9 Costs Every Cat Owner Should Budget for

Cats can be just as expensive as their canine counterparts. Owners can expect to shell out between $500 and $1,000 a year, with higher costs for treatment of disease or injury or if you’re a frequent traveler.

The good news is that cats require less grooming (they take care of much of it on their own), and they don’t require paid dog-walkers while you’re away. Outdoor cats are more susceptible to costly trauma than indoor cats, warns Dr. Louise Murray, vice-president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, in New York City. Domestic short-haired cats are usually the best value in the long run, she says.

Click through our slide show to learn about the expenses to consider before purchasing your loyal feline companion.