How Much Does a Kitten Cost in the First Year? Item by Item
Short answer. The ASPCA's 2021 table puts a cat's first year at $1,904, then $1,149 a year. In the UK, PDSA's 2024 figures are about £366 to get started plus at least £79 a month. Neither includes buying or adopting the kitten, or vet bills for illness or injury. Not veterinary advice.
On this page (4 sections)
ASPCA (US), item by item
One-time costs in the ASPCA's 2021 update:
| Item | Cat |
|---|---|
| Spay or neuter | $150 |
| First vaccines and medical | $175 |
| Collar | $15 |
| Litter box | $20 |
| Scratching post | $15 |
| Carrier | $40 |
| Microchip | $20 |
| Grooming tools | $20 |
| One-time total | $455 |
Yearly costs:
| Item | Cat, per year |
|---|---|
| Food | $225 |
| Routine vet care | $160 |
| Flea and tick prevention | $140 |
| Litter | $150 |
| Toys | $22 |
| Treats | $36 |
| Health insurance | $348 |
| Licence | $15 |
| Grooming supplies | $28 |
| Boarding (one day) | $25 |
| Yearly total | $1,149 |
The ASPCA's first-year total of $1,904 also includes dental care ($300). Source: ASPCA, Cutting pet care costs (2021 update).
PDSA (UK)
PDSA puts the set-up cost at about £366, covering a bed, bowls, microchip, first vaccinations, neutering, a scratching post or cat tower, two litter trays with litter and scoops, toys, a brush and a carrier. It puts the monthly minimum at £79, covering yearly health checks and boosters, flea and worm treatment, insurance, food, toys and litter, and the lifetime minimum at £11,400 to £13,600. Source: PDSA, The cost of owning a cat (2024 prices).
What these figures leave out
PDSA leaves out vet fees for illness or injury, buying or adopting the cat, cattery or cat-sitter costs, special diets, and replacing items that wear out. Source: PDSA, The cost of owning a cat (2024 prices). More: annual cost of owning a cat and pet cost calculator.
Sources
- ASPCA, Cutting pet care costs (2021 update), read 7 November 2026.
- PDSA, The cost of owning a cat (2024 prices), read 7 November 2026.
Sources last checked 7 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Related pages
New kitten: the first 30 days, kitten vaccinations, annual cost of owning a cat and everything for cat owners.