Persian cats are deemed as one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. Highly coveted for their luxurious coat, distinctive round face, and gentle temperament, this popular pedigreed cat commands a relatively higher price tag compared to other feline breeds.
But what makes Persian cats so expensive in the first place? Persian cats are purebred and are expensive for that reason. Depending on the breeder, type, and heritage, a Persian cat can cost you anywhere between $500 all the way up to $5000.
Prices of these purebred felines may not be the same as there are many variables that come into play. From location to lineage, there are so many factors that can affect the price of a Persian cat. Here are some of them.
Factors that Affect the Price of Persian Cats
1. Location
Persian cats sold in rural areas are relatively cheaper than those sold in the city—where there is much greater demand—even if they are practically the same as far as lineages and such go.
2. Lineage
A pedigreed Persian cat with duly registered parents will normally come at a premium than uncertified ones. Furthermore, if the parents are proven to be of show-quality and have won numerous awards, then prepare to shell out more.
3. Type
Although there is only one breed standard for Persian cats, there are two distinct types you can choose from—show and doll-face. Show Persians have flat, squished-in noses, small ears, and big copper eyes. Doll-face Persians, on the other hand, have rounder faces and standard pointed snouts.
Show or peke-face Persian cats tend to be slightly more expensive than doll-face or traditional longhair Persians as they are rarer and the demand for such type is higher.
4. Color and Coat Quality
A Persian cat’s coat quality and color rarity can also shoot its price up. Persian cats with highly coveted colors such as white tend to fall at the higher end of the price spectrum.
5. Gender
As with any other cat breed, female Persian cats are much more expensive than males since they have the capability to reproduce. However, once the cat has been spayed, there really isn’t much of a difference.
6. Age
Persian kittens are much more expensive than their adult counterparts. The demand for kittens is also higher as most people prefer to see their pets grow up before their eyes.
7. Breeder
Buying from a recognized breeder with a long history of rearing healthy litters will obviously be more expensive than buying from a random guy online. However, this premium comes with a health guarantee as well as certifications that your Persian cat is indeed legit.
Other Costs of Having a Persian Cat
The costs of having a Persian cat go far beyond their hefty price tag. Persians are very high maintenance cats. Along with veterinary and grooming bills, there are many other expenses that you need to take into account.
Here is a sample breakdown of the common expenses that come with owning a Persian cat.
Veterinary Costs
Apart from the occasional vet visits for your cat’s routine checkups, illnesses can rack up your vet bills, so you also have to take that into consideration.
Just to give you an idea, the average price of veterinary treatment is around $300, but you can expect to pay as much as $1000, or even a couple of thousands more for complicated procedures such as surgery.
One-Time Expense
- Spaying/Neutering – $50-$130
Recurring Expenses
- Vaccinations – $60-$130
- Tick and Flea Treatments – $35-$40
- Worming – $10-$15
Food Costs
Your cat food expenses will greatly depend on the weight of your Persian cat, as well as your choice of whether to feed your cat kibble, tinned meat, or a combination of both.
There is also a huge variation in cat food prices. On average, prepare to spend about $200 to $600 per year for cat food—that would be more or less $16-$50 per month.
Grooming Costs
Grooming your Persian cat is a lifelong responsibility and can even be considered as one of the hardest parts of owning one.
Unlike other cat breeds, Persian cats require regular bathing and brushing to prevent their thick fur from tangling and matting.
However, it’s not necessary to have your cat groomed by a professional every single time—you can just imagine the dent it would make on your monthly budget! Doing it on your own can actually save you a lot of money; but if you wish to have your Persian professionally groomed, prepare to spend about $50-$80 per visit. Grooming packages usually include bathing, blow-drying, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Other Essentials
The costs of owning a Persian cat can quickly add up—especially if you go full on crazy mode on your feline friend’s toys and accessories.
- Cat Collar – $3-$6
- Litter Tray – $3-$30
- Cat Litter – $6-$12 per month
- Food and Water Bowls – $3-$12
- Cat Carrier – $20-$65
- Bed – $12-$90
- Grooming Tools – $6-$25
- Scratching Post – $6-$130
- Toys – $5 and up
- Treats – $2 and up
With these expenses in mind, you can assess whether you can afford to maintain a Persian cat for the duration of its life—which is around 10-15 years.
Is Persian the Right Cat Breed for You?
Finances aside, there are other aspects that you need to take into consideration before acquiring a Persian cat. From temperament to health risks, there are things that you need to be aware of in order to determine whether a Persian cat is indeed the right cat breed for you and your family.
Personality
Persian cats are usually quiet and timid in nature. They enjoy lounging around inside the house and are not demanding when it comes to attention.
Activity Level
Persian cats are not blessed with long legs, so they are not crazy about climbing and jumping around. They prefer to stay low on the ground—which is actually a good thing because you no longer have to worry about things getting knocked off of counters and tables.
Health Risks
With proper care and upkeep, Persian cats can live up to 15 years, or even more. However, they are at heightened risk for a number of inherited illnesses.
Persian cats’ flat face makes them highly prone to eye drainage issues and nasal problems. They are also susceptible to
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Luckily, responsible breeders are now able to decrease the occurrence of these diseases through genetic screening. So, you see, it really pays off to acquire a cat from a reputable breeder.
Related Questions
Are Persian cats hypoallergenic? No, Persian cats are not hypoallergenic. Their long coats are like feather dusters that collect dust and dirt in your home. If you have dust, fur, or dander allergies, you’re better off getting a Sphynx.
Are Persian cats a good breed for children? Due to their docile nature and low level of activity, Persian cats make great pets for young children. However, they may not be the best cat breed for hyperactive and unruly kids as this can cause them anxiety.
Are Persian cats good with other pets? Persians can get along pretty well with other household pets such as dogs, as well as other cats. With their dignified and peaceful demeanor, they won’t get into trouble with other pets at home—unless of course if they are provoked.
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