How much does cat food cost? 🐱
Last updated on 9/13/2026
According to an analysis of 559 Amazon listings, the average cost of complete and balanced cat food for an average-sized* cat is:
- $1,426.14 per year
- $117.22 per month
- $3.91 per day
- $1.95 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 | 204 | 355 |
| Average Cost per Year | $355.03 | $2,041.66 |
| Average Cost per Month | $29.18 | $167.81 |
| Average Cost per Day | $0.97 | $5.59 |
| Average Cost per Meal | $0.49 | $2.80 |
| Food type | Sample size | Cost per Year | Cost per Month | Cost per Day | Cost per Meal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry food | 204 | $355.03 | $29.18 | $0.97 | $0.49 |
| Wet food | 355 | $2,041.66 | $167.81 | $5.59 | $2.80 |
based on 261* kcal intake