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Kitten Guide

Kitten First Year Cost Guide

What to expect financially in your kitten's first year, from supplies to vet visits.

Estimated First Year Total

$655 - $3,675+

Cost Breakdown

Initial Setup

Adoption/Purchase

Shelter vs breeder

$50 - $1,500+

Litter Box

$10 - $100

Carrier

$20 - $60

Scratching Post

$15 - $100

Food & Water Bowls

$10 - $40

Veterinary Care

Initial Exam

$50 - $150

Kitten Vaccines (series)

$60 - $180

Rabies Vaccine

$15 - $35

Spay/Neuter

Low-cost clinics available

$50 - $400

Microchip

$25 - $60

Ongoing Costs

Food (year)

$150 - $500

Litter (year)

$100 - $250

Flea Prevention

$80 - $200

Toys & Enrichment

$20 - $100

Supplies Checklist

Essential

Recommended

Optional

Cat tree or perch$30-150Window perch$15-40

Vet Visit Timeline

1
6-8 weeks

First Kitten Visit

Physical examFirst FVRCP vaccineDewormingFecal test

May already be done by breeder/shelter

2
10-12 weeks

Second Kitten Visit

FVRCP boosterFeLV vaccine (if needed)Discuss flea prevention
3
14-16 weeks

Third Kitten Visit

Final FVRCP boosterRabies vaccineMicrochip
4
5-6 months

Spay/Neuter

Spay/neuter surgeryPre-surgical bloodwork (optional)

Often done earlier for shelter cats

5
1 year

Annual Wellness

Physical examVaccine boostersFecal test

For detailed vaccine information, see our cat vaccine cost guide.

Kitten Care Tips

  • Indoor cats live longer - Consider keeping your kitten indoors to avoid injuries and diseases.
  • Use breakaway collars - These release if caught to prevent choking.
  • One litter box per cat + one extra - Multiple cats need multiple boxes.

Save on Kitten Vaccines

Find low-cost vaccine clinics and affordable spay/neuter services near you.

Find Low-Cost ClinicsFirst Vet Visit Guide

Note: Cost estimates are for educational purposes only and vary significantly by location, provider, breed, and individual pet needs. Always verify current prices directly with providers. This is not medical advice.