American curl cats are gorgeous additions to any home. Their distinct features make them easy to spot, while their high energy allows you to place them in family homes or as companions for anyone who is home for most of the day. Figuring out how much it costs to buy and care for one of these cats can be tricky, with mixed responses online.
To help you determine if you can afford an American curl cat, we have outlined the cost of buying or adopting one and how much you need to set aside to provide adequate care for your American curl cat.
The cost of an American curl cat in Australia can vary from $250 to $3,000. The wide price range accounts for cats being adopted from shelters and purchased from reputable breeders. When considering the cost of the cat, you should consider where you are buying it from, if they are purebred, and how old they are.
American curl cats are a rare breed, which is also reflected in the cost. It can make it difficult to find American curl cats in an adoption shelter unless they have been surrendered or their owner is unable to care for them anymore, rather than they have been abandoned.
A purebred American curl cat from a registered breeder can cost between $1,200 and $3,000. The cost varies depending on the age of the cat, the breeder you choose, and the tightness of the ear curl. Younger cats and kittens with a certified lineage and tight curl will cost more than older cats.
Tight ear curls are a desirable trait of the breed, so you can expect to see a higher price tag for them. When purchasing a cat from a breeder, you can ask about the ear curl and its lineage to help you determine if the price is justified.
Registered and reputable breeders will charge these higher prices, but if you see a lower price and think it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Unregistered and unethical breeders will charge lower prices, but the cats won’t come with the same care or ethical breeding, which can leave them with genetic conditions. When purchasing an American curl cat, ensure that you purchase it from a reputable and registered breeder.
Buying an American curl cat from an adoption shelter comes at a lower price, usually between $250 and $500. The cost will vary depending on the adoption shelter and its location, the age of the cat, and if there are any health conditions. Adoption shelters will charge a higher price for kittens, with older cats and those with health concerns offered at a lower price.
Older cats and those with health conditions aren’t as popular, but that doesn’t mean they won’t add love to your home. They are still affectionate and will provide companionship, but you must ensure that you have the budget to offer the care that they need. Adoption shelters don’t have the same information about a cat’s lineage as breeders, but they will provide you with as much information as possible about their personality, temperament and any health conditions to help match the American curl cat with the right home. They will also ask you questions about your home, lifestyle, and other pets to ensure you are a good match.
The price of an American curl cat in Australia varies depending on the lineage of the cat, its age, and the breeder’s reputation. It is important that you understand what impacts the cost so you can find the right price and cat that suits your lifestyle. We have outlined the main factors that influence the cost of an American curl cat.
Your cat’s lineage impacts the cost, especially if you have a purebred American curl cat. Purebred cats will always cost more, especially if the breeder can prove the cat’s lineage. Certified purebred American curl cats can cost the top of the price range, with many owners seeking out purebred cats as there is a lower risk of genetic conditions.
If a breeder claims their cat is purebred, be sure to ask for proof of this so you are not paying more than you should.
The reputation of the breeder also impacts the cost. Reputable breeders will be more expensive, but this comes with the reassurance that your cat has been cared for correctly before they come to your home. Registered breeders in Australia must follow a strict code of ethics to ensure their animals are safe and reassure new owners their cats have been well cared for.
You might pay a higher cost for a cat from a reputable breeder as they have absorbed the cost of vaccinations and vet costs before the kitten comes into your home.
Another important factor in the price of your cat is the age of it. Kittens are more popular and tend to be more expensive, costing thousands depending on their lineage and the breeder. Kittens cost breeders more, as they need vaccinations and more vet visits, which can be reflected in the cost of them. Kittens in a desirable colour or with more of a curl will also cost more.
Older cats tend to be more affordable to buy, especially when adopting them from a shelter. Older cats aren’t as popular, which is why they are sold at a lower cost, but they can provide your home with plenty of love. They can be excellent companions, too, but make sure you check to see if there are any health conditions to be aware of before bringing your cat home.
Aside from the cost of purchasing your American curl cat, there is the cost of essentials that you need to consider. Your American curl cat will need a crate, bed, feeding bowls, and other essentials to provide them with a comfortable and happy life. The cost of these essentials will vary from $5 to $360 per item depending on the brand you choose, the size, and the material of the items.
Alongside the one-off cost of essentials, you also need to consider the cost of replacing them throughout your cat’s lifetime. Beds will need to be replaced, collars adjusted, and harnesses swapped as your cat grows. We have outlined the cost of these essentials below so that you can determine if your budget can support an American curl cat.
Cat crate: can cost between $39 and $150, depending on the brand and size of the crate. Check the measurements before ordering to ensure that you have plenty of room for your cat.
Cat bed: can cost between $13 and $200 depending on the brand, the thickness and the material of the bed. You want to ensure the bed is plush enough to keep you comfortable and offer plenty of space for them.
Feeding bowl: can cost between $10 and $50 depending on the size and brand of the bowl. Specialist bowls to slow down the speed of your cat’s food will also add to the cost of the bowl.
Collar/lead: can cost from $5 to $35 depending on the type and material of the lead and collar.
Car harness: can cost between $5 and $50 depending on the size and brand. You need to ensure that you provide the right size to keep your cat secure.
Cat treats: can cost between $5 and $10 a week depending on the brand and how many treats your cat eats a week.
Litter tray: can cost between $300 to $360 a year depending on how often your cat uses the litter tray or if they toilet outside.
Clippers, combs, and brushes: can cost between $5 and $20 per item, depending on the brand and material. For longhaired American curl cats, we recommend investing in high-quality grooming products.
After you have paid for the essentials for your cat, you will also need to consider the costs of maintaining your cat. The cost of maintaining your cat with food, vet care, and grooming varies, costing between a few hundred to thousands of dollars a year. The cost will vary depending on the type of food you choose, the vet you use, and how often they are groomed. It is important to consider the maintenance costs for your American curl cat to ensure that you can provide them with excellent care. We have outlined the main maintenance costs below for you to consider.
On average, it can cost between $10 and $40 a month to feed your American curl cat. The price varies depending on the type of food you choose, its brand, and whether you need to supplement your diet with any treats or supplements. American curl cats need a high-quality, meat-based diet, and you should look for food that features a high meat content. High-quality food does not need to be expensive, though. You can find many affordable brands offering good quality ingredients; you will just need to complete your own research to ensure the food is suitable for your cat.
For an adult American curl cat weighing between 2.2 and 4.5 kg, you can expect to spend the following feeding them every day:
The cost of veterinary care for an American curl varies depending on the level of coverage you choose for pet insurance, the vet you choose, and if your cat has any health conditions that need addressing. You can expect to spend a few hundred dollars a year on veterinary care, but these costs can rise as your cat ages or needs additional care.
The costs we have outlined below are based on preventative care, like vaccinations and preventative parasite treatment, and do not include the cost of treatments or appointments for your cat. It is important that you consider these costs, too and ensure you have a good pet insurance plan to prevent surprise costs.
Annual vet checkups: can cost between $80 and $150, depending on the price of your vet. The cost can increase if any follow-up appointments or treatments are needed.
Vaccinations: can cost between $80 and $150 depending on the size of your cat and the prices your vet sets. The price can vary depending on the size of your cat, with larger cats seeing a higher price.
Worming and parasite treatment: can cost around $200 a year to provide coverage for your cat. The cost can increase if treatment is to remove parasites, so it’s best to follow up on regular preventative treatments.
Dental cleaning: can cost between $300 and $700 depending on the level of cleaning required and if your cat needs to be sedated for the treatment.
Pet insurance can cost between $25 and $80 a month, depending on the level of coverage you choose, your cat’s health, and their age.
You can choose to groom your American curl cat at home, allowing you to reduce the cost of outgoings for your cat. However, not all cats enjoy being groomed and might need specialist attention, which is where a professional groomer comes in handy.
Grooming an American curl cat can cost between $80 and $180, depending on the groomer you choose and the coat of your cat. American curl cats can come with short or long hair, each with different grooming needs. You will need to groom longhaired coats twice a week to remove any knots and dirt, keeping your cat clean. You can brush them yourself, or you can pay a professional to do it.
For shorthair cats, they will need to be brushed once a week to remove any knots. Matted fur is common in cats with short or long hair and can extend the grooming time. You might need to pay for the mats to be professionally removed, which can be expensive, so it’s important to create a regular brushing routine.
You can expect to pay more for the groom on your longhaired American curl than a shorthair, with the cost increasing if your cat has mats that need to be removed.
American curl cats are an intelligent breed, making it easier to train than other breeds. That said, you can spend between $99 and $2,800, depending on the training course you choose and how long it is. Some training courses will run for a few weeks with your cats, while others will focus on you, allowing you to become an expert in caring for your cat. The variety of courses and prices helps you to find one that suits your needs and your budget.
American curl cats are rare and come with a hefty price tag and lots of ongoing costs, but this should not put you off. Provided you have done your research and created a budget to support your cat, you can bring an American curly cat into your home and enjoy years of companionship and love.
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