Is there another breed of cat that looks as distinguished as the Persian? Persians are easily one of the most popular cat breeds in Australia, and they’re so much more than their luscious coats—they’re super lovable and adore lounging around the house all day, making them the perfect companion and indoor cat. So, how much does it cost to bring one of these felines into your home? Well, you’ve got to consider more than just their initial purchase price, and here’s what you’ve got to know about the costs involved with owning a Persian.
In Australia, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000 for a purebred Persian cat. However, where you get your Persian from significantly affects the price. For instance, registered breeders will typically charge more for their kittens because they have the credibility to do so.
Breeders of Persian kittens from pedigree bloodlines will also charge more because of the quality of their kittens. Finally, if you are lucky enough to find one at a local adoption shelter, you can adopt an adult Persian cat or kitten.
Registered breeders charge different prices for Persian kittens in Australia. Some breeders charge as little as $1000 purely because they simply want the kittens to go to a good home. However, other registered breeders will charge $3000 or more for purebred Persians with good lineage and pedigree papers. It’s not uncommon for a pedigree Persian to fetch a price of $5000 dollars.
You may find unregistered Persian breeders who sell Persians for cheaper, but what assurances do you have that those breeders bred the kittens ethically or that they are authentic Persians?
Aside from buying a Persian kitten from a reputable, registered breeder, you can also look for one in your local adoption shelter. You never know; you may be lucky enough to find a purebred Persian looking for a new home. In Australia, it costs around $200 to adopt a cat. However, this may vary depending on the cat’s pedigree and age.
As you shop around for a purebred Persian, it’s helpful to know what factors influence the costs of a purebred from a registered breeder. Here are some factors for you to consider:
Word of mouth is a strong marketing tool. Breeders who’ve developed a reputation for producing purebred Persians from a strong bloodline will usually attract more attention and, with it, more potential customers. Because of this, their kittens might cost more. Likewise, new breeders with little experience or reputation might struggle to sell their Persians at a premium price.
Breeder registration also greatly affects how much a breeder can charge for their Persian kittens. Registered breeders are more reputable and credible. The registration process ensures that they adhere to strict ethical breeding standards and that their kittens are healthy and have a good bloodline. Registered breeders simply come with more assurances and thus can generally charge more.
Bloodline is an important consideration when it comes to Persian cats, or any breeding, for that matter. Breeders that breed Persians from a good bloodline usually mean that these cats come from a pure bloodline with healthy characteristics and less risk of developing illnesses or diseases. For this reason, these breeders charge more.
Finally, demand and availability also come into play. Australia isn’t littered with Persian breeders, but there are a few in each state, making finding one easier. If the demand for Persian kittens is high, you might find that their standard price is usually above average. Likewise, breeders don’t have litters at the same time. This means that Persians aren’t always largely available. This could also contribute to higher prices.
After considering the initial cost of a Persian, we also recommend considering the costs of the essentials you may need. These items make your life easier and allow your kitten to easily ease into your home. Thankfully, you don’t have to buy these all in one go. Here are some of the essentials you may need for your Persian kitten:
Then, there’s the maintenance cost to consider. Persian maintenance costs include food costs, veterinary bills, grooming and training costs. Here is what you can expect to pay for Persian maintenance:
Persian cats don’t eat that much. However, you would need to factor in their temperament. Cats that have more energy will usually need more food to sustain them. On average, Persian cats weigh between 3 and 7kg, translating into their need to eat about 40 to 60g of food daily. Here is what you can expect to pay for a Persian cat:
Veterinary costs always need to be factored in when you buy a Persian cat. This isn’t to say that they’re prone to health issues, but more to ensure that they maintain good health. Standard vet bills to consider include annual vet checkups and vaccinations, deworming and parasite protection, dental cleaning, and pet insurance for emergencies.
Cat grooming isn’t always necessary because cats are fairly good at grooming themselves for the most part. However, there are grooming necessities like cutting your cat’s nails if they need a trim or washing them if they’re extremely dirty. Here is what you can expect for Persian grooming needs:
Training a cat isn’t a walk in the park, but it is possible. Traditional cat training includes clicker training to indicate when you’re calling them, teaching them where their litter tray is, or how to react when they have their annual health checkup. Here are some costs for training your Persian:
We’re all for you bringing a Persian home, but before you add one of these bundles of fluff to your family, you need to consider the full cost of buying, maintaining, and caring for it. This will ensure that you know your financial obligations for the new addition to your family.
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