With their calm, easygoing temperament, dense coat, and round face, British Shorthair cats have become increasingly popular pets over the past few decades. Their steady popularity means British Shorthair kittens are fairly easy to find from reputable breeders. But their desirability also means they usually come with a high price tag. So how much does a British Shorthair cat cost?
Purchase Price
A British Shorthair kitten from a breeder will generally cost between $1,000 and $2,000. The price ultimately comes down to factors like pedigree, show quality, and geographic location. Kittens with an exceptional pedigree or show potential tend to be toward the higher end of that price range. Breeders on the East and West Coasts also frequently charge more than breeders in other parts of the country.
Some specific things that affect the purchase price include:
Pedigree – Kittens with a long pedigree of Grand Champion British Shorthairs in their lineage cost more.
Show Quality – Kittens with show potential based on their conformation and meeting breed standards cost more than pet quality kittens.
Registration – Registered kittens from The International Cat Association or the Cat Fanciers Association come with higher price tags.
Breeder Reputation – Renowned breeders with excellent reputations and breeding programs charge more for their kittens.
Location – Due to demand and higher costs of living, breeders in big cities like New York and Los Angeles often charge $2,000 or more per kitten.
For a pet quality British Shorthair from a small-scale breeder, you may be able to find kittens between $800 and $1,200. But a top show quality kitten from an acclaimed breeder can cost $2,500 or higher.
Other Upfront Costs
The purchase price of the kitten is just the beginning. There are also several other upfront costs involved in bringing home a new British Shorthair cat.
Some of these include:
Supplies – Expect to spend $200 to $300 on initial supplies like a litter box, food and water bowls, cat bed, scratching posts, litter scoop, collar, leash, and toys.
Vet Care – The initial vet visit for a new kitten will likely cost around $200 for the exam, vaccines, parasite testing, and other services.
Spay/Neuter – Spaying or neutering your kitten will cost between $200 and $500.
Microchipping – Microchipping your cat for identification usually costs around $50.
When all is said and done, expect to spend a minimum of $1,500 to $2,500 or more before even bringing your British Shorthair kitten home. The purchase price is just one portion of the initial costs. But the expenses don’t stop there.
Ongoing Costs
Once you have your British Shorthair cat settled into your home, there are recurring expenses to account for in your pet budget. These include:
Food – Expect to spend $40 to $60 per month to feed a high-quality cat food.
Litter – Litter will cost around $20 to $30 per month depending on your cat’s preferences.
Toys – Rotate new toys in regularly at around $10 to $20 per month.
Treats – Treats average $10 to $20 per month.
Grooming – Occasional professional grooming may cost $60 to $80 per session.
Vet Care – Annual vet visits, vaccines, and preventatives will total $400 to $600 per year.
Insurance – Pet insurance for a cat costs $15 to $40 per month depending on the plan.
Over the lifetime of a British Shorthair cat, which averages 12 to 18 years, the costs definitely add up. But to most cat lovers, the companionship and joy they provide makes it all worthwhile. While the price tag is high, British Shorthairs make treasured furry additions to any family.