Getting a cat or kitten: costs, choices and how to buy or adopt responsibly

Getting a cat is exciting, but it's also a commitment that can last well into the teens. Taking time to think about costs, what kind of cat suits your home and where you'll get them from makes it much more likely you'll have a happy, healthy cat for life.

How much does a cat cost?

PDSA estimated in 2024 that the minimum cost of caring for a cat over their lifetime is £11,400 to £13,600. This is based on an average lifespan of 11.7 to 14 years. It includes:

• set-up costs of around £366, not including buying the cat
• a minimum of about £79 a month for food, insurance, preventive healthcare and other basics

These are minimum figures. They don't include vet fees if your cat becomes ill or injured, the cost of buying or adopting a cat, cattery or cat sitter costs, or special diets. If your cat lives longer than average, they could cost considerably more.

Kitten or adult cat?

Don't rule out an adult cat. With an adult, you can see their personality before you commit. If you'd like a particular breed, look for adult cats of that breed who need a new home, as well as kittens.

Cats Protection says cats adopted through them will, where possible, have been health checked by a vet, treated for fleas and worms, vaccinated, microchipped and neutered.

One cat or two?

The GCCF suggests that if you're out for more than two or three hours a day, it could be sensible and kinder to get two kittens for company. If you do, get them together, or within a few weeks of each other.

Remember that two cats means double the food, insurance and vet costs. The GCCF's code of ethics says owners should only keep as many cats as they can care for responsibly.

Thinking about a pedigree cat

Cats Protection advises:

• Research the breed. Because of the smaller gene pool, some pedigree breeds are more likely to have certain inherited diseases or extra care needs.
• Think carefully about exaggerated features. Flattened faces, deformed ears and lack of fur can cause pain and suffering, as well as expensive vet bills.
• Choose a breeder registered with a breed body. For example, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) provides certificates of a cat's pedigree and parentage.

How old should a kitten be?

• At least 8 weeks. GOV.UK says a responsible seller will never sell a kitten younger than 8 weeks. The Kitten Checklist, produced by UK cat welfare organisations, says a kitten must not be homed until they are at least 8 weeks old.
• 13 weeks for GCCF pedigree kittens. The GCCF says kittens should be at least 13 weeks old before they leave the breeder, and must have completed their full course of vaccinations at least seven days before.

Where to get your cat or kitten

GOV.UK says you should deal directly with the breeder or a reputable UK rehoming centre.

In England, Lucy's Law bans the sale of kittens under six months old by third-party sellers such as pet shops and dealers. If someone other than the breeder or a rehoming centre is selling a young kitten, walk away.

Checking the kitten and seller

Before you visit

Cats Protection and the RSPCA suggest asking:

• When was the kitten born?
• Can I see the kitten with their mother?
• Does the kitten have littermates, and do they interact?
• Where has the kitten spent most of their time?
• Is the kitten a specific breed?

When you visit

Always see the kitten with their mother, in the place they were bred. The Kitten Checklist says this helps you avoid kittens that may have been farmed or imported illegally. Check:

• Is the mother healthy and friendly?
• Are there lots of other cats or litters in the home?
• Is the kitten's environment clean?
• Does the kitten look healthy, with bright eyes and no visible health problems?
• Is the kitten friendly, or nervous and fearful?

Cats Protection says kitten socialisation happens between two and eight weeks old, so ask how the kitten has been introduced to people, handling and everyday household sounds.

Signs to walk away

• You can't see the kitten with their mother.
• The seller wants to meet somewhere other than the kitten's home.
• The seller offers to post the pedigree certificate after you've paid. Cats Protection warns this can be a sign of a scam.
• You feel rushed. GOV.UK says a responsible seller won't rush you and will want to check you're a suitable owner too.

Paperwork to ask for

GOV.UK says a responsible seller will provide medical records, such as:

• vaccination certificates
• microchip records
• whether the kitten has been neutered
• evidence of worming and flea treatments

For a GCCF-registered pedigree kitten, you should also get a pedigree certificate signed by the breeder showing at least three generations, and a registration document so you can transfer the kitten into your name.

In England, cats must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by 20 weeks old, and kept up to date with your details. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.