How much does cat food cost? 🐱
Last updated on 3/16/2026
According to an analysis of 734 Amazon listings, the average cost of complete and balanced cat food for an average-sized* cat is:
- $1,460.57 per year
- $120.05 per month
- $4.00 per day
- $2.00 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 | 254 | 480 |
| Average Cost per Year | $353.09 | $2,046.62 |
| Average Cost per Month | $29.02 | $168.22 |
| Average Cost per Day | $0.97 | $5.61 |
| Average Cost per Meal | $0.48 | $2.80 |
| Food type | Sample size | Cost per Year | Cost per Month | Cost per Day | Cost per Meal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry food | 254 | $353.09 | $29.02 | $0.97 | $0.48 |
| Wet food | 480 | $2,046.62 | $168.22 | $5.61 | $2.80 |
based on 261* kcal intake