British longhair cats are popular across the world, especially in Australia, but how much do they cost? Finding out the cost of these cats can be tricky, especially if you have never bought one before. The mixed answers online and vague responses can leave you unsure where to turn or who to trust.
That’s where we come in, offering our guidance and showing you not only the cost of a British longhair but also the cost of caring for your cat so you can see if it’s the right choice for you.
The cost of a British longhair cat varies from $200 to $1,200, depending on the breeder, the age of the cat, and if you choose an adoption shelter or a registered breeder. When you are purchasing your British longhair, you should only buy them from a registered breeder or a registered adoption shelter. Both of these will do their due diligence and provide the best care for the cat before they come to your home. When purchasing a cat from a registered breeder or adoption shelter, you can incur a higher price, but it is better to pay this than purchase your cat from an unregistered breeder.
Unregistered breeders don’t often provide information on the cat’s lineage and can breed without paying attention to the safety of the cats or any genetic conditions. They don’t always provide the best conditions for the cats and kittens, with many kept in poor conditions. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you should avoid any unregistered breeders.
The cost of a British longhair from a breeder costs between $800 and $1,200. The price varies depending on the age of the cat, the reputation of the breeder, and the lineage of the cat. Purebred kittens tend to cost closer to the higher price tag, especially when they are bought from a reputable breeder; registered breeders carry out their due diligence before breeding to ensure their cats are healthy and have the necessary care before they are released to their new home.
When you purchase a cat from a registered breeder, ask them about any genetic testing performed, the care the cat has had, and if they have had their vaccinations. The higher cost often absorbs the cost of your kitten’s initial vaccinations, but you will need to budget for their second vaccine and annual boosters.
Buying a British longhair cat from an adoption shelter tends to be cheaper, with prices ranging from $200 to $500. The cost varies depending on the adoption shelter and its location, the age of the cat, and if they have any health conditions. Kittens are more popular and tend to be more expensive, with older cats sitting at the lower price point.
Cats and kittens from an adoption shelter don’t always come with a detailed history of their lineage, but you will learn about their temperament, personality, and if there are any health conditions you need to be aware of. Adoption shelters work hard to match their cats to the right home, so you can expect to answer questions about your home, lifestyle, and any other animals you have.
Several factors can impact the cost of a British longhair cat, including the lineage and age of the cat. It is vital that you understand what factors influence the cost of a cat so that you can find the right price and breed to meet your lifestyle and needs. Below, we have detailed the main factors that impact the cost of a British longhair cat.
The lineage of a British longhair is an important factor impacting its cost. Purebred British longhairs cost more, reflecting their bloodline of only British longhairs. As British longhair cats are rare, purebred ones can fetch a higher price, especially if your breeder can provide certificates or authentication of their lineage.
The reputation of the breeder is a vital factor that impacts the cost of a British longhair. Registered breeders must follow a strict code of ethics, keeping their cats and kittens safe and earning a reputation for offering brilliant care. The better the reputation of a breeder and the care they provide, the more money they can charge for their cats and kittens.
The higher price these reputable breeders charge can also involve the cost they have paid for vaccines and vet appointments. The higher price can sometimes save you money when paying for the vaccines yourself. When choosing a breeder for your cat, consider their reputation carefully and ensure you have fully researched them.
The age of the cat also plays a role in its price. Kittens are more popular and tend to come with a higher price tag than older cats. Kittens need a lot of care before you can pick them up, which is reflected in their price, with the breeder absorbing the price of veterinary care and genetic testing before you pick your cat up.
Older cats aren’t as popular, so you can find them at a lower price, especially if you purchase them from an adoption shelter. Older cats and those with health conditions aren’t as desirable, but they can still provide you with love and companionship. It is worth considering if you can provide them with the care they need and if you want to lower the price of your cat.
Aside from paying for your cat, there are other costs that you need to consider. A British longhair needs plenty of essentials to keep them comfortable and cared for, including beds, treats, and feeding bowls. These items can vary from $5 to $360 per item, depending on the brand you choose, the size, and the material used.
Many of these items will need to be repurchased throughout your cat’s life, so it’s important that you consider these costs carefully to determine whether you can afford to provide your cat with the care they need. The costs of essentials for a British longhair cat are outlined below.
Cat crate: can cost between $39 and $150, depending on the brand and size of the crate. British longhairs are medium to large in size and will need a bigger crate to keep them comfortable.
Cat bed: can cost between $13 and $200 depending on the brand, material, and thickness of the bed. A thick and large bed is the perfect choice for a British longhair cat.
Feeding bowl: can cost between $10 and $50 depending on the size and brand of the bowl. You can opt for slow-feeder bowls to prevent your cat from eating too quickly but at an extra cost.
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. You will likely need to increase the size as your cat moves from kitten to cat.
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. If your British longhair toilets are outside, you won’t need to worry about this cost.
Clippers, combs, and brushes: can cost between $5 and $20 per item, depending on the brand and material. You will need to regularly brush your cat, so you might want to invest in high-quality grooming tools.
Alongside the essentials, your British longhair will have several maintenance costs that you need to consider. The costs can vary dramatically depending on the type and brand of food you choose, the vet you use, and how often you pay for professional grooming. To help you better understand the cost of maintaining your British long hair, we have outlined the costs that you need to consider.
You might want to consider these costs based on a monthly or annual charge to help you work out better if you can care for the cat as part of your budget.
Typically, it can cost between $60 and $240 a month, depending on the type of food you choose, the brand, and how much your cat eats. British longhairs are medium to large in size and will need plenty of food to keep them nourished and provide the energy they need.
You should opt for high-quality food for your cat, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve this. Check the ingredient list and protein content to ensure that your cat is getting everything they need. Based on the weight of an adult British longhair weighing between 4 and 8 kg, you can expect the following costs for feeding:
Veterinary care for your British longhair varies depending on the vet you choose, the coverage you choose for insurance, and any health conditions that your cat might have. It can cost a few hundred dollars a year to provide veterinary care for your cat, but you might find the figure is closer to a thousand.
The costs we have outlined include the preventative care that your cat will need and does not take into account addressing any health conditions and injuries your cat has. This is why it’s vital that you find a comprehensive insurance policy to prevent any surprise costs. We have outlined the cost of preventative care that you need to be aware of 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 with 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.
Grooming a British longhair cat can be done at home by yourself, but some cat owners choose to pay for a professional groomer to ensure their cat’s fur is well maintained. British longhair cats have a long coat that needs to be brushed weekly to prevent mats and trimmed to allow them to see and move as normal.
Paying a professional to do this can cost between $135 and $151, with additional services increasing the price. The cost will vary depending on the groomer you choose and the size of your cat, but you can expect the following costs:
You might find that your groomer charges an additional cost if your cat has matted fur. Long fur needs to be cared for properly, and the mats can be difficult to remove if they are left for too long. Distressed cats might need to be sedated to have the mats removed, which will also increase the cost.
The cost of training your British longhair can vary depending on the course provider you choose and how many sessions your cat needs. The cost can vary from $95 to $2,800, depending on the course you choose. You can opt for quick, three-week courses or longer courses that will help you become an expert in caring for and training cats.
Each cat is different, so you might find that your British longhair is easy to train, or you might find that it takes longer. If your cat has other training needs, like anxiety or reactivity, you can expect the cost to increase.
A British longhair cat can be expensive to purchase and care for, but you shouldn’t let that put you off. Providing that you budget carefully, you can ensure that you can provide your cat with everything they need to give them a happy life filled with love.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.