How much does a cat cost per month – All costs at a glance

Getting a cat brings joy, but also costs. The monthly costs depend on the breed and the needs of the cat. The German Animal Welfare Association states that you should spend at least 700 euros a year on a cat.

This corresponds to around 58 euros per month. There are various cost factors that need to be taken into account.

The total cost for a cat over 16 years can be between 8,000 and 11,450 euros. This shows how important good planning is.

The cost of cat food and cat litter is at least 25 to 30 euros per month. Then there are the costs for visits to the vet and vaccinations. These can vary greatly from case to case and can be expensive.

Important findings

• Annual basic costs for a cat: approx. 700 euros
• Monthly expenses: between 40 and 60 euros
• Acquisition costs: 100 to 2,500 euros depending on origin
• Initial equipment: 150 to 500 euros
• Veterinary costs: variable, often unpredictable cost factor

Acquisition costs for different types of cats

The cost of adopting a cat varies. They depend on the origin of the animal. We explain the prices for shelter cats, pedigree cats and foreign cats.

Found cats and shelter cats

Animal shelters charge a nominal fee of 100 to 250 euros. This fee often covers the first vaccinations and neutering. Found cats are often available free of charge or very cheaply. However, be aware of possible additional costs for missing vaccinations or health checks.

Pedigree cats from the breeder

The prices for pedigree cats from breeders are higher. You should expect to pay between 500 and 2000 euros. The price varies depending on the breed, pedigree and breeder.

Foreign cats and placement fees

Foreign cats often come via animal welfare organizations. The fees vary. They are usually between the prices for shelter cats and pedigree cats.

The purchase costs are only the beginning. Think of monthly expenses of 40 to 250 euros. The average cat costs around 80 to 150 euros per month to keep.

Initial equipment for the new family member

The basic equipment for a cat is very important. Good planning helps you to buy everything you need. That way you can keep an eye on how much it costs.

Basic equipment items

Important items include food bowls, a litter tray and a scratching post. It’s good to have two bowls, one for food and one for water. A simple litter box costs between 15 and 40 euros. A sturdy scratching post can cost between 50 and 150 euros.

Additional safety equipment

Cat owners with balconies need cat gates. These protect the cat. A transport basket is also important and costs 30 to 70 euros.

Care and hygiene products

The equipment also includes brushes and combs. Cat grass helps digestion and costs 2 to 5 euros. A comfortable sleeping pad costs 20 to 70 euros.

The total cost of the basic equipment is between €150 and €300. This investment ensures a good start and well-being for the cat. You should also not forget toys and grooming products to keep your cat in a species-appropriate environment.

How much does a cat cost per month

The cost of cats is an important point for cat lovers. The monthly expenses depend on the quality of food, type of litter and the needs of your cat.

On average, you pay 30 to 50 euros a month for food and litter. There are also costs for toys, grooming products and worming treatments. The German Animal Welfare Association estimates 60 euros per month, other sources estimate 80 to 100 euros.

Indoor cats tend to cost more because they need more toys and better food. Outdoor cats cost less, but are healthier.

The total cost for a cat over 15 years is between €10,500 and €13,000. This shows that keeping a cat is a long-term investment.

Regular visits to the vet and medical check-ups

Your cat’s health is very important. It entails ongoing costs. Cat vet costs depend on the treatment and the clinic. An annual budget of at least €150 for routine check-ups is advisable.

Routine examinations and vaccinations

Regular check-ups are crucial for the early detection of cat diseases. A general check-up costs between €24 and €71. For cats over the age of seven, six-monthly check-ups are recommended.

Worming and parasite protection

Worming and tick removal are important aspects of cat care. Tick removal costs between €8 and €24. Regular worming protects your cat from parasites and their consequences.

Possible surgery costs

Unforeseen operations can be expensive. A tumor operation can cost up to €495. Additional charges apply for emergencies outside surgery hours.

Health insurance for cats from €13 per month can protect against high costs.

Cat disease treatment can vary depending on severity. Chronic diseases such as diabetes (€50 per month) or renal insufficiency (€80 per month) require long-term care and regular visits to the vet.

Insurance and financial protection

Cat owners have a range of insurance policies to choose from. Cat health insurance helps to cover veterinary costs. The costs vary depending on the provider and service.

Surgery insurance for cats costs between 10 and 30 euros per month. They cover the costs of important operations.

• Dental treatment (approx. 750 euros)
• Wound care (approx. 100 euros)
• Tumor operations (from 1,000 euros)
• Bone fracture operations (approx. 350 euros)

Pet owner’s liability insurance is also important. It protects against financial claims if the cat causes damage.

Choosing the right insurance protects against high costs. It also ensures the best care for your cat.

Vacation care and additional care costs

Going on vacation with a cat is often not possible. That’s why cat owners look for reliable care. There are various options, which can vary in price.

Cat boarding facilities and their prices

Cat boarding facilities offer a safe environment for your pet. The costs depend on the duration and number of cats:

• One cat per night: 12.50 euros
• Two cats in the same enclosure: 22.00 euros
• Longer stays of 14 days or more: discounts possible

Additional services such as medication cost around 4 euros per day. Prepayment is often necessary. Cancellation fees may apply.

Mobile cat sitter

Mobile cat care is an alternative to boarding. Your cat stays in its own environment. The costs depend on the distance and frequency of visits:

• One visit per day: 18 euros
• Each additional cat: 7 euros extra
• Travel costs: 0.55 euros per kilometer

For an 8-day care at a distance of 10 km the costs are about 232 Euro. There is a 50% surcharge for public holidays. These costs are tax deductible.

Differences between indoor and outdoor cats

The decision between an indoor cat and an outdoor cat affects your cat’s lifestyle and your costs. There are big differences in equipment and health care.

Special equipment for outdoor cats

Outdoor cats need special equipment, which increases the costs. A cat flap is important so that they can come and go on their own. Reflective collars increase safety at dusk.

Safety nets are necessary for balconies or windows to prevent accidents.

Additional health care

Outdoor pets are at greater health risk. They need more frequent worming and parasite protection. According to statistics, 20% of outdoor cats have health problems due to accidents.

This can lead to high veterinary costs.

Although free-rangers are more expensive, 65% of owners report that they prey on them. This makes food requirements unpredictable. In summer, indoor cats often eat less, according to 50% of owners.

The decision between an indoor cat and an outdoor cat should be carefully considered. It’s about the cat’s welfare and your financial means.

Conclusion

The costs for cat dogs vary. They depend on many factors. A cat costs an average of 11,450 euros for 15 years.

The purchase costs for a cat are between 115 and 280 euros. This includes a transport box, litter tray and scratching post. Vet fees for an initial examination, vaccinations and worming cost between 80 and 190 euros.

There are monthly costs for food, cat litter and grooming. These are between 35 and 80 euros. In the long term, monthly expenses of 40 to 100 euros can be expected.

This shows that the decision to get a cat should be carefully considered. Good financial planning is important. That way, you can offer the animal a good life and avoid unexpected costs.