How Much Do Kittens Cost? Guide to the First Year

Nothing compares to the joy of welcoming a new kitten into your home. There are tiny toe beans to count, fluffballs to snuggle, and kitten kisses to enjoy. And, in all the excitement, wondering “How much does a kitten cost?” is probably the last thing on your mind.

However, kittens don’t live on love alone. The cost of adoption fees, vet care, food, and supplies can add up quickly.

So, just how much do kittens cost? If you’re not sure what to expect (or how to prepare), don’t worry. We did the math! Find out what caring for your new kitten will cost you, plus some helpful tips on how to pay for your kitten’s care, feeding, grooming, and more! 

How Much Do Kittens Cost?

More than 2 million cats are adopted from shelters and rescue groups every year [1]. The initial adoption fees for shelter kittens can range from $50 to $175 [2]. Purchasing a kitten from a breeder typically costs even more—in some cases, even thousands of dollars. 

However, it’s important to note that the fee you pay to obtain your kitten is just the beginning. One survey estimated that the lifetime cost of care for cats ranged from $15,000 to $45,000, with the first year of care for a kitten costing between $961 and $2,487 [3].

Common kitten costs can include:

• Adoption fees
• Pet licenses
• Food and treats
• Veterinary care, including sick visits, preventative care, medications, parasite prevention, and more
• Pet insurance or wellness plans
• Supplies (food and water bowls, litter boxes, litter, cat trees, toys, scratching posts, etc.)
• Grooming supplies and/or appointments
• Extras like smart feeders, pet monitors
• Boarding or pet-sitting

There are several factors that impact initial expenses, according to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., director of the Cornell Feline Health Center.

While adopting a kitten from a shelter is generally less expensive than purchasing from a breeder, other kitten costs can vary dramatically. How much you pay for vet care may vary based on where you live, your kitten’s breed, and their health issues. And, depending on your preferences, kitten supplies like litter boxes, bowls, and toys can range from basic to bougie. 

You may not be able to put a price tag on the joys of being a kitten parent. However, you can make smart decisions about how to plan for kitten costs. Here’s a breakdown to help you budget for your kitten’s first year.

How Much Does a Kitten Cost by Category?

When deciding whether or not to get a new kitten, it’s easy to let the heart overrule the head. Seriously, who can think about the cost of kibble when you have an adorable little furball purring away in your lap?

However, a kitten should not be an impulse purchase. Truly caring for your kitty requires both a generous heart and the foresight to plan how you will provide for your pet’s needs.

“Responsible pet care considers not only the effort and emotions of owning a cat but also the anticipated financial burdens,” Dr. Kornreich says. 

Those burdens can sometimes strain your budget, especially when you’re facing unexpected kitten expenses, like vet bills following an accident or injury. That’s when it’s helpful to have an option like CareCredit, a dedicated health and pet care credit card. CareCredit’s flexible financing rates let you pay for planned and unplanned kitten care costs over time.* So you can feel financially prepared to handle whatever your kitten’s first year brings. 

Covering the cost of kitten care, especially in the first year, plays an important role in your pet’s overall health, wellness, and longevity. 

Here’s a breakdown of common kitten costs in all categories.

Kitten Health Costs: $431 to $1,171

Veterinary care is the biggest expense for new kitten parents. The cost of spaying/neutering, vaccines, medications, and parasite control ranges from $431 to $1,071 [4]. These are crucial investments that can help set kittens up to live long, healthy lives.

Here’s how that investment breaks down:

Vaccines – Kittens have immature immune systems and vaccines prepare them to fight illness-causing viruses and bacteria [5]. Core vaccines for kittens include rabies, FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia), and feline leukemia (FeLV).

Most shelters will vaccinate kittens prior to adoption. However, pet parents still need to follow the recommended vaccine schedule post-adoption.

After the first FVRCP vaccine, which kittens receive at 6 weeks, the vaccine will need to be “boosted” every three to four weeks until kittens are between 16-20 weeks of age, according to Dr. Zarah Hedge DVM, MPH, vice president of shelter medicine at the San Diego Humane Society.

The feline leukemia vaccine can be administered as early as 8 weeks of age and requires two doses three to four weeks apart. The age for rabies vaccination depends on state and local laws, Dr. Hedge adds.

The costs for kitten vaccines range from $110-$280 [6].

Spaying and neutering – Getting your kitten “fixed” is essential for preventing unplanned litters. And it can also help kittens live longer, healthier lives.

“Spay and neuter surgery can protect male and female kittens against some reproductive-related cancers later in life,” says Dr. Hedge. “It can also help prevent pyometra (an infection of the uterus) in female cats. It can help minimize nuisance behaviors, too, such as spraying, fighting, and roaming.”

Some research even shows that the average lifespan for spayed female cats is 39 percent longer than their unaltered counterparts. Similarly, the lifespan for neutered male cats is reportedly 62 percent longer than unaltered male cats [7].

The average cost to spay or neuter your kitten can range from as low as $50 to upward of $300-$500, depending on a variety of factors [8], including your kitten’s sex, age, and size. However, the biggest influence on the cost of the procedure is where you choose to have it done. 

Private veterinary clinics tend to charge much more for spay and neuter surgeries. However, Dr. Hedge suggests looking for low-cost clinics to keep costs in check, adding, “There are resources available in many communities to help.” 

If cost is a concern, ask your local animal shelters and humane societies about affordable spay and neuter options.  

Microchipping – Microchips increase the odds that lost kittens will be reunited with their owners. It’s a one-time expense that averages around $45 [9].

Sick visits – Some lucky kittens reach their first birthdays without any unexpected illnesses or injuries. However, when it comes to your kitten’s health, you may not want to rely on luck. According to a study, 1 in 3 pet owners face unexpected pet expenses that cause them financial stress [10].

Unexpected expenses can range from allergic reactions that can be treated with medications to broken legs that require surgery or amputation, so it’s hard to pinpoint an average cost. The average cost for an ER exam is $121 for cats and the need for overnight care (up to $243 per night) plus treatment can make that number climb [11].

Kitten Supplies: $169-$698

You’ll need to stock up on food bowls, litter boxes, and other essentials before bringing home a new kitten. There can be a huge range in costs at big box retailers, pet boutiques, or online shops.

Here, too, prices can run the gamut, according to Dr. Kornreich. “There’s nothing wrong with high-tech things like automated litter boxes and feeding stations that recognize chips on collars to feed cats,” he says. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the safety warnings on the products and ensure they’re safe for your kitten. 

Make a new kitten checklist before heading to the store to pick up everything a growing kitty needs, which may include:

• Litter box
• Cat litter
• Bed
• Climbing tree
• Scratching post
• Food and water bowls
• Toys
• Brushes and other grooming tools

Kitten Food: $351-$584 

What you’ll spend on mealtime for your kitten generally falls between $351-$584 [4], depending on the type of food your pet prefers. Dry cat food tends to be more affordable, while wet cat food appeals to pickier palates.

Not sure what to feed a newborn kitten? Check the label for “kitten food.” Kittens need more protein than adult cats. Dr. Kornreich suggests choosing foods with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label, which guarantees that the food is complete and balanced for your kitten’s age. 

Dr. Hedge advises pet parents to steer clear of raw foods. “Many diseases can be obtained from this type of diet,” she warns. “And recently there have been several cases of cats fed a raw diet dying of avian influenza.”

Kitten Grooming: $30-$130 

Cats are well-known for being very capable self-groomers. However, they may need occasional brushing to remove dried skin and loose hair or a bath if they’re really dirty. Grooming costs are pretty reasonable if you prefer to brush or bathe your cat at home. Some long-haired breeds may need professional grooming to help prevent matting and tangling. The average cost for professional grooming services ranges from $92 to $134 [12]. 

Tips for Managing First-Year Kitten Expenses

The good news is that welcoming a furry new member to your family doesn’t have to break the bank.

Adopt, don’t shop. The cost to adopt a kitten from a shelter or rescue is cheaper than purchasing from a breeder—and most include initial vaccines, microchips, and spay/neuter surgeries in the cost of the adoption fee. If you do choose to select your cat from a breeder, make sure to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their cats.

Look for low-cost clinics. Local nonprofits may host low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics that charge less than private veterinary clinics. These are great options to keep costs in check but aren’t a substitute for regular preventive care. 

“Long term, it will be important to create a relationship with a veterinarian in your area to provide annual examination and ongoing care,” Dr. Hedge says. “If cost is an issue, there may be affordable vet hospital options [and] many vet clinics also offer packages for kittens that include all of their preventive care.”

Purchase pet insurance. Pet health insurance is an added expense, but it may help offset the cost of vet care if your kitten gets sick or injured. Cat health insurance generally costs between $101-$150 per year [4]. 

“Insurance is a good idea for kittens,” Dr. Kornreich says. “It can become quite expensive to treat significant diseases. In most cases, it’s probably reasonable to consider paying the premiums rather than the thousands it would cost to treat diseases.”

Consider alternative ways to pay. Pet insurance may not cover all expenses, which could leave you with pricey veterinary bills. Luckily, there are solutions like CareCredit, a dedicated pet health and care credit card you can use to pay for everything from kitten vaccinations to emergency surgery and more. Thanks to CareCredit’s flexible financing options, you can get your kitten the care they need, when they need it, and pay over time.*

How Much Does a Kitten Cost in the First Year FAQs

How much is a vet visit for a kitten? The average cost of a vet visit for a new kitten ranges from $50 to $250, depending on your cat’s medical needs [13].

When do kittens start eating food and drinking water? Most kittens start eating gruel, a mix of canned cat food and kitten formula, and drinking water around 4 weeks of age [14].

How much do kitten shots cost? The total cost for kitten vaccines ranges from $110-$280 [6].

How much does it cost to spay a kitten? It can cost as little as $30-$50 to spay a cat at a low-cost clinic. At many animal shelters and rescue organizations, you are more likely to pay between $50-$150. Rates at private veterinary practices can run between $300-$500 [15].

How much does it cost to neuter a kitten? The average cost to neuter a male kitten ranges from $25-$150 [16].

How much does it cost to adopt a kitten? Kitten adoption fees can range from $50 to $175 [2].

References

1. Pet Statistics. ASPCA. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics
2. Heather M. How Much Does It Cost to Have a Cat? ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Retrieved from https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cat-ownership-cost/
3. Synchrony Study Reveals Pet Owners Spend As Much As $55,000 During A Pet’s Lifetime. Synchrony. Jan 2022. Retrieved from https://www.synchrony.com/contenthub/newsroom/synchrony-study-reveals-pet-owners.html
4. Lifetime of Care Study. Synchrony. Jan 2022. Retrieved from https://petlifetimeofcare.com/#page=24
5. Vaccines. American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccinations
6. Swiniarski, Emily. How Much Do Kitten Shots Cost? GreatPetCare. March 2025. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/new-cat/how-much-do-kitten-shots-cost/
7. State of Pet Health 2013 Report. Banfield Pet Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/Banfield-State-of-Pet-Health-Report_2013.pdf
8. Heigel-Meyer, Kathryn. Cat Spay and Neuter: Cost, Procedure and What to Expect. GreatPetCare. February 2025. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/cat-health/cat-spay-and-neuter/
9. Bauhaus, Jean Marie. How Much Does It Cost to Microchip a Dog or Cat? CareCredit Well U. September 2023. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/pet-microchipping-cost/
10. Lifetime of Care Study. Synchrony. Jan 2022. Retrieved from https://petlifetimeofcare.com/#page=24
11. Wiederkehr (Wentworth), Kathy. How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? CareCredit Well U. September 2023. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/emergency-vet-visit-cost-and-veterinary-financing/
12. 2024 Cat Grooming Pricing Survey. Cat Naps Grooming & Boarding. Retrieved from https://www.catnapscattery.com/pricing-survey-2024
13. Bauhaus, Jean Marie. How Much Does a Cat Cost? Breaking Down Expenses. CareCredit Well U. November 2023. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/costs-of-owning-a-cat/
14. Caring for Kittens from Birth to Eight Weeks. UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program. Retrieved from https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/guide-to-raising-unweaned-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
15. Batiari, Lila. How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Cat? Everything You Need To Know. Pawlicy Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-spay-a-cat/
16. Keiser, Keilah. How much does it cost to spay or neuter your cat? Betterpet. February 2024. Retrieved from https://betterpet.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-spay-or-neuter-your-cat/

*Subject to credit approval. See carecredit.com for details.

This information is shared solely for your convenience. Neither Synchrony nor any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, make any representations or warranties regarding the products described, and no endorsement is implied. You are urged to consult with your individual veterinarian with respect to any professional advice presented.