How Much Does Cat Food Cost per Month?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 sources

Short answer

Cat food usually costs about $38 to $155 a month. Rover's 2024 survey of US cat owners put annual food spending at $450 to $1,860. Feeding mostly dry food keeps you near the low end, while an all-wet or premium diet pushes you toward the top. Litter is a separate monthly cost.

Cats eat far less than most dogs, so food costs are lower, but the choice between dry and wet food makes a big difference to the monthly bill.

Monthly cat food cost

Per year Per month
Ongoing cat food spending (Rover, 2024) $450–$1,860 about $38–$155
One-time upfront food and treats for a new cat $40–$155 —

Monthly figures are the annual range divided by 12. Source: Rover's True Cost of Pet Parenthood report, via Kiplinger. In Rover's 2025 survey, 69% of pet parents said food and treats take up most of their pet budget.

Dry vs. wet: why it changes the cost

  • Dry food packs more calories into each dollar and keeps well once opened, so it's the cheapest way to feed a cat.
  • Wet food contains a lot of water, so you pay for more weight per calorie, and cans and pouches cost more per serving. Many owners use wet food for hydration, especially for cats prone to urinary problems.
  • Mixed feeding (wet once a day, dry for the rest) is a common middle ground.

How much food does a cat eat?

Catster's veterinarian-reviewed guidance is about 20 calories per pound of body weight per day for an average indoor cat: roughly 200 calories for a 10-pound cat and 300 for a 15-pound cat. Outdoor cats need more, about 35 calories per pound. See how much to feed your cat.

Estimate your own monthly cost

  1. Multiply your cat's daily calories by 30.
  2. Check the calories per cup (dry) or per can (wet) on the label.
  3. Work out how many cups or cans you need a month and multiply by the price per cup or can.

Example: a 10-pound indoor cat eating 200 calories a day needs about 6,000 calories a month. If you feed only a wet food with 100 calories per can, that's about 60 cans; a dry food with 400 calories per cup would be about 15 cups.

Ways to save on cat food

  • Feed measured meals instead of an always-full bowl.
  • Buy dry food in the largest bag your cat can finish while fresh, stored in its original bag inside a sealed container.
  • Use auto-ship or subscription discounts.
  • Ask your vet before switching to a cheaper food if your cat is on a prescription diet.

Browse pet stores near you to compare prices.

Sources

  1. Kiplinger: What it really costs to own a dog or cat (Rover 2024 data)
  2. Rover: The true cost of pet parenthood 2025
  3. Catster: How many calories should a cat eat? (2026)

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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

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