer. The installation cost is between £30 and £60 for a wooden floor, uPVC panel, or single-glazed window. If you want to install the flap in a double glazed window, the professional will charge between £200 and £300.
Hopefully, this guide has been of use. Thinking about getting a dog instead? Find out how much it costs to keep a dog here.
James Banerjee is an Account Director who graduated from the University of Kent in 2014. He works in SEO on clients such as HSBC UK and Nestle and he has a keen interest in personal finances and money-saving advice.
