California Spangled cats make an excellent addition to most homes, with their bright eyes and leopard spots, you can easily spot these! Not only are they stunning, but they are popular, allowing you to find one easily. While the breed is no longer officially recognised, you can still find plenty of cat breeders with California Spangled cats and kittens for sale. But how much do they cost? Finding out the cost of these cats can be tricky, but it doesn’t need to be!
Let us walk you through the cost of a California Spangled cat and the additional costs you must consider before bringing your new cat home.
A California Spangled cat can cost between $200 and $1,500, depending if you purchase from a breeder or an adoption shelter. The price is also determined by the age of the cat and its lineage. Purebred California Spangled cats are more expensive, with breeders being required to provide authentication of this. Doing so can be challenging with the breed not being officially recognised anymore, but records of previous purebred cats will exist that can be used to trace a cat’s lineage.
When purchasing a cat from a breeder, we recommend any listed at a very low price. Unregistered breeders are likely to list their cats for a low price to attract buyers, but they don’t offer the same care when breeding and raising their cats. They can overbreed their cats and aren’t obligated to follow the strict code of ethics that registered breeders do, causing genetic conditions or malnourished cats. While the low price can be attractive, it is best to avoid these and choose a registered breeder or adoption shelter for your California Spangled cat.
Registered breeders tend to charge more for their California spangled cats, costing between $800 and $1,500. The price increases for purebred cats and younger cats, with kittens sitting at the top of the price range. The price of a registered breeder’s cats reflects the time and effort they put into their animals, ensuring they are breeding ethically and sustainably.
When you purchase a kitten or cat from a breeder, you can expect to hear detailed information about the cat’s lineage, with authentication for any purebred cats and kittens. With a detailed history, breeders can identify any chances of genetic conditions being developed or passed on and breed accordingly to prevent this. Any reputable breeder will be happy to provide you with this information and answer any questions you might have about the cat before you bring it home.
Buying a California Spangled cat from an adoption shelter is a cheaper option, costing between $200 and $500 depending on the location of the shelter and the age of the cat. Younger cats and kittens will be more expensive, while older cats will sit at the lower end of the price range.
California Spangled cats and kittens can find themselves at adoption shelters through no fault of their own and deserving of a second chance at happiness and a loving home. You won’t get the same information about their lineage as you would from a breeder, but adoption shelters will check for health conditions and inform you of any. They will also tell you about the personality and temperament of the cat and ask about your home, lifestyle, and other pets to ensure you are a good fit.
Several factors can influence the cost of a California Spangled cat in Australia, increasing and lowering the price depending on the cat’s age, lineage, and the breeder’s reputation. These factors are important to consider and be aware of when choosing your cat to ensure you are getting a fair price. We have detailed the common factors you need to consider below:
Your cat’s lineage will also impact the price, with purebred California Spangled cats costing more than those of mixed breed. Purebred cats have a reduced risk of health conditions and are more popular than others, increasing their price. Despite California Spangled cats no longer being recognised, many breeders can trace their cat’s lineage to prove purebred status. You should ask for authentication from any breeder claiming they have purebred cats before you make your purchase.
The reputation of the breeder plays a role in the price, with reputable breeders charging more for their California Spangled cats. Their higher price reflects their popularity, along with the expert care and breeding that goes into their cats. How the breeder garnered their reputation can vary, but you can expect your California Spangled to have had excellent care and their necessary vaccinations before coming to your home. You can learn more about a breeder’s reputation on breeder websites or rely on word of mouth for recommendations.
Another factor that impacts the cost is the age of the cat. Kittens and young California Spangled cats will cost more than older cats. Younger cats are more popular, increasing their price. The higher price can also be linked to the extra care kittens need before they arrive at your home. Kittens need constant care, vet checks, and vaccinations, all of which are paid for by the breeder. The higher prices of kittens can allow breeders to recoup some of these costs.
Older cats aren’t as sought after and are sold at lower prices by breeders and adoption shelters. The age of a cat should not put you off, as older cats have plenty of love and companionship to offer. There can be a slight increased risk of health conditions with older cats, but with comprehensive pet insurance, you don’t need to worry too much about this.
Alongside the cost of paying for your cat, you also need to consider the essentials that your cat will need, including beds, feeding bowls, and litter trays. The cost of these items will vary from $5 to $360 per item, depending on the brand, size, and material of the item. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars on essentials for your cat before you even bring them home, so it is important that you budget carefully. You also need to factor in the cost of replacing these essentials as your cat grows or the items get damaged.
We have detailed the cost of the essentials you need to consider below:
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.
Maintaining your California Spangled cat can also be expensive, and you should consider these costs. Your California Spangled will need feeding, regular vet checkups, and grooms, which can cost several hundred dollars a year. The cost does vary depending on the brand of food you choose, the price of your vet, and how often your cat is professionally groomed, allowing you to tailor the costs to your budget. We have outlined the maintenance costs you need to consider when setting your budget below:
Feeding a California Spangled cat can cost between $20 and $50 a month, depending on the brand of food you choose, the age, and the size of your cat. The type of food you choose will impact the cost too, with raw and wet food costing more than dry. When finding food for your California Spangled cat, make sure you choose food with a high protein content and natural ingredients to provide the nutrition they need.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to find the perfect food, and California spangled cats aren’t known to be fussy eaters. They are known to hunt for their dinner, though, so don’t be surprised if they bring some small animals into your home! Feeding an adult California Spangled weighing between 4 and 7 kg can cost:
Veterinary care can be expensive, costing between $25 and $700 per treatment, increasing costs to several hundred dollars a year. Veterinary care is essential for your cat, providing them with the preventative medication and vaccinations they need to remain healthy. The price can vary depending on your vet’s prices, the weight of your cat, and if follow-up appointments are needed. The costs of routine vet care we have detailed below do not consider emergencies or addressing any health conditions. For these, we recommend comprehensive pet insurance to avoid any shock bills.
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: it 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 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.
You can opt to groom your California Spangled cat at home, saving you on grooming costs. You will need to brush your cat, but this can be done minimally as they don’t shed much. You will want to trim their nails occasionally and practice good dental hygiene with them.
Should you want to pay for a groom, it can cost between $30 and $70, depending on the size of your cat and the fees your groomer charges. Some groomers will charge additional fees for services like ear cleaning and nail trimming, so be sure to check before you book your cat in. You will also need to regularly brush your cat to prevent mats, as these can increase the cost for your cat’s groom.
Training a California Spangled cat can cost between $99 and $2,800, depending on your chosen trainer and the training you want to complete. Some courses will address specific issues, while others will take a more generalised approach and provide you with a wide range of training skills. Consider what you want from your training course before making your decision.
California Spangled cats might not be recognised, but you can still find the perfect cat for your home. These stunning cats can be expensive, but by budgeting carefully and considering all the costs, you can bring one of these beautiful cats into your home.
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