Pricing, is this normal?

saiyge · Nov 1, 2005

Hello!

I've been searching for either a British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, or Exotic Shorthair for the last month or so. Anytime I've found someone in my area, (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut) and have inquired about kittens, I have been quoted at 800.00-2000.00 for pet quality.

Is that normal? I love the big mushy faces, the large, stocky bodies of these breeds and the temperments that come with them. I could even see paying this much for a breeding quality, or show quality, but for pet? It seems a little high to me.

I'm actually interested in two kittens, One for my parents, and one for myself. I've sort of been appointed as the kitten finder. I know that I would like a male, I don't think they mind much either way. We arent concerned about markings, or show qualifications. We just love everything we have learned about these breeds, and think it would be a great match to what we are looking for.

I'm sorry for the long winded post, and I really appreciate any help or advice any of you are able to provide.

Thanks!

-Saiyge

tnr1 · Nov 1, 2005

Saiyge...welcome. I don't know the answer to your questions...but if you keep checking back, hopefully one of the breeders on this board will be able to answer you.

Katie

goldenkitty45 · Nov 1, 2005

Seems steep to me for a PET quality. The Scottish folds (pets) might be a little higher, but the British and Exotic ones shouldn't be more then $500 at the most.

IMO pet quality of any breed should only run $300-500. You are (in 99.9% of the cases) expected to neuter/spay so you shouldn't have to pay outrageous prices. I sold my pet quality rexes for $300-400. I'd rather have the cat go to a good home, then worry about how much to soak people.

I know the expenses involved and it STILL shouldn't be costing that much for a pet....but as long as people are willing to pay $800-$1,000 for a pet, they will sell them. Personally I would never pay more then $400 for a pet quality purebred cat.

kai bengals · Nov 1, 2005

It's your location. Prices vary throughout the country. A supply and demand sort of thing.
Try looking at catteries in some of the southern states. The prices are generally lower. You would have to contend with shipping though, unless you like long drives.

saiyge · Nov 1, 2005

Thank you all for your replies

I actually received a great response from a Scottish Fold breeder who has a few straight eared folds for sale at the moment, and the price is more than reasonable. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to hear back from her, to see if she has pictures available.

Again, thank you for being so nice in your responses!

sol · Nov 1, 2005

In Sweden 800 would be a quite normal price for a pet cat. We rarely divide our kittens into pet, show and/or breeding.

ghostuser · Nov 29, 2005

Saiyge,

The best advice I can give you is to look around and see what's out there. If you go with the cheapest kitten offered to you, you'll have a much higher chance of getting problems along with that kitten ... and also a breeder that offers you no help and no kind of health guarantee. Get a health guarantee, find a kitten that is already spayed/neutered and current on shots, is already at least 12 week sold, and if possible find one close to you so you don't have to fly it to you. Breeding cats is quite expensive; that is, unless you take shortcuts. The ones that take shortcuts are the ones that can afford to offer kittens at cheaper prices. Keep that in mind.

goldenkitty45 · Nov 30, 2005

Actually, my kittens had a health guarentee, had all their shots (except rabies), and I was willing to take the kitten back if something was found after they took it (within a timeframe). So you don't always need high price to guarentee your kittens. I still feel $300-500 is REASONABLE to pay for pet quality.

And pets were sold with neuter/spay agreement.

abbycats · Dec 14, 2005

My first purebred cat that I ever bought was a scottish fold in the late 1980's. She was show quality but had no patience for the cat shows. I paid 500 dollars for her in the late 1980's. She died when she was only 6 years old.

She died of cancer

My newest abyssinian who has turned into a short cobbie little guy that is so cute, but is not show quality I paid 600 for. I would pay any amount for this one just because he has the best personality and has filled a empty void for me after my very best feline friend died last year. This little guy is so special I have been considering finding a program for him to go visit with people in hospice who are dying. I have heard of programs like this and Frankie would charm them all!!! When Frankie makes his health visits to the vet he always puts his paws on the techs shoulders and gives them a nice wet kitty kiss!!! What a guy.

The moral of my story is if you get a show cat, keep in mind it may hate the shows and the judges don't like a grouchy cat. If you have passion for a certain breed and its qualities who cares about the show, it's the friendship and love that these cats can offer you!!!!

Here is a picture of the sweet little abby cat!!! He is a little chunkier now. He loves to eat! His name is Frankie....

rolenta · Dec 20, 2005

I, too, think it depends on where you live. A friend of mine recently paid $800 for a pet quality korat, with a spay contract, and I know of several other people who have paid similarly.

kai bengals · Dec 20, 2005

Originally Posted by abbycats

My first purebred cat that I ever bought was a scottish fold in the late 1980's. She was show quality but had no patience for the cat shows. I paid 500 dollars for her in the late 1980's. She died when she was only 6 years old.

She died of cancer

My newest abyssinian who has turned into a short cobbie little guy that is so cute, but is not show quality I paid 600 for. I would pay any amount for this one just because he has the best personality and has filled a empty void for me after my very best feline friend died last year. This little guy is so special I have been considering finding a program for him to go visit with people in hospice who are dying. I have heard of programs like this and Frankie would charm them all!!! When Frankie makes his health visits to the vet he always puts his paws on the techs shoulders and gives them a nice wet kitty kiss!!! What a guy.

The moral of my story is if you get a show cat, keep in mind it may hate the shows and the judges don't like a grouchy cat. If you have passion for a certain breed and its qualities who cares about the show, it's the friendship and love that these cats can offer you!!!!

Here is a picture of the sweet little abby cat!!! He is a little chunkier now. He loves to eat! His name is Frankie....

That is a really cute abby....congrats! Contact your local Red Cross about the "Human Animal Bond" program. You and your pet have to get certified to visit patients in sponsered hospitals, but it's worth doing.
We had one of our bengals in this program for several years. The patients just love visits from cats and dogs.
I hope you will pursue it!

abbycats · Dec 20, 2005

Thank you very much for the information, and I will pursue that! Frankie has alot of love to share. He is a charmer!!! I will keep you updated on my progress!

wellingtoncats · Dec 20, 2005

We charge from $100-$500 for a pet kitten. Too bad you live so far away I have a little man for sale.

krystalake · Dec 22, 2005

I have learned the hard way......about getting a cat for cheap...I bought a F3 bengal male for $650 (included shipping)......He is 1 1/2 years old and almost blind in one eye due to a cataract and his skull is deformed but you cant tell unless you feel it. I still love him more than anything in the world and do not regret getting him...but his vet bill will be alot when he gets the surgery on his eye. I will never buy a cheap kitten/cat again.....I would look at the different price ranges and buy one in the mid range. $800 (i think) is a reasonable price for a pet quality cat of any breed!

Krystal

Pricing, is this normal?

saiyge

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tnr1

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goldenkitty45

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kai bengals

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saiyge

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sol

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ghostuser

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goldenkitty45

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abbycats

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rolenta

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kai bengals

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abbycats

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wellingtoncats

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krystalake

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