Is it Cheaper to Own a Cat or a Dog?

Is is cheaper to own a cat or a dog | PetAir UK

Owning a pet is one of life’s greatest joys – but it’s also a long-term financial commitment. As the cost of living continues to impact UK households in 2025, more pet owners are asking the practical question: Is it cheaper to own a cat or a dog?

In this guide, we’ll break down the financial differences between cats and dogs. We will discuss purchase price, feeding, veterinary care, insurance, lifetime expenses and even the cost of flying your pet abroad if you plan to relocate.

Pet Ownership in the UK: 2025 Overview

According to the PDSA, there are now around 11.1 million pet cats and 10.2 million pet dogs in the UK. Dogs generally require higher annual spending due to their size, exercise needs and veterinary requirements. However, some costs are surprisingly higher for cats, especially as they age.

Average lifetime cost of owning a dog: £17,000–£30,000 (depending on size and breed)
Average lifetime cost of owning a cat: £12,000–£24,000

These figures include daily care, vet treatments, insurance and end-of-life care – but do not include relocation or travel costs.

Initial Costs: Buying vs Rehoming

Rehoming (Lower Cost, Welfare-Friendly)
(Rehoming costs as per Battersea Dogs & Cats Home)

  • Dog under 6 months: £250
  • Dog over 6 months: £175
  • Kitten: £125
  • Adult cat: £95

Buying from a Breeder (Higher Cost, Breed Dependent)

  • Pedigree puppies: £800–£3,500+
  • Designer or speciality breeds: up to £5,000
  • Pedigree kittens: £300–£3,000+

Tip: If cost is a factor, adoption is significantly cheaper and supports animal welfare.

Ongoing Costs of Ownership

Food:
  • Cat food: £250–£400 per year
  • Dog food: £300–£600+ per year (higher for large or active breeds)

Pet Insurance:

Insurance is vital to protect against unexpected veterinary bills.

  • Average annual dog insurance: £300 (larger breeds can exceed £600)
  • Average annual cat insurance: £230 (older cats can reach £450)

According to the Association of British Insurers, the average pet insurance claim in the UK in 2024 was £960, with some claims exceeding £7,000.

Veterinary Care & Preventative Treatment:
  • Routine vet visits: £40–£60 per consultation
  • Annual vaccinations: £60–£80
  • Flea, tick & worming: £120–£200 annually
  • Neutering: £60–£200 depending on pet and gender

Cats tend to require fewer vet visits in their early life but often need more care as they age due to common feline conditions such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Dogs may require ongoing care for mobility, allergies or breed-specific conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart issues)

Lifestyle Costs:
  • Grooming: Dogs needing regular grooming can cost £40–£60 every 6–8 weeks. Most cats groom themselves.
  • Toys & accessories: £100–£200 annually
  • Kennel or cattery boarding: £15–£25 per day for cats; £25–£40+ per day for dogs

Which Is Cheaper to Fly Abroad – a Cat or a Dog?

If you’re planning to relocate internationally, transport costs may be a deciding factor.

Flying a cat is generally cheaper than a dog, depending on destination and size of dog. This is mainly due to smaller crates leading to lower cargo charges.

If you are interested in seeing how much your cat or dog would cost to fly, get a quick, free online quote today.

At PetAir UK, we provide bespoke travel crates and expert care for flights to over 300 destinations. We have safely relocated over 33,000 pets internationally, ensuring welfare at every stage of the journey.

Money-Saving Tips for Cat and Dog Owners

  • Adopt instead of buy: Rehoming dramatically reduces initial cost.
  • Opt for preventative care: Regular flea treatments and vaccinations are cheaper than treating illness.
  • Compare insurance annually: Premiums can increase with age – switching may help reduce costs.
  • Buy food in bulk: Subscription deliveries often save 10–15%.
  • Plan early for relocation: Travel costs are lower when arranged in advance and managed by professionals. However don’t worry if you have left it last minute – check out our fast-track plan.

The Verdict

Cats are generally cheaper to own on an annual and lifetime basis. However, this can vary depending on breed, lifestyle, healthcare needs and whether you intend to travel internationally. However, choosing between a cat and a dog should be based on lifestyle compatibility as much as financial considerations.

At PetAir, we understand that the cost of owning a pet can really add up. That’s why we do our best to provide the best value services. With price match guarantee, we won’t be beaten on price. Check out our payment plans as well – a great way to spread out the pet travel costs!

Want to see how much it will cost to fly your pet?

📞 Call our expert team on +44 (0)1725 551124
🌍 Or request a free quote online

Peace of mind comes from knowing your pet is in the safest hands possible.