Exotic shorthair cats are wonderful lap cats, and they love affection and cuddle with you. Finding out how much these cats cost can be tricky, especially if you have never bought a cat before. But finding out the cost doesn’t need to be impossible. We have outlined the average price of an exotic shorthair cat and all the costs that contribute to keeping them fed and cared for so you can decide if an exotic shorthair is the right cat for you.
The price of an exotic shorthair cat in Australia varies greatly from $250 to $5,000. The lower costs for these cats are typically seen in adoption shelters where charities and organisations are looking to pair abandoned or rescued cats with loving homes. The higher costs are usually reserved for exotic shorthairs from reputable breeders or with impressive lineage. When purchasing an exotic shorthair, it is important to do your research to understand if the price that is being requested is fair.
A deal that looks too good to be true probably is, with many unregistered breeders not prioritising the care of the cats and kittens, potentially overbreeding to the point of illness and fatigue. Cat breeders must be registered with the Registered Breeders of Cats Australia and follow a strict code of ethics to ensure sustainable and ethical breeding.
Typically, you can pay between $1000 and $5000 for an exotic shorthair cat from a registered breeder in Australia. The dramatic price range accounts for the reputation of the breeder, the cat’s lineage, and whether genetic screening tests have been performed before the cats were bred. Registered and responsible breeders will carry out their due diligence to ensure the cats they are breeding are healthy and provide them with the necessary care before releasing them to new homes.
When purchasing an exotic shorthair from a breeder, you can use search tools online to check that the breeder is registered. You should also speak to the breeder before purchasing your cat to ensure what care they have received and if the breeder is who they say they are.
Buying a cat through an adoption shelter in Australia lowers the cost, and you can spend between $250 and $500 depending on the adoption shelter, the age of the cat, and any health conditions that it has. Adopting a cat from a shelter provides them with another chance at a happy home and ensures that every animal receives the love it deserves.
While you won’t get a detailed breakdown of their lineage as you would with a breeder, adoption shelters work hard to understand their cats and will provide you with information about any health conditions, their personality and temperament. The goal is to match cats with the right owners, so you can expect to be asked lots of questions about your home, lifestyle, and other pets you might have.
Several factors influence the cost of an exotic shorthair in Australia, including the breeder’s reputation, age, and lineage of the cat. Understanding what influences the cost will help you to find the right price and cat to meet your needs and lifestyle. Below, we have outlined the main factors that impact the cost.
One main factor that impacts the cost of your exotic shorthair is the reputation of the breeder. As we mentioned earlier, registered breeders follow a strict code of ethics to ensure the welfare of their animals, and those with a stellar reputation tend to charge more to account for the care they provide your kitten before they come to your home.
Reputable and registered breeders provide a high level of care for your kitten, and you might pay a higher price to account for vet costs and vaccinations that have been paid for by the breeder.
Age plays an important role in the pricing of cats, with kittens tend to be more expensive. Kittens tend to be the popular choice, reflected in their higher price and can cost thousands depending on the breeder and the lineage. Kittens require a lot of care before they are released to families, which is also reflected in the price. The breeder typically absorbs any veterinary costs before you pick your kitten up, which might be reflected in the price you pay for your kitten. You might notice that the price for kittens increases if they are a rare or desirable colour.
Older cats are often sold at a lower price, especially through an adoption shelter. Older cats, especially those with health conditions, are not as sought after, so a lower price can help attract new owners to them.
Another factor you need to consider is the lineage of the cat. Some breeders work hard to ensure the exotic shorthair cat is purebred, breeding with only purebred cats. Doing so can help reduce the chance of genetic conditions, but it also increases the cost of your cat. Cats with certified and authentic lineage also tend to cost more.
Alongside the cost of purchasing your cat, you also need to consider the essentials that they will need throughout their life. Essentials can range from $5 to $360 per item, depending on the brand you choose, the materials used, and how often you need to repurchase the essentials. Items like litter, collars, and treats will need to be regularly repurchased, increasing the cost of essentials.
It is vital that you consider your budget and ensure that you can continue to keep your cat in essential items throughout their life. We have outlined the cost of each essential below to help you better understand the costs of owning an exotic shorthair cay.
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 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 $30 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.
The costs of maintaining your exotic shorthair cat will vary depending on the brand of food you choose, the price of your local vet, and how often you pay for grooming and training classes. When calculating their maintenance costs, you can look at them on a monthly or annual basis to help you consider your budget and see if you can afford to care for your cat. The main maintenance costs are outlined below to help you better understand the costs of owning an exotic shorthair.
Feeding your exotic short-haired cat can vary from $20 to $70 a month, depending on the type of food you offer them and its quality. Higher-quality wet food will always cost more, but it can provide your cat with the nutrition that it needs. Cats can be fussy about their food, so you might find that you need to switch their food regularly to find one that they like, which can increase the cost.
An exotic shorthair cat needs high-quality food to provide them with the nutrition they need. You can also offer them green vegetables with a high water content to promote kidney health and hydration. Over the course of their life, their diet needs to be adapted to ensure they do not gain weight. Your exotic shorthair will reach full size around two to three years old, so be sure to read the portion guidelines on your cat food and feed them accordingly.
For a full-size exotic shorthair weighing between 7 and 14 pounds, it will cost the following to feed them per day, depending on the diet you choose:
The cost of veterinary care for your exotic shorthair will vary depending on the vet you choose, the level of coverage you choose for your insurance, and any health conditions your cat might have. Typically, it can cost a few hundred dollars a year to provide veterinary care for your cat. You need to carefully consider these costs and whether you can afford them before bringing a cat into your home.
You should also consider the unexpected costs that you might pay should your cat need to make trips to the vet. Taking out a comprehensive cat insurance plan will help to shoulder any unexpected costs and ensure your cat can access the care it needs. We have outlined the preventative care costs you need to consider 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 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.
Grooming an exotic shorthair in Australia can cost between $135 and $165, depending on the cost of the groomer you choose. The cost will usually include a wash and blow-dry, nail clipping, and a trim. You might pay more for a larger cat, but your groomer should provide you with an accurate cost.
You might also incur an additional cost if your cat has mats that must be removed from their fur. Mats can be uncomfortable for your cat, and they might need to have a significant part cut out of their fur to remove them. Weekly brushing can help to reduce the chance of mats and with a shorthair cat, this should not be too much of an issue.
It can cost around $95 to train an exotic shorthair cat. The cost can vary depending on the trainer you choose and the age of your cat. Training classes for kittens tend to be more expensive, but they will be more intensive in helping your cat learn how to use a litter tray and follow some commands. It’s worth noting that training cats is different from training dogs, and not all cats will respond well to training, depending on their personality.
There is more to the costs of exotic shorthairs than the cost of buying or adopting one, but don’t let that put you off. Understanding the full costs before you purchase a cat can help you determine if you can afford to care for a cat and how much to set aside for your new exotic shorthair.
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