British Shorthair Cat Cost
British Shorthair cats have become increasingly popular household pets in recent years due to their friendly, placid nature and classic good looks. However, owning a cat comes with certain financial responsibilities that cat parents need to budget for.
Initial British Shorthair Cat Costs
The upfront costs of getting a British Shorthair cat can range considerably depending on factors like the cat's age, breeding quality, and where you source it from.
British Shorthair Kittens
- Purebred kittens from a reputable breeder typically cost $800-1,500.
- Kittens with exclusive pedigree or rare coloring may be higher, up to $3,000.
- Adopting from a shelter or rescue is usually $100-300 and includes initial vaccines and spay/neuter.
Adult Cats
Adopting an adult British Shorthair cat is often cheaper than a kitten, but you still need funds for:
- $50-150 adoption fee from a shelter or rescue group.
- $150-400 purchase price from a breeder, depending on pedigree and condition.
Supplies
Every new cat will need the following essential supplies:
- Cat carrier - $20-50
- Litter box + litter - $20-30
- Food bowls - $5-10
- Collar + ID tag - $10-20
- Scratching post - $20-50
- Toys - $10-30
Once settled in, consider cat-proofing your home with things like scratching pads, furniture covers, and high places for them to perch.
Recurring British Shorthair Cat Costs
Here are some of the major ongoing costs to budget for when owning a British Shorthair cat:
Food
High-quality cat food costs $30-50 per month, depending on brand and your cat's size. Wet food can double those costs.
Litter and Litter Box Supplies
Expect to spend $15-30 monthly on litter, scoops, and liners or replacement litter boxes.
Grooming
British Shorthairs have low grooming needs but still need:
- Brush 1-2 times weekly - $5-10 brush
- Nail trims every 4-6 weeks by vet or groomer - $10-15 per visit
- Annual brush at groomers - $30-50
Health Care
Plan for about $200-300 per year, including:
- Yearly wellness exam - $50-100
- Flea/tick preventatives as needed - $5-20 monthly
- Deworming as needed - $10-20
- Dental care every 1-2 years - $200-400
- Unexpected vet visits or prescription food - $50-300 average per year
Toys and Entertainment
Replace chewed toys monthly at $5-15 each to keep cats active and engaged.
Boarding or Sitting
Expect to pay $15-30 daily for boarding or a pet sitter whenever you travel.
Total Average Annual British Shorthair Cat Costs
Based on the above recurring expenses, budget around $1,000-2,500 total per year for a British Shorthair depending on their individual needs. Kittens and adult cats adopted from shelters will have lower initial costs but similar ongoing budgets.
Financial Considerations Before Getting a Cat
While cats are typically cheaper than dogs overall, there are still significant financial responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Be sure you can comfortably afford the costs for your British Shorthair's entire lifespan, which is 12-15+ years on average.
Consider factors like:
- Your regular monthly budget and expenses
- Potential loss of income if you get sick or lose your job
- Cost of moves, rental deposits, and pet fees in leases
- Emergency vet funds of at least $1,000 set aside
- Senior pet care as cats age which may involve pricey medications
Getting pet insurance can help offset some costs of unexpected vet visits and care. Talk to your provider about British Shorthair-specific policies.
If properly budgeted for and with considerations for long-term commitments, a British Shorthair cat could be a wonderful, lifelong furry companion. Just be sure you're ready for the financial responsibilities of caring for this loyal breed for over a decade.
Cost Saving Tips for British Shorthair Cat Ownership
While caring for a British Shorthair does require a financial commitment, there are some ways owners can save money while still providing quality care:
Shop Smart for Supplies
- Check pet stores, websites like Chewy.com for deals and subscribe for auto-delivery discounts.
- Stock up on supplies when items go on sale versus buying as-needed.
- Buy generic brands or bulk litter/food rather than fancy labeled items.
Homemade Cat Food
In moderation and with research, you can save 25-50% by making wet food at home from recipes tailored to your cat's needs.
Groom Your Cat Yourself
Brushing coats at home and trimming nails yourself avoids paying for grooming visits if you're careful.
DIY Flea/Tick Prevention
Spot-on topical and collars can be cheaper long-term than monthly pest meds. Natural oils like eucalyptus also aid repellency.
Shop Vets by Cost
Check prices at multiple clinics for vaccines, tests, surgeries. Low-cost options may be available in your area.
Wellness Plans
Some vets offer yearly discounted prices bundling care like exams, vaccines into wellness plans.
Get Insured
Pet insurance protects against costly vet bills long-term. Quality policies start at $10-20 monthly.
Mulch Litter Boxes
UseYesterday's News unscented cat litter - cheaper and more eco-friendly than clumping clay litters.
Entertain Inexpensively
Crumple paper balls or empty packaging can engage cats just as much as store-bought toys.
Low-Cost Alternatives to Traditional British Shorthair Care
For cat owners on a tighter budget, there are some viable lower-cost alternatives to standard supplies and services:
Rescue Groups Instead of Breeders
Adopting a British Shorthair from a rescue means lower fees versus expensive purebred kittens. You're saving a furry life too!
DIY Cat Trees
Building climbing structures yourself using scrap wood, cardboard scratching posts, and blankets/rope is cheaper than store-bought.
Cardboard Scratching Surfaces
Cat proof carpet surfaces or furniture using taped-down cardboard from boxes versus scratching pads.
Castoffs for Beds/Blankets
Old towels, T-shirts, and blankets can be cut and sewn into cozy beds. Thrift stores have pillows/throws too.
Drinking Fountains Instead of Bottles
Gravity and filter fountains keep pet hydrated for less money than pre-filled bottles long term.
Public Community Clinics
Some areas host low-cost vaccine days, clinics run by humane societies/rescues with cheaper services.
Holistic Flea/Tick Alternatives
Try diatomaceous earth, plant-based sprays, or natural oils on collars/fur versus pricey pet store brands.
Homemade Food in Moderation
Small daily portions of homemade plates using human-grade meat/veg adds variety cheaply.
Home Grooming and First Aid
Basic nail trims, fur brushing and wound care yourself with online guidance saves vet bills for non-emergencies.
