Find out all about the costs of owning a cat in Australia.
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Are you curious about how much it costs to own a cat? Having a feline companion is a source of great comfort and joy for many Aussies, with approximately 61% of households in Australia sharing their homes with a pet. However, it's essential to recognise that pet ownership comes with responsibilities and a financial commitment.
The expenses associated with caring for a cat in Australia vary based on factors such as the cat's age, dietary requirements and overall health needs. You'll need to factor in costs like the initial adoption or purchase cost, and ongoing expenses like food and veterinary care. This Savvy guide to the cost of cat ownership will provide insights into these expenses, helping you budget for the well-being of your new feline furry companion.
If you're considering bringing a new cat into your home, whether it's a kitten or a slightly older feline companion, there are several initial costs you should be aware of to ensure your new furry friend has a comfortable and happy life. Here's a breakdown of the initial expenses associated with new cat ownership:
Initial cost of purchase:
The cost of acquiring a cat can vary widely depending on whether you adopt from an animal shelter, purchase a purebred kitten from a breeder, or find one through online listings or word of mouth.
Purebred kittens from reputable breeders can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the breed's popularity and rarity. Currently, cat breeds that are quite popular in Australia, such as Ragdolls or Burmese or Siamese, can cost on average around $1,200 up to $1,500. However, less rare or standard coloured cats may be available much more cheaply, sometimes under $150.
Vaccinations:
Your new cat will require vaccinations to protect against common diseases like feline distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, and viral rhinotracheitis (herpes virus). Kittens typically need three sets of vaccinations, with the first round administered at six to eight weeks old. Booster vaccinations are necessary and are typically given at 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks. Budget around $80 to $120 for each booster dose.
Microchipping: Microchipping is mandatory in many Australian states and may cost between $50 and $80. Many kittens are already microchipped by responsible breeders before being sold.
Desexing: Desexing your cat is recommended for all pets not intended for breeding. Most cats should be desexed between six and eight months of age, with costs ranging from $250 to $500, with spaying being slightly more expensive than neutering.
Council registration fees: Registering your cat with your local council is mandatory in some states and territories, but not all. Regulations vary between local council districts. Registration fees vary by council, ranging from $0 to $150 per year. Discounts are usually offered for desexed and microchipped cats.
Initial cat supplies: These are the essential items you'll need right away for your new kitten or cat upon their arrival:
These initial costs are crucial to ensure your new cat's comfort, safety and well-being as they settle into their new home.
After the initial expenses of adopting or buying your cat, and providing them with essential items like a bed, collar, and toys, you'll encounter ongoing costs associated with cat ownership, including:
Food: High-quality cat food can range from $1 to $1.35 a day for canned food, or $10 to $30 for a 2kg bag of dry cat biscuits, which may last a fortnight to three weeks or more for an adult cat. Most vets recommend a cat is given a mixture of dry and wet food.
Pet insurance: Pet insurance premiums vary based on the coverage you choose and your cat's breed and age. Expect to pay approximately $15 to $45 per month for cat insurance.
Routine veterinary care: Regular check-ups and preventive treatments such as flea control can cost around $150 to $300 per year for cats. Unexpected health issues or emergency vet visits can increase these costs.
Litter and other supplies: Cat litter, litter boxes, and other supplies like scratching posts and toys can add an extra $10 to $20 per month to your expenses.
These ongoing expenses are essential for providing your cat with a healthy and happy life as a cherished member of your family.
When you adopt a cat from an animal shelter, initial expenses such as desexing, microchipping, and vaccination will often have been covered. However, you'll still need to budget for ongoing expenses, including vaccinations and regular veterinary care.
The cost of adopting a homeless kitten or cat from an animal shelter will vary based on factors like the shelter's location, the specific cat's age, breed, and the services included in the adoption fee.
On average, adoption fees for kittens typically range from $150 to $300 or more, while fees for adult cats may be somewhat lower. However, these fees will vary depending on the shelter's policies and the individual cat's characteristics.
For example, RSPCA New South Wales advertises kitten adoption costs as $250, with adult cat adoption fees set at $200. It's essential to check with your local shelter to understand their specific adoption fees and what services are included in the adoption cost for your new feline furry friend.
Looking into pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, you can compare pet insurance options from a range of providers and find the perfect coverage that suits your pet's unique needs and your budget.
Fetch Care Plan |
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Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.More details |
Petsy Most Popular 80% Cover $150 Excess |
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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.More details |
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Fetch Premium Plan |
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Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.More details |
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Multi-award winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets.More details |
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Petsy Value Cover 80% Cover $500 Excess |
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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.More details |
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Petsy Top Cover |
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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.More details |
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Savvy earns a commission each time a customer buys a pet insurance policy through our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via the individual pet insurance companies.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.
