Siberian cats are a popular and often sought-after breed, known for their stunning appearance and friendly personalities. However, potential Siberian cat owners should consider the costs associated with bringing home one of these beautiful felines.
How much are Siberian cats? A Siberian cats cost can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, location, and the specific characteristics of the cat. On average, people can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 for a pet quality Siberian cat from a reputable breeder.
It is important for potential owners to research and find trustworthy breeders with good reputations for ensuring the health and well-being of their Siberian kittens, as this can affect the overall price and satisfaction of owning one of these charming pets.
Overview of Siberian Cats
Origin and History
The Siberian cat is a naturally occurring breed originating from Russia. It will be absolutely no surprise to learn that the part of Russia they come from is the Siberian region. These cats have been around for centuries and are considered Russia’s national cat.
Appearance
Siberian cats have a moderately long to longhaired triple coat that varies from coarse to soft, with a full collar ruff. Their coat can come in any color combination or pattern, making each Siberian unique. Eye colors also vary, with the possibility of ice-blue or bi-colored eyes.
Siberian cats have muscular bodies, ranging in weight from 15 to 20 pounds, and measure between 17 to 25 inches in length.
Temperament and Personality
Siberian cats are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them ideal indoor companions. They are intelligent and playful, creating strong bonds with their human families.
These cat breeds are often compared to Norwegian Forest cats and Maine Coon cats, as all three breeds have similar characteristics and are all considered hypoallergenic.
Siberians have a lower production of the Fel d1 allergen compared to other breeds, making them a suitable option for those with mild cat allergies. However, it’s essential to be aware that no cat breed is entirely allergen-free.
Cost Factors for Siberian Cats
Average Purchase Price
The average purchase price of a Siberian kitten typically ranges between $1,200 to $2,500, depending on various factors. These factors include registration, quality, and appearance of the cat.
Adoption Fees
Adopting a Siberian cat from an animal shelter will cost significantly less, with the adoption fee usually falling between $100 to $500. This fee often covers essential veterinary services, such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, and microchipping.
Geographical Location and Demand
The amount you will pay for a Siberian cat will vary based on your location. In larger cities, where demand for this breed may be higher, you may see prices upwards of $4,000. More affordable prices can potentially be found in less populated areas where demand is lower although bare in mind that this is still a relatively rare breed outside of Europe.
Age and Health
It’s common for younger Siberian kittens to have higher price tags, as they are generally more sought after. Older cats, on the other hand, may cost less, but could have a higher likelihood of health issues, increasing potential future veterinary expenses.
Breed Popularity and Rarity
The recent increase in Siberian cat cost is due to the breed gaining popularity while still remaining relatively rare in America and the high demand has driven up the prices. Their friendly personalities and the fact they are hypoallergenic make them ideal indoor cats making them more desirable compared to many other cats.
Purebred and Pedigree Quality
Prices can differ significantly based on the cat’s bloodline and pedigree quality. If a purebred Siberian cat comes from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere $1,200 to $4,000 while mixed or lesser quality bloodlines will likely cost less.
Ongoing Care Expenses
Food and Nutrition
Siberian cats require a diet that is rich in animal protein such as fish, chicken or turkey and low in carbohydrates. They also need vitamins and minerals, which can be obtained from a well-formulated cat food or daily supplements.
Choose a high-quality cat food specifically made for indoor cats based on your cat’s dietary needs, which can range from $20 to $50 per month.
Purina ONE Natural Low Fat High Protein Cat Food Plus Indoor Advantage with Real Salmon
16lb bag
This high-protein nutritional weight control indoor cat food has 10 percent less fat than Purina ONE tender selects blend. Made with Salmon it helps your indoor cat maintain a healthy weight
Water is essential for their health, and they should have access to a fresh supply at all times. It is recommended to avoid feeding Siberian cats with food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Regular brushing is essential for Siberian cats, as their coat is prone to matting. Engaging a professional groomer can cost between $50 and $100 per session, while purchasing a quality brush may cost around $20.
Toys and Entertainment
Siberians are energetic and playful, requiring a variety of toys for stimulation. Cat toys, cat tree and scratching posts typically cost between $10 and $50 each, depending on their complexity and quality while a quality cat exercise wheel can cost around $200
Medical Expenses
Veterinary bills for wellness exams, vaccinations, and bloodwork usually cost around $50 to $150 yearly. Pet insurance can help cover unexpected vet bills and may range from $10 to $50 per month, depending on the coverage.
Bedding and Other Supplies
A comfortable bed is essential for your Siberian cat, with costs ranging from $15 to $50. Other supplies like a litter box, litter, litter scoop, nail clippers, flea collar, water bowls, and cat carrier can add up to $100 to $200 initially, while the ongoing cost of litter and replacement supplies may vary depending on usage.
Finding the Right Siberian Cat
Choosing a Breeder
When looking for Siberian cat breeders, consider reputable breeders that focus on the health and temperament of their litters. Prices from breeders usually range from $1,000 to $2,000, but can go as high as $4,000 for cats with rare traits or for purebred Siberian cats with exceptional pedigrees.
It’s essential to research and select a breeder who is TICA-certified and/or registered with the Cat Fanciers Association, and ensure they perform health testing for common health conditions in the breed.
Visiting the breeder’s facility and meeting the parent cats, as well as reviewing the kitten’s health records, can help ensure longevity. Avoid backyard breeders at all costs.
Adoption and Rescue Organizations
Adopting a Siberian cat from an animal shelter is a great alternative to buying from breeders. Adoption fees are typically lower, ranging from free to a few hundred dollars, and many cats in need of loving homes can be found this way.
Rescue groups specializing in Siberian cats can be located by searching online or reaching out to local cat and breed-specific organizations. Keep in mind that rescue cats may have unknown health conditions or backgrounds, but adopting from a reputable rescue group helps ensure the cat has been properly assessed and cared for.
Selecting a Healthy Siberian Kitten
When selecting a Siberian kitten, pay close attention to their appearance and behavior. Healthy kittens should have bright, clear eyes, a well-groomed coat, and a playful demeanor. It’s also important to cover any potential health conditions or genetic predispositions in the breed with the breeder or rescue organization.
Additionally, make sure the Siberian kitten has received its necessary vaccinations, deworming, and spay/neuter procedures prior to adoption. If possible, observe the kitten interacting with its littermates and parents to gain insight into its temperament and socialization. This can help ensure a long, healthy life and a strong bond with your new Siberian cat.
FAQ
Do Siberian cats scratch furniture?
Yes, like all cats, Siberian cats have a natural instinct to scratch and mark their territory. If they don’t have an appropriate place to scratch, they may resort to scratching furniture.
To prevent this, it’s important to provide your Siberian cat with a scratching post or other suitable scratching surface and encourage them to use it.
You can also try using sprays to keep cats off furniture you don’t want your cat to scratch. Finally, regular nail trimming can also help reduce the damage caused by scratching.
Is the Siberian cat Hypoallergenic?
The hypoallergenic Siberian cat is an ideal pet for those with allergies as they possess less glands that secrete the Fel D1 protein into their fur and skin oils.
Siberians are intelligent and loyal to their owners as well as being easy going around children and other animals so owning a Siberian cat as an indoor pet is an excellent choice anyway but the fact they produce very little of the protein that causes allergies is definitely an added bonus.
