How much does a cat cost? Calculate costs from kitten to senior

¶What does it cost to own a cat?

A cat costs less to keep than a dog, but the expenses continue for many years, as many cats live to 15 or older. The first year is the most expensive, with the purchase price, initial vaccinations, microchipping, spaying or neutering, and supplies. After that, the main costs are food, cat litter, and insurance.

The first year

The Swedish cat federation SVERAK estimates a purchase price of around 10,000 kr for a pedigree cat. On top of that, you'll need a carrier, litter box, cat tree, bowls, and toys, as well as initial vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering at the vet. If you select a breed in the calculator, we use the typical current price of kittens of that breed on Get a Pet.

Food, litter, and insurance every year

An adult cat typically costs 7,000–10,000 kr a year. Cat food and litter are the most consistent expenses, while insurance becomes more expensive as your cat ages. According to Sveland's Djurägandet 2026 survey, cat owners estimate their spending at around 12,000 kr a year.

As your cat gets older

Older cats need dental care and kidney and thyroid checks more often. That's why we budget for more veterinary care in the later years, based on the breed's expected lifespan.

How we calculate costs

We use SVERAK's and Trygg-Hansa's cost tables as a starting point. Food costs are adjusted to the breed's weight, and insurance costs rise by about five percent a year. All figures are estimates rounded to the nearest hundred kronor. Use the Customize Your Budget button to adjust anything that doesn't fit your situation.