The cat breed cost sorter
Sort 8 cats by what they cost to feed, insure and own — and filter by size, shedding and budget. Click any column to sort.
Owning a cat in the US runs from about $18,100 to $28,700 over a lifetime across these 8 breeds, with a typical (median) figure near $22,800. The cheapest to own is the Domestic Shorthair (~$18,100); the priciest is the Persian (~$28,700). These are not sticker prices — each figure fuses purchase, food (computed from breed weight via the vet RER/MER calorie formula), insurance (NAPHIA averages by health-risk tier), routine vet, grooming and supplies across its average lifespan. Sort by any column or filter by size, shedding and budget to find the cat that fits your home and wallet.
| Breed | Size | Avg lb | Food/yr | Insurance/yr | Lifetime | Lifespan | Shedding |
|---|
Cheapest cats to own (lifetime)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest cat to own?
The Domestic Shorthair, about $18,100 over its lifetime — small, healthy breeds cost least.
How much does a cat cost over its lifetime?
Across 8 breeds the median is about $22,800, ranging from $18,100 to $28,700.
How is cat cost calculated?
Food from breed weight via the vet RER/MER calorie formula and US prices; insurance from NAPHIA averages by health-risk tier; lifetime = purchase + first-year setup + annual cost × average lifespan.
Compiled by the PawCosts data team from breed standards, NAPHIA averages and vet nutrition formulas.