Cat Food Cost Calculator: Monthly & Yearly Feeding Costs (2026)

Cats cost much less to feed than dogs, but the range still varies by size, food type, and brand. Most cat owners spend $15-45/month on food. Use our calculator below to get a personalized estimate for your cat.

Cat Food Cost Overview

Cat SizeWeightDry KibbleWet FoodMixed DietRaw/Freeze-Dried
Small (e.g., Singapura)5-8 lbs$8-14$18-30$12-22$25-50
Medium (e.g., Domestic Shorthair)8-12 lbs$12-20$25-40$18-30$35-65
Large (e.g., Maine Coon)12-20 lbs$18-30$35-55$25-42$55-90

Cat Food Cost Calculator

Estimated Monthly Cost
$18
$0.60
Per Day
$216
Per Year
0.5
Cups/Day

Cat Food vs Dog Food: Key Differences

  • Protein requirements: Cats are obligate carnivores — they need 25-30% protein vs dogs' 18-25%
  • Taurine: Cats must get taurine from food (dogs synthesize it). Cat foods are fortified, dog foods are not
  • Portion sizes: A 10lb cat eats ~1/3 cup dry food daily vs a 10lb dog eating ~1 cup
  • Wet food importance: Cats need moisture in their diet — wet food helps prevent urinary tract issues
  • Cost per serving: Cats cost 40-60% less to feed than similarly-sized small dogs due to lower caloric needs

Cat Food Cost by Brand

BrandTypeMonthly Cost (10lb cat)
Store Brand DryDry$10-14
Purina Cat ChowDry$12-16
Fancy Feast (canned)Wet$15-25
Iams ProActive HealthDry$16-22
Purina Pro PlanDry$18-26
Hill's Science DietDry$22-32
Royal CaninDry$26-38
Blue Buffalo WildernessDry$28-40
Hill's Prescription DietDry/Wet$35-55

Need Dog Food Costs Instead?

Our main calculator supports 298+ dog breeds with detailed brand comparisons.

Dog Food Cost Calculator
đŸ‘Šâ€âš•ī¸
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell MSc Animal Nutrition, Certified Pet Food Advisor (CPFA)

Data sourced from American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, ASPCA pet nutrition guidelines, AAFCO nutritional requirements, and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) nutritional guidelines. Our calculator uses the veterinary-standard Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula. Last reviewed May 2026.