Buying a Cat Cost

• Adopting a kitten or adult cat from a shelter usually costs between $50 and $100.
• Purchasing a pet quality purebred kitten from a breeder usually costs between $300 and $1,200 depending on the breed and color. Pet quality kittens are considered the lowest quality because they have some aesthetic flaw not noticeable to the average person -- such as a tail kink or an underbite -- that causes them not to meet written breed standards.
• Purchasing a breeding quality kitten from a breeder usually costs between $500 and $1,000 or more, depending on the breed, color and quality. Breeding quality kittens meet the written standards of the breed and have no major aesthetic flaws.
• Purchasing a show quality kitten usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000 but can go up to $15,000 or more in some cases. Show quality is the top level of quality, though there are variations even among kittens that receive that designation. A top quality show kitten should be able to be shown at cat shows.
• The prices for all levels of quality vary by breed, coat color and coat quality. Breeds that tend to fall at the lower end to middle of the price range include: the Siamese, the Maine Coon and the Russian Blue. Color can affect price as well; for example, lilac point Siamese -- which have very light colored bodies and light, grayish purple markings on their ears, faces, paws and tails -- can cost 20 percent more that the traditional seal point Siamese, which have slightly darker bodies and dark markings.
• Breeds that tend to fall at the higher end of the price range include: the Sphynx, the Siberian and the Bengal. Exotic colors make the cats even more expensive. For example, a "colorpoint" Siberian -- which is a solid light color with darker markings on the ears, face, paws and tail -- can cost about 25 percent more.

• Shelters and rescue groups usually include neutering or spaying -- which is almost always a requirement of adoption -- and initial vaccinations, de-worming and a veterinary check-up.
• Breeders usually include registration papers, a health certificate from a veterinarian, initial vaccinations and de-worming if necessary, as well as proof that the kitten tests negative for the feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses. Some include a sample bag of the food the kitten has been eating. Kittens should come with a health guarantee, in which the breeder agrees to take back the kitten and refund the purchase price if a health defect is found during a limited time period.

• If a cat is purchased from a non-local breeder, it will have to be picked up or shipped by ground or by air, which usually costs about $150 to $300. The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International provides a search for pet shipping services.

• It is possible to adopt a purebred adult cat from a breed rescue group, or to purchase a retired purebred breeding cat from a breeder, for $100 to $300. PurebredCatBreedRescue.org offers a list of cat rescue organizations by breed.

• Before looking for a rescue or breeder, think about which breed of cat would fit into your household. The Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. has a list of breeds and descriptions.
• The Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. also offers a breeder referral service by breed and location.
• Even after a referral, investigate the breeder carefully. The International Cat Association offers information on how to recognize a reputable breeder.
• Tip: When visiting a breeder or rescue group, ask about grooming needs, temperament and potential health problems -- and ask a breeder to show you both parents. The Cat Fanciers Association, Inc. has a primer on shopping for a purebred cat.

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