How much does cat food cost? 🐱
Last updated on 8/9/2026
According to an analysis of 612 Amazon listings, the average cost of complete and balanced cat food for an average-sized* cat is:
- $1,451.20 per year
- $119.28 per month
- $3.98 per day
- $1.99 per meal (twice a day)
*261 kcal is the recommended daily calorie intake for an average-sized cat (10 lb) according to the Pet Nutrition Alliance
Cost difference between dry and wet food
| Food type | Dry food | Wet food |
|---|---|---|
| Number of samples | 220 | 392 |
| Average Cost per Year | $364.24 | $2,061.24 |
| Average Cost per Month | $29.94 | $169.42 |
| Average Cost per Day | $1.00 | $5.65 |
| Average Cost per Meal | $0.50 | $2.82 |
| Food type | Sample size | Cost per Year | Cost per Month | Cost per Day | Cost per Meal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry food | 220 | $364.24 | $29.94 | $1.00 | $0.50 |
| Wet food | 392 | $2,061.24 | $169.42 | $5.65 | $2.82 |
based on 261* kcal intake