The cost of owning a cat goes far beyond the upfront costs of the cat and all of your necessary supplies. Pet ownership is only getting more expensive as time goes on. So, how much does it currently cost to own a cat in the land down under? Well, it varies. However, we’re here to give you a well-rounded estimate of the average cost and price ranges related to cat ownership. Read along to learn more.
Bringing Home a New Cat: One-Time Costs
When deciding to add a new four-legged family member to your home, you must consider all the upfront costs. Not only will you be responsible for the cost of your new kitty, but you will also have to buy quite a few supplies to get started. From beds to toys to litter boxes and other supplies, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
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Free
It’s not uncommon to come across a cat free of charge. Australia is known for being overrun by stray and feral cats, and there’s nothing wrong with adopting a stray in desperate need of a loving home. Aside from finding a stray, you could even acquire a new cat or kitten through a family member or friend.
Remember that free of charge doesn’t mean free overall, as there are plenty of expenses you’ll need to foot when acquiring a cat. You’ll have to get them up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and more.
Adoption
$100–$300 AUD
According to recent statistics, the most common way for a household to obtain a new cat was through adoption. Over 27% of new cat owners in the country adopted directly from animal shelters. Adoption is a highly rewarding experience for all involved. Not only does it save your cat’s life, but it helps alleviate the stress on the shelters and allows more animals to be saved.
Adoption also helps save you money in the long run. Adopted cats are spayed or neutered and, in some cases, may even be up to date on regular veterinary care.
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Breeder
$300–$2,000 AUD or more
The most expensive route is to purchase a kitten or cat directly from a breeder. Breeder costs vary according to the breed, geographical location, health guarantees, breeding rights, and more.
Finding a reputable breeder is vital. It’s important to get your new cat or kitten from a knowledgeable breeder who puts the health and welfare of the animals as a top priority. There are resources available in Australia to help potential pet owners locate responsible breeders who meet the needed criteria.
Initial Setup and Supplies
$130–$500 AUD
Initial setup and supply costs will naturally vary depending on each item’s price range. You can purchase affordable supplies or get more expensive items. The costs we’ve provided are rough estimates, and you have plenty of wiggle room.
Some supplies are going to be necessary right from the get-go, such as food, bowls, litter box, and litter box supplies, while others can be obtained as you go. Here’s a quick breakdown of the initial supplies and costs of owning a cat:
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List of Cat Care Supplies and Costs
ID Tag and Collar
$15–$30 AUD
Spay/Neuter
$115–$300 AUD
X-Ray Cost
$250–$300 AUD
Ultrasound Cost
$300–$500 AUD
Microchip
$60–$80 AUD
Teeth Cleaning
$1100–$1200 AUD
Cat Bed
$30–$70 AUD
Nail Clippers
$7–$15 AUD
Brush
$7– $60 USD
Litter Box
$30–$100 AUD
Litter Scoop
$7–$30 AUD
Toys
$30–$60 AUD
Carrier
$30–$90 AUD
Food and Water Bowls
$15–$45 AUD
How Much Does a Cat Cost Per Month?
Recurring monthly costs may be few and far between, but there will certainly be regular monthly costs associated with owning a cat. The cost of food is the most typical monthly expense, along with litter and any other litter box or cleaning supplies. However, you should also consider whether you plan on obtaining pet insurance, which has a monthly premium.
You also never know what will pop up each month. Some months may just be your typical food and pet insurance costs (if you have them), while others may include veterinary exams, additional monthly preventative care costs, and more.
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Health Care
$0–$250 AUD per month
Health care is expensive whether you are a human or a domesticated animal. Some cats require regular prescription medication or other ongoing treatments for their ailments.
You must also consider that your cat may require extra supplementation to keep them as healthy as possible. You should factor in the monthly premium cost if you plan to enroll in a pet health insurance plan.
Food
$30–$100 AUD per month
There’s no way around it: You will need to buy cat food regularly. On average, most Australians spend at least $30 per month on cat food alone. Of course, cat food costs vary widely depending on the brand, quality, and food type.
You should consider your budget and look at suitable brands. Cats should be fed a high-quality diet rich in protein. It’s a good idea to chat with your veterinarian about your cat’s diet and the ideal food to offer them.
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Grooming ✂️
$0–$100 AUD per month
Grooming won’t always be necessary outside of the home, but some owners have their cats groomed regularly. This can reduce excess shedding and prevent unwanted tangles and mats in long-haired cats.
Grooming costs vary depending on the services you select, such as fur trimming, bathing, and nail trimming, and your location.
Medications and Vet Visits
$30–$250 AUD per month
Veterinary visits are typically semi-annual to annually rather than monthly. Some cats require more frequent visits, depending on their health. All cats require monthly parasite prevention, and some require monthly prescriptions or supplements.
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Pet Insurance
$20–$70 AUD per month
With the growing costs of veterinary care, many pet owners are paying a monthly premium for pet insurance. Several companies offer different policies and coverage plans.
You can easily find a plan that works for you, but we recommend thoroughly reading through each company’s offerings and obtaining personal quotes.
Environment Maintenance
$45–$90 AUD per month
You will need to replace essential items each month, including litter, litter box liners, deodorizers, and other cleaning supplies. The prices vary depending on your personal preferences, but the table below gives an average monthly cost for these items.
Litter
$45/month
Litter Box Liners
$15/month
Deodorizers
$7/month
Cleaning Supplies
$7/month
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Entertainment
$0–$75 AUD per month
Cats require exercise and mental stimulation, so you must provide them with ways to entertain themselves. Entertainment isn’t typically a recurring monthly cost, though you may regularly replace toys or cardboard scratchers.
Entertainment includes cat towers, scratching posts, tunnels, and a variety of toys. Some items are large, one-time purchases, while others need regular to semi-regular replacing. On average, you likely won’t spend more than $75 per month on entertainment.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Cat in Australia
$75–$650 AUD per month
As you can see, the total monthly cost of owning a cat in Australia varies. We have based these figures on bare minimum monthly costs versus the most high-priced, all-inclusive monthly costs regarding health care, insurance, and high-end supplies.
Each cat owner will have a budget and preferences that will play a significant role in how much the monthly expenditure adds up.
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Additional Costs to Factor In
There are plenty of extra costs to factor in when you own a cat, and the prices will vary accordingly. Here are some of the extras you should keep in mind:
Registration Fees- It is mandatory to register companion animals in Australia. You must check about the territorial requirements by reaching out to your local government or visiting their website.
Emergency Care- You never know when an emergency will occur, which is why several pet owners enroll in pet insurance. Whether you have insurance or not, keeping a rainy day fund for emergencies is a good idea.
Pet Sitter or Boarding- If you ever need to travel for work or go on holiday, you may need to pay for a pet sitter or boarding costs if you don’t have any friends or family to help care for your cat.
Household Damage- It’s no secret that cats’ claws can cause severe damage. Whether it’s your curtains, carpet, furniture, or other household items, there’s always a chance you may have to replace something at some point.
Owning a Cat On a Budget
Yes, owning a pet can get quite expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do so on a budget. If you are looking for a more wallet-friendly way to own a cat, consider the following:
Adoption- Adopting a cat reduces the upfront cost compared to purchasing from a breeder. It also saves on medical expenses like spaying or neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations.
Food- You should shop around for high-quality food that gives you good value for your money. You don’t want to skimp on the quality of the food for the cheapest option, as low-quality foods can cause more expensive health issues down the line.
Litter- There’s no shortage of cat litter brands, types, and textures on the market. Find a litter that suits your budget and needs.
Veterinary Care- It’s no secret that veterinary care costs can be outrageous. If you are on a strict budget, shop around for the most cost-friendly veterinary office or contact the local humane society for information on low-cost care.
Learn to Groom- If you own a cat that needs grooming regularly, learn how to do it yourself so that you won’t have to pay to have them professionally groomed. If you can master grooming, all you need to cover is the cost of the supplies.
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Saving Money on Cat Care
There are a few ways you can save money on your cat’s care. Couponing may seem like an exhausting task, but with all the apps available at the tip of your fingers, it’s not such a chore anymore.
Watch for clippable coupons related to cat food, litter, or other supplies. Also, look for cash-back deals on certain apps. Scour the current sales at your local retail and pet stores to get the best price, and remember to sign up for rewards at stores that offer them.
Conclusion
According to recent studies, the average cat owner in Australia will spend about $2074 per year to own a single cat, which averages out to about $172 per month. The upfront costs can vary significantly when you bring your cat home and all the necessities, but the recurring costs are the most important. You want to ensure this is an expense you can handle. If it is, you can rest assured your precious feline companion will be well worth it.
I am a wife, mother, nature enthusiast, animal lover, and business major. I was born and raised in Ohio but now live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We share our home with a German Shepherd, several snakes, tarantulas, and a couple rescue cats. My husband and I enjoy traveling the US with our kids and photographing wildlife. My passion is to educate others on the importance of proper animal care, with an emphasis on reptiles and exotics since their care requirements can be much more complex. I am also a huge advocate for bully breeds. I feel most at home in the forest either on horseback or in hiking boots.
