Raising a cat is not only about gaining a soft and adorable companion but also carrying a heavy responsibility. Economic investment is often the first issue newbie "cat owners" need to consider. Although kittens look cute and don’t seem expensive, scientifically feeding them—from "basic food and shelter" to "medical care"—each item costs money. Generally speaking, the daily expense for raising one cat ranges from a few hundred to a thousand RMB per month, but this is just the baseline; with sudden illnesses, costs can be even higher.

The costs of raising a cat are mainly divided into initial investments and long-term expenses. Initial investments are like a "grand opening sale", with larger one-time expenses, while long-term expenses are like a "slow and steady flow" throughout the cat's entire life.

Newbie Cat Raising: Initial "Start-up Funds"

When you first bring a little cutie home, it’s like welcoming a new family member; you need to prepare its "new home" properly. These are one-time purchases but essential "start-up funds."

• Basic Living Supplies: Prepare feeding utensils and a "toilet" for the cat.
  • Food bowls and water cups: Ceramic or stainless steel materials are recommended because they are safe, hygienic, and less likely to breed bacteria, preventing cats from getting "black chin" (a common skin problem). Plastic bowls are cheap but not recommended for long-term use. Prices range from tens to a few hundred RMB, depending on your budget.
  • Litter box: There are open and closed types, as well as single and double layers. Open types are easy to clean, closed types reduce odor. Double-layer litter boxes are suitable for pine wood litter, etc. Choosing a larger litter box can make the cat more comfortable and prolong its use. Prices generally range from dozens to hundreds of RMB.
  • Cat litter: This is the cat’s "convenient spot"; choosing the right cat litter is crucial. Common types include bentonite litter, tofu litter, pine wood litter, and mixed litter. Bentonite litter is cheap and well accepted by cats but tends to create more dust. Tofu litter is eco-friendly and absorbs smells well but is more expensive. Pine wood litter is relatively eco-friendly. Initially, you can try different types to see which one your cat prefers. Prices per kilogram range from a few to several dozen RMB.
  • Scratching board: This is the "savior" for your furniture! Cats need to scratch their claws; preparing a scratching board protects your sofa and chair legs from being "claimed." There are various shapes like flat, L-shaped, and S-shaped. Prices range from tens to over one hundred RMB.
  • Cat bed/sleeping mat/cardboard box: Cats spend most of their day sleeping, so a comfortable and safe place is important. Even a simple cardboard box might become a cat’s favorite since they naturally like narrow and concealed spaces. Prices range from tens to hundreds of RMB.
  • Cat carrier/airline carrier: Needed when taking the cat out (e.g., to the hospital) to ensure safety. Prices range from tens to hundreds of RMB.
  • Nail clippers and comb: Regularly clipping the cat’s nails prevents them from scratching you or damaging furniture. Combing helps reduce shedding and prevents hairballs. Cat-specific nail clippers are important; do not use human nail clippers. Prices are around tens of RMB.

Altogether, these basic supplies require initial "start-up funds" roughly between several hundred to over a thousand RMB.

• Vaccines and deworming: Just like human babies need vaccinations, kittens also need vaccines to prevent common infectious diseases. Deworming is also essential, including internal and external parasite prevention.
  • Vaccines: Kittens usually require cat triple vaccines (to prevent feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus) and rabies vaccine. The cat triple vaccine generally requires 2-3 doses spaced by weeks. Rabies vaccine is given after 3 months old. Each vaccine dose costs several dozen to over a hundred RMB; the whole course may reach a few hundred RMB. Annual booster shots are also necessary.
  • Deworming: Internal deworming is generally done once every three months; external deworming frequency varies by product and the cat’s condition, ranging from monthly to every three months. Deworming medicine costs dozens to over a hundred RMB.
• Neutering surgery: If you do not plan to breed your cat, neutering is highly recommended. It helps reduce problems caused by heat cycles (such as howling in females and spraying in males) and lowers the risk of some reproductive diseases. It benefits the cat’s health and behavior. Neutering male cats is simpler and costs several hundred to over a thousand RMB; female surgery is more complex and expensive, ranging from one to two thousand RMB, depending on region, hospital grade, and surgery method. Some hospitals offer neutering packages including pre-operation check and post-operation care.

Long-term Expenses: The "Steady Stream" Accompanying Cat’s Life

After settling the initial "infrastructure", the following days require daily companionship and ongoing investment. Long-term expenses mainly cover the cat’s food, shelter, travel, and healthcare.

• Food: This is the "biggest chunk" of monthly expenses. Cats are carnivores and need high-quality cat food to stay healthy.
  • Cat food: There are many brands and kinds with varying prices—from dozens of RMB per jin (500g) for ordinary commercial food to over a hundred or more for natural or grain-free food. Generally, choosing better-quality food benefits cat health and can save medical expenses long term. An adult cat’s monthly food cost, depending on brand and appetite, is roughly 100 to 300 RMB or more.
  • Wet food/canned food/snacks: Many cat owners supplement regular food with wet or canned food to increase water intake and enrich taste. Main course cans provide balanced nutrition, while snack cans or cat treats serve as rewards or extras. Expenses vary widely, from tens to a couple of hundred RMB monthly.
• Cat litter: An essential consumable. Different litters vary in consumption speed and price. Monthly cost is about dozens to over a hundred RMB. Some owners opt for pricier litter to control odor or reduce dust, increasing expenses accordingly.
• Toys and entertainment: Cats need appropriate play to expend energy and maintain physical and mental health. Popular toys include teaser wands, small balls, and laser pointers. Toy expenses vary, from tens to over a hundred RMB a month can buy many small toys. Some cats prefer inexpensive items like cardboard boxes or bottle caps and play happily, making them thrifty companions!
• Healthcare: Besides regular vaccines and deworming, cats may get sick. While we hope for healthy, happy cats, aging and sickness are inevitable.
  • Minor illnesses: Cat colds, diarrhea, and other minor ailments treated at veterinary clinics may cost several hundred to a couple of thousand RMB.
  • Serious illness or surgery: In case of accidents or severe diseases like feline distemper, infectious peritonitis, or fractures, treatment costs can be very high, easily reaching thousands or even tens of thousands of RMB. Some pet owners share experiences of spending 4-5 thousand RMB on feline distemper treatment, over 10 thousand RMB on fractures. Veterinary medical expenses are generally high and lack the universal insurance benefit humans enjoy, constituting the largest "hidden cost" of cat care.
  • Physical examination: Annual full health checks are recommended to catch potential issues early, which can also save costs in the long run. Exam fees range from several hundred to over a thousand RMB.
  • Pet insurance: Increasingly more people consider purchasing pet medical insurance to offset part of medical costs. Basic pet insurance may cost several hundred RMB per year and reimburse some expenses, providing an option for owners worried about high medical bills.

Overall, assuming the cat is healthy, monthly routine expenses (food + litter + snacks + toys, etc.) are roughly between 500 and 800 RMB. Pursuing a higher quality of life increases costs. Including medical, deworming, vaccination costs prorated monthly, total expenses rise. Illness-related medical costs are the biggest uncontrollable factor.

Newbie Cat Raising Precautions: Beyond Money, Love and Responsibility

Raising a cat is not only financial investment but also a commitment of time, energy, and emotions. Before deciding to have a cat, besides budgeting, many things need careful consideration:

• Time and energy: Cats need your companionship, playtime, and daily care (feeding, litter cleaning, grooming, etc.). Although cats are relatively independent, prolonged neglect affects their mental health.
• Living environment: Ensure your living environment is suitable for cats, such as having enough space for activity and implementing safety measures (e.g., window screens to prevent falls).
• Family opinions: If living with family or roommates, communicate in advance to ensure no opposition to raising a cat and willingness to share responsibility.
• Cat’s health and personality: If adopting, try to understand the cat’s health and personality to select one that suits you. If buying, choose reputable breeders or channels.
• Long-term commitment: Cats usually live for over a decade; raising a cat is a long-term commitment. You need to take responsibility for its life and never abandon it.

Common Q&A

• How much does it cost to raise a cat per month?
  If the cat is healthy, monthly daily expenses (cat food, litter, snacks, toys, etc.) are about 500 to 800 RMB. Including medical, vaccines, and deworming prorated monthly, total costs increase.
• What items should a newbie prepare when raising a cat?
  Main items include food bowl, water cup, litter box, cat litter, scratching board, cat bed/sleeping mat, nail clippers, comb, cat carrier/airline cage, and other basic supplies.
• What are the approximate costs for cat vaccines and neutering?
  Full vaccination course (cat triple + rabies) costs about several hundred RMB, with annual boosters needed. Male neutering usually costs several hundred to over a thousand RMB; female neutering ranges from one to two thousand RMB, varying by region and hospital.
• Are pet medical costs high?
  Pet medical costs are generally high, especially for major illnesses or surgeries, easily reaching thousands to tens of thousands of RMB. Pet medical insurance can help share some risks.

Conclusion

Raising a cat is a happy thing; the warmth and companionship cats bring cannot be measured by money. But while enjoying this joy, we must clearly recognize the investments and responsibilities of cat care. Fully understanding cat raising costs and precautions and preparing adequately allows you to provide your cat with a stable, healthy, and happy life while becoming a qualified "cat owner." We hope everyone who decides to raise a cat can share a wonderful "cat" life with their furry friend!