Often considered the ideal family cat, British Shorthaired cats are known for their playful, affectionate and loyal temperament, making them ideal family cats. However, if you’re planning on buying a British Shorthaired cat, then it would be wise to consider the overall costs before doing so. While these cats are quite independent, they do require a few things that add up over time. With that in mind, keep reading to discover how much British Shorthaired costs in Australia.
There’s a relatively large price range for the British Shorthaired in Australia. You can find a British Shorthaired between $1,500 to $5,000 from a registered breeder. Alternatively, you could look for one more affordable from an unregistered breeder, which we don’t recommend, or adopt one if you’re lucky enough to find a British Shorthaired at your local adoption shelter.
British Shorthaired cats are known as the purebred version of the original domesticated cat in England. Thus, registered breeders who breed British Shorthaired cats that come from a pure bloodline and have the right features (coat, size, etc) will usually cost more. Registered breeders generally charge you between $1,500 and $5,000. Where they price their litters will largely depend on the lineage and pedigree of the parents.
Adopting would be the next best option if you’re in the market for a British Shorthaired at a more affordable price. In Australia, you could adopt a British Shorthaired for between $125 to $600 if you’re lucky enough to find one. Adoption shelters may charge more if they can track the lineage and pedigree of the cats. Likewise, age is a factor that influences the price when you adopt.
Before you buy your British Shorthaired cat, it’s important to know what influences their price with breeders so you can find one within your price range. Here are some factors that influence the price of a British Shorthaired:
Breeders with a good reputation for breeding pedigree British Shorthair cats will usually charge more. A good breeder reputation is often built on the pedigree, bloodline, and quality of the British Shorthairs they breed. Thus, those with sterling reputations would like to breed British Shorthairs with good features and genes.
In Australia, cat breeders need to register to legally breed. This process is usually simple, but breeders must meet certain standards. Registered breeders also have more credibility. Their registration signifies that their British Shorthair cat’s kittens were ethically bred and meet the minimum breeding requirements. Because of this, registered breeders might charge more.
A reputable breeder usually focuses on breeding British shorthairs with a good bloodline to ensure they stay as close to pedigree as possible. Likewise, there are other benefits to this, too. By only breeding with bloodlines that have good health, colours, coats, and other features, they can assure potential buyers that their cats aren’t prone to various health issues like others. Thus, their prices may be higher.
Finally, some breeders also like to include a starter kit when they sell British Shorthair kittens to people. This kit may include a cat bed, collar and ID, a litter box, or a food bag. While some breeders might make this package complimentary, others would include it in the price for the cat, which could influence the price, making it higher.
Following the initial purchase of your cat, you’ll also need to consider the cost of essentials. These are simply items that make your life easier when managing your cat and their life more comfortable as they join your family. Here are some essentials and how much they cost:
This is where the ongoing costs come in. As a pet owner, you’ll need to consider the ongoing costs of your British Shorthaired. These include feeding, veterinary care, grooming, and training costs if you want to try to train your cat. Here are some estimates regarding these British Shorthaired maintenance costs:
The British Shorthair is a large cat, so they aren’t going to eat you out of the house and home. However, the brand, diet, and food quality you have them on could play a significant role in the cost of feeding you British Shorthair. A British Shorthair weighs roughly 3 to 7kgs, requiring 50 to 120g of food daily. Here are some rough estimates of how much this could cost you:
Veterinary care is always something that a pet parent needs to factor into their budget. Standard veterinary care includes annual vaccinations, vet check-ups, parasite protection, and emergency care if your British Shorthair gets into trouble. Here’s what you can expect to pay for these costs:
One thing we love about cats is that they are fairly good at keeping themselves clean. However, cleanliness isn’t the only grooming requirement for British Shorthair. They also require their nails to be trimmed from time to time. If they get dirty, a full grooming session might benefit them. Here are some standard costs you can expect:
As we’ve said before, cats are very independent animals and aren’t very easy to train compared to dogs. However, this is because the way they’re trained is different. Basic cat training usually entails teaching cats where to go to the toilet, when to come when you call, getting into the cat carrier without an issue, and handling things like a health check without struggling. Here is what cat training might cost you:
A British Shorthair certainly doesn’t break the bank account, but it will cost you. That’s why it’s important to understand the full cost of owning a British Shorthair before you buy one. Consider the initial purchase price, the essentials you need to get, and your ongoing costs like feeding, vets, grooming and training.
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