Asian cat is a broad term applied to cats originating in Asia, including Bengal, Burmese, Jungle, and Thai cats. The prices of these cats can vary, and with many breeders offering different prices and conflicting answers, it can be difficult to know what a fair price is for an Asian cat. That is where we come in to help! Our guide today walks you through the price of Asian cats in Australia alongside the additional costs you need to consider before bringing a cat into your home.
The cost of an Asian cat does vary depending on the breed, the reputation of the breeder, and the cat’s lineage. You can expect to pay between $200 and $3,000 for your Asian cat, with some cats costing over $3,000! The wide range of prices accounts for cats purchased from a registered breeder and an adoption shelter, with adoption shelters typically charging less for their cats than breeders.
On occasion, you will see breeders charging a surprisingly low price for their cats. In these situations, we recommend avoiding them as they are likely an unregistered breeder and have not followed the same code of ethics as registered breeders. Unregistered breeders can overbreed and not care for their cats properly, causing health conditions and sickly cats. Although the low prices can be attractive, it is best to avoid these and purchase your cat from a registered breeder or adoption shelter.
Asian cats can cost between $1,200 and $3,000 when purchased from an Asian cat breeder. As there are several different breeds of Asian cats, there is a wide range of prices, with most registered breeders charging over $1,000 for any breed of Asian cat. Registered breeders can charge more for kittens and purebred Asian cats, especially if they can authenticate the lineage.
Purebred cats are more popular, as it is believed they have a reduced risk of genetic health conditions. Breeders are able to charge more to meet the demand, but the high cost also reflects the work that breeders put into their cats. Breeders will work hard to provide the necessary care for their cats and breed them ethically to prevent any health concerns. When choosing a breeder, we recommend speaking to them beforehand to learn more about the care of your cat to ensure they have been ethically breeding and caring for their animals properly.
Adopting Asian cats is cheaper than buying through a breeder, with adoption shelters charging between $200 and $500. The cost can vary depending on the location of the shelter and the age of the cat. Kittens typically cost more from adoption shelters, while older cats and those with health conditions are offered at a lower price. The price reflects the popularity of the age, as well as the ongoing costs that you will need to pay.
While adoption shelters won’t have the same information about the lineage of cats as breeders, they will provide you with as much information as possible to help you better understand your new cat. You will learn about their personality, temperament, and any health conditions the cat has. Adoption shelters work hard to match cats to their perfect home, so you can expect to be asked questions about your home, lifestyle, and other pets you might have.
Several factors influence the cost of an Asian cat in Australia, including the cat’s lineage and breed, the age of the cat, and the reputation of the breeder. Understanding how these factors impact the cost will help you find the right price when searching for your cat without the risk of being overcharged. We have detailed the main factors that you need to consider when looking at the cost of an Asian cat.
One major factor impacting cost is the breed and lineage of Asian cats. Rare Asian cats or breeds that need to be imported into Australia will cost more as you will need to consider the shipping costs of the cat. Different Asian cat breeds will cost more depending on their rarity and popularity.
The lineage of the cat will also impact the cost. Purebred cats will cost more, especially when their line is authenticated. A purebred Asian cat will have been bred using only purebred cats, reducing its chance of genetic conditions. Purebred Asian cats are sought after, and you can expect a higher cost to reflect this.
The reputation of the breeder also impacts the cost of an Asian cat. Reputable breeders will charge more for their cats and kittens, with people happy to pay the higher price for their cats. Their reputation could be baked on superior breeding, excellent care, or purebred cats, reassuring potential buyers they are getting a healthy and cared-for cat. You can speak to other customers to learn about the breeder’s reputation and speak to the breeder to learn more about their reputation and the care they provide for their cats.
Another factor that you need to consider is the age of an Asian cat. Kittens are more expensive due to their popularity and the extra care they need. Kittens will need vaccinations and round-the-clock care, which breeders usually pay for. They might charge more for their kittens to recover some of this cost, giving them a higher cost. Kittens tend to cost more at adoption shelters, too, but they will be cheaper than purchasing from a breeder.
Older cats are usually offered at a lower price by both breeders and adoption shelters. Older cats aren’t as popular, but they will still offer plenty of love and companionship. Occasionally, older cats can come with vet bills if they have or develop health conditions, but with comprehensive pet insurance, you can avoid these costs.
Once you have purchased your cat, you need to consider the cost of the essentials that your cat will need. Asian cats will need a bed, crate, and collars, which can cost between $5 and $360 per item. The cost varies depending on the brand of the items, the material, and size. When considering purchasing a cat, you need to consider the cost of the items and if you can afford to repurchase them as your cat grows or items break.
We have outlined the cost of essentials your cat will need when you bring them home:
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.
Aside from essentials, your cat will also have regular maintenance costs that you will need to consider. The cost of food, vet bills, and regular grooms can range from $20 to $700 per item, costing you hundreds of dollars a year. It is important that you budget for these to ensure you can provide your cat with the care they need. We have detailed the maintenance costs you need to consider for Asian cats, so you know what to budget.
Feeding an Asian cat can cost between $20 and $70 a month, depending on the breed of cat, the brand of food you choose, and how often your cat eats. Wet and raw food is usually more expensive, while dry food costs less. Some Asian cats can be fussy eaters, so you might find yourself spending more as you trial your cat with several foods to find one they will enjoy.
The diet of Asian cats will vary depending on the breed, but most will need a protein-rich diet to provide them with the energy they need. You will want to purchase food that uses high-quality, natural ingredients, providing your cat with the nutrients it needs. You don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve this; you will need to spend some time reading ingredient lists to find the right food.
Based on an adult Asian cat weighing between 2.5 and 6.8 kg, you can expect to pay the following for their food:
The cost of veterinary care varies between $20 and $700 per item, depending on the price of your vet, your cat’s weight, and if follow-up appointments are needed. These costs only consider the preventative vet care your cat will need and do not consider any additional vet visits or emergency treatment needed. To avoid high, surprise costs, we recommend investing in comprehensive pet insurance to protect your cat.
The routine veterinary care you need to pay for every year are outlined below:
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 to remove parasites, so it’s best to follow up 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 cover you choose, your cat’s health, and their age.
The cost of grooming your Asian cat will vary, depending on the breed and hair of your cat. The costs vary from $20 to $100 per session, with cats with long hair costing more than cats with short hair. Regular brushing is required at home, regardless of whether you are paying for a professional groomer or not.
Brushing your cat’s fur weekly will help remove any excess hair and prevent mats in your cat’s fur. Mats can be painful and will need to be professionally removed, usually at an extra cost to your cat’s groom. Your groomer might also charge additional fees for nail clipping and if your cat brings fleas into the groomers. Groomers will need to sanitise their stations, with the cost passed onto you, so ensure that you maintain a regular parasite treatment.
Most breeds of Asian cats are intelligent, which can make them easier to train. Breeds like the Bengal, Siamese, and Japanese Bobtail are considered the easiest to train, while the Korat is considered the most difficult. How easy it is to train your cat will depend on their temperament, but you can expect to pay between $99 and $2,800 depending on the trainer and the course you choose. You can opt for quick training courses that help you understand your cat or longer courses that help you train a range of cats.
An Asian cat can be an expensive purchase, with many ongoing costs to keep your cat comfortable and well-maintained. Providing that you budget correctly, you can bring home an Asian cat and add plenty of love and companionship to your home.
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