How to use the dog vs cat cost calculator
- Enter one-off and monthly costs for a dog.
- Enter them for a cat.
- Adjust the lifespans if you like and press Calculate.
Worked example
A dog with US$800 one-off and US$150 a month for 12.5 years, against a cat with US$400 one-off and US$90 a month for 11.7 years (your costs will differ).
- Currency
- US dollar
- Dog: one-off costs
- 800
- Dog: monthly costs
- 150
- Dog: lifespan (years)
- 12.5
- Cat: one-off costs
- 400
- Cat: monthly costs
- 90
- Cat: lifespan (years)
- 11.7
- Dog lifetime
- $23,300
- Cat lifetime
- $13,036
- Dog first year
- $2,600
- Cat first year
- $1,480
Based only on the numbers and lifespans you entered. Emergencies are not included.
Example values are illustrative; this result is produced by the same calculator above.
How we calculate it
Sources: Pure arithmetic / unit conversion on user inputs (no external constant) · McMillan K.M. et al. · Teng K.T. et al.
Understanding your result
To compare a dog and a cat, the calculator uses your one-off costs, your monthly costs and each pet's lifespan: lifetime cost equals one-off costs plus twelve times the monthly cost times the number of years.
The lifespans are prefilled from studies: a UK study of dogs found a median of about 12.5 years (McMillan 2024), and a UK study of cats found an average life expectancy at birth of about 11.7 years (Teng 2024). You can change them.
With a dog at US$800 once and US$150 a month, and a cat at US$400 once and US$90 a month, the dog totals about US$23,300 and the cat about US$13,000 over a lifetime. Your numbers will differ, and emergencies are not included.
Common mistakes
- Using the same monthly cost for both pets.
- Leaving out insurance, boarding or litter.
- Assuming lifespans are the same for every breed.
- Ignoring the time and care each pet needs.
- Deciding on cost alone.
Good to know
- Use the Cost of Owning a Dog and Cost of Owning a Cat calculators for more detail.
- Think about your home, time and lifestyle too.
- Include a buffer for unexpected vet bills.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the lifespans come from?
Studies found a median dog lifespan of about 12.5 years in the UK (McMillan 2024) and an average cat life expectancy at birth of about 11.7 years (Teng 2024). Change them to match your pet.
Does it include emergencies?
No. Only what you enter.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on your choices and local prices. Enter your own numbers.
Can I change the lifespans?
Yes. They are prefilled from studies but you can enter any lifespan.
Does it include emergencies?
No. It uses only what you enter, so add a buffer for unexpected costs.
Which pet suits me?
Cost is only one factor. Think about your home, time and lifestyle too.
Sources
- Pure arithmetic / unit conversion on user inputs (no external constant)
- McMillan K.M. et al. (2024) Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports
- Teng K.T. et al. (2024) Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 26
Related calculators
- Cost of Owning a Dog CalculatorAdd up the one-off and monthly costs of a dog to see the first-year, yearly and lifetime cost.
- Cost of Owning a Cat CalculatorAdd up the one-off and monthly costs of a cat to see the first-year, yearly and lifetime cost.
- Monthly Pet Budget CalculatorAdd up your monthly pet costs to see the monthly and yearly total.
- Pet Annual Vet Cost CalculatorEstimate routine vet costs for a year from check-ups, vaccines, preventives, dental care and other items.
Estimates only. Every pet is different — confirm with your veterinarian.