How much does cat food cost? 🐱
Last updated on 4/13/2026
According to an analysis of 650 Amazon listings, the average cost of complete and balanced cat food for an average-sized* cat is:
- $1,455.31 per year
- $119.61 per month
- $3.99 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 | 232 | 418 |
| Average Cost per Year | $359.51 | $2,063.51 |
| Average Cost per Month | $29.55 | $169.60 |
| Average Cost per Day | $0.98 | $5.65 |
| Average Cost per Meal | $0.49 | $2.83 |
| Food type | Sample size | Cost per Year | Cost per Month | Cost per Day | Cost per Meal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry food | 232 | $359.51 | $29.55 | $0.98 | $0.49 |
| Wet food | 418 | $2,063.51 | $169.60 | $5.65 | $2.83 |
based on 261* kcal intake