Persian cats, originating from Persia, are one of the most popular and recognizable feline breeds. They’re known for their luxurious coats (in many different colors), their big eyes, and their flat faces.
Due to their popularity, they can come with a very special price tag as well! Among all the colors of a Persian cat, the most popular is the white Persian cat. The white Persian tends to fetch the highest price, especially if it has blue eyes.
Besides their unique appearance, these cats are also popular for their easy-going personality. Persian cats are calm, affectionate, and friendly, but they are also playful. A Persian cat will typically prefer to snuggle in your lap rather than to run around the house most of the time.
This cat breed is perfect for cat lovers who adore sweet, affectionate cats, but they are best suited to those who have a lot of time to pay attention to their grooming, as it requires special care.
If you’re interested in this cat breed, read on to find out more about this beautiful cat breed, including how much it will cost you to own one!
Persian Cat Price Range
The Persian cat breed is very popular among cat lovers, mostly because of their gorgeous looks but also for their calm and easy-going personalities. The Persian is one of the cat breeds that is officially recognized by both The International Cat Association (TICA) and Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
This means you’ll probably have to pay a higher price for a Persian kitten. The Persian cat price may vary from $1200 to $5000 and it can be even more, depending on the breeder and the quality.
If you decide to get a Persian kitten from a reputable breeder, this may cost you a lot. If you are looking for a kitten, make sure that you know what you want.
To make it clear, championship bloodlines and Persian cats that are show-quality (able to attend cat shows) are the most expensive. So, if you want a cat to be just a furry companion, then you should look for a pet-quality Persian cat, as they’re somewhat cheaper than the show-quality ones.
You can also look for a Persian kitten in an adoption or rescue center, and this will save some money, but you should be aware that the cat may not be a purebred Persian and that it may be prone to health issues.
If you want an adult cat, the price may be somewhat cheaper than buying a kitten, and you may be more likely to find one in adoption or rescue centers, as well as professional Persian breeders and catteries. Most breeders have retired breeding cats that are ready to become someone’s best friend.
Persian Cat Breed Info
| Height | 10-15 inches |
| Weight | 7-12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-17 years |
| Temperament | gentle, affectionate, playful, quiet |
| Intelligence | medium |
| Coat Color | silver, golden, black, blue, cream, red, lilac, chocolate, tabby, smoke, shaded, bi-color, white, calico |
| Coat Length | long |
| Shedding | frequent |
| Activity Level | calm |
Appearance
These beautiful cats have a truly unique appearance. They’re characterized by their long, thick coats, big eyes, stocky bodies, and most importantly, their flat faces.
Persian cats are medium-sized cats; the males are somewhat larger than the females as is usual. Therefore, while a female Persian cat may weigh around 7-10 pounds, a male Persian will weigh 9-13 pounds.
They have beautiful long hair and thick coats that can be a variety of different colors, including an unusual orange color.
The interesting thing is that there are two types of Persian cats; ‘show’ Persian cats and ‘traditional’ Persians.
Traditional Persians are also called doll-face Persian cats, and these have less emphasized features. On the contrary, show quality Persian cats are called peke-face because they resemble Pekingese dogs.
This type of Persian cat has more emphasized features, such as a flatter face, bigger eyes, and smaller ears. Either way, their appearance is stunning which is why it’s no surprise they’re very popular among cat lovers.
Personality
Persian cats are the perfect pets for people who are looking for a calm and affectionate companion. Persian cats are very easy-going, calm and quiet, and they can be very affectionate. These cats won’t annoy you, unless it’s cuddle time or play time.
While these cats are playful, they don’t need you to entertain them all the time. However, they should be trained and socialized from a young age, especially if you want them to get along with everyone.
Health & Lifespan
Just like every cat breed, Persian cats have certain health issues that are typical for them.
The two most common health issues for persian cats are:
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – this condition is an inherited disorder that causes liquid-filled sacs to form in the kidney tissue. These sacs continue to grow and may lead to kidney failure.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – this is a genetic eye disease which causes the cells of the retina to deteriorate, potentially leading to blindness.
Persian cats may also be prone to certain dental problems as a result of their flat faces and short jaws.
Despite these possible health problems, these cats can still live a happy and long life; their lifespan is 12 – 17 years. However, to ensure they live a long, healthy, and happy life, you should take them to regular check ups and take good care of their health.
Grooming & Nutrition
When it comes to grooming, Persian cats are long-haired cats which means that they require daily brushing in order to keep their coats in good condition. By brushing and combing regularly, you’ll prevent tangles and mats and remove dead hair and dirt.
As well as a good brushing routine, these cats require regular bathing in order to help maintain their fur, especially during the shedding season. However, you need to start bathing your cat from a young age, as you may have difficulties with it later on if you don’t get her used to it early on.
As well as coat care, Persian cats require many other things; you need to wipe their eyes daily to prevent staining because they can have excessive tears due to their flat faces and big eyes.
You also need to clean their ears, brush their teeth, and trim their nails in order to prevent claw infection or similar claw issues.
When it comes to nutrition, these cats need top-quality cat food. However, you should be careful when buying food for them as not every food is suitable for them. You should look for food for Persian cats as this type of food is designed specially for Persian cats and their small jaws. It’s usually small kibbles that are easy to pick up and chew.
The Average Persian Cat Cost
Getting A Persian Cat
When getting a Persian cat or a kitten, there are several options, and the final decision depends on the choices you make. You can adopt a Persian cat or kitten from a rescue or adoption center and provide the poor kitty with a new and lovely home. You can even get it for free, believe it or not.
If you want the best and healthiest purebred Persian kitten, then you should look for reputable breeders near you. Read on and find out more about getting a Persian cat.
Adoption
$75-$500
If you don’t look for a purebred Persian cat, or if you don’t have a lot of money for a breeder quality Persian cat, then why not adopt one? You’d be surprised how many purebred cats are there in adoption and rescue centers.
Adoption is always a good choice as you’re providing an unfortunate or abandoned cat with a new home and a loving family.
Cats in adoption and rescue centers are usually already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and vet-checked, to give you peace of mind that the cat is healthy.
If you cannot go to these centers in person, here are the two most popular websites where you can look for cats available for adoption:
• Petfinder – this is a site that connects you with almost every animal shelter or rescue center in the United States. This makes it so easy to find the cat breed that you’re looking for, and most importantly, you’re doing a good thing by adopting a pet.
They have new pets arriving all the time, so perhaps you can find your perfect Persian there.
• AdoptaPet – this is probably the largest site for helping rescue centers and animal shelters all around the United States.
They help over 20,000 rescues and centers to secure perfect loving homes for their animals. When adopting, you will come across a lot of mixed breeds, but it’s not uncommon to find a purebred cat or even purebred kittens.
All in all, if you adopt a Persian cat, besides some money, you’ll get yourself a grateful and loyal cat friend.
Breeders
$1200-$1800+
If you want a perfect purebred Persian cat or kitten, and you’re ready to pay a high price for one, then you should look for reputable breeders and catteries in your state or nearby.
Luckily, nowadays there are lots of shipping options, so you don’t have to worry if you can’t find breeders in your state. Most breeders offer shipping of the kitten or a pet nanny service that delivers the kitten to the nearest airport.
When choosing the right breeder, feel free to ask them anything that you want to know about the kitten, the breeding cats, the cats’ health, their certifications, and similar.
Most breeders spay/neuter their kittens before they go to their new homes. They also come dewormed, vaccinated, and checked, with all the accompanying documentation, as well as a health guarantee.
Fortunately, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding Persian cat breeders, as these cats are very popular, but you can expect to pay a high price for a kitten.
Persian Kittens For Free
This may surprise you, but you can actually find Persian kittens for free. However, don’t get too excited if you’re looking for a top-quality Persian kitten.
These kittens may not be purebred Persian cats, so you should be wary if you don’t want a mixed breed. Moreover, adopting a kitten with an unknown background can also be very risky as they may have health complications.
However, if you’re ready to deal with this, and if you don’t necessarily want a purebred kitten, then go for it!
First-Year Expenses
The first year of owning a cat may be the hardest one for many reasons. The expenses are high, and you need to pay special attention to the kitten, especially during the first year, in order to train and socialize it properly.
After you buy a kitten, your adventure is just beginning. As well as playing with your kitten, you also need to think about the ongoing costs such as food, vet visits, toys, and other equipment.
The following list will give you some idea of the first-year expenses:
• Spaying/Neutering – this surgical procedure refers to the removal of a cat’s reproductive organs, making it unable to breed. The surgery isn’t very complicated and it’s highly recommended to prevent unwanted kittens. The average price for this procedure is $150-$300. Fortunately, most reputable breeders spay/neuter their kittens before they leave for their new homes.
• Vaccinations – this is very important if you want to protect your kitten from diseases, as they’re most vulnerable when they are young and their immune system is developing. They receive certain vaccinations in the catteries and others are required later. The average price you’ll pay for vaccinations is $25-$50.
• Vet check-ups – you should continue with regular check-ups, because kittens are prone to various minor health issues. While their immune system is still developing, they are very vulnerable to illness. Regular vet visits are very important and you should expect to spend between $200 and $400 on them.
• Food, litter, and other supplies – make sure you feed your cat top-quality cat food that is specially designed for Persian cats. If you’re a first-time pet owner, you’ll have to buy all the initial supplies like feeding bowls etc.
Don’t forget about cat toys, scratching posts, and cat trees that will keep your kitten busy and out of trouble! You can expect to spend between $950 and $1800 on these things.
• Pet insurance – pet insurance is very important and can be very useful, especially if your kitten develops any serious health issues. The price of pet insurance depends on the type of cover you want, but you can expect to pay $250 – $500 on pet insurance per year.
Summary Of First-Year Expenses
| Persian Kitten | $1200-$4000+ |
| Spaying/Neutering | $150-$300 |
| Vaccinations | $25-$50 |
| Vet check-ups | $200-$400+ |
| Food | $600-$1200+ |
| Litter | $200-$350+ |
| Other supplies | $250-$350+ |
| Pet insurance | $250-$500+ |
| Total cost | $2800-$7000+ |
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Persian Cat Costs Per Month
Cost: $315-$430+
After purchasing or adopting your cat, and providing her with all the necessary supplies, it will be easier for you to track the monthly expenses of keeping a cat.
Your monthly expenses will depend on your lifestyle; how much you want to spend on your feline friend, which brands you’re going to use, etc. It also depends on the cat’s health condition and whether you have pet insurance or not.
When tracking monthly expenses, don’t forget about additional costs in case of emergencies. So, read on to find out the average monthly cost of owning a Persian cat (as well as how you can save some money!).
Food
Cost: $15-$30+
How much you are going to spend on cat food depends on you and your cat. How much your feline friend will eat, depends on its activity, lifestyle, age, and many other factors.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means that their diet should be based on protein from meat sources. When it comes to feeding a Persian cat, the best thing is a combination of dry kibble and wet food.
Each of these food types have benefits for the cat’s overall health. The wet food provides her with all the necessary nutrients and hydration, as it has high levels of moisture.
Dry food is a great choice for Persian cats too, because it helps them maintain their dental health. However, when choosing the perfect food for Persian cats you should look for that one that is specifically designed for Persian cats.
Usually, dry kibbles for Persian cats are much smaller so that Persian cats can easily pick them up and chew them with their small jaws.
Moreover, food designed for Persian cats may have different formulas such as ingredients that help prevent the formulation of hairballs, or which soothe digestive problems.
Another important thing when it comes to the Persian cat’s diet, is ensuring their food has low amounts of carbohydrates. A high carb intake may lead to obesity, especially if they are indoor cats, and therefore less active.
If you opt for this special food to help maintain your cat’s health, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15-$30 on cat food per month.
Health
Cost: $100-$185+
Although Persian cats have a very long lifespan, they still have the potential to develop certain genetic diseases. Most of these health issues are related to their faces such as:
• Eye disorders
• Heat sensitivity
• Dermatophytosis
• Dermatitis
• Excessive tear production
• Dental malocclusions
These potential health conditions are the main reason why regular vet check ups are essential. If you decide to adopt a Persian cat, make sure that you take her for a vet check right away so any potential health issues can be identified as soon as possible.
When buying a kitten from a reputable breeder, you need to get all the relevant documentation, as well as a health guarantee. As far as your Persian cat’s health is concerned, you should spend an average of $100-$185 on vet visits (including treatments) per month.
Grooming
Cost: $50-$80+
Persian cats are long-haired cats who require special coat care. They need daily brushing if you want their coat to be beautiful, clean, and soft, without mats and tangles.
Brushing every day, and a weekly or monthly bath is key for maintaining the coat of your Persian cat. Don’t forget about ear cleaning and nail trimming! If you would prefer a professional to do this for you, then be prepared to spend around $50-$80 per month on a groomer.
Even though these cats require more time and care, you can still do it yourself at home; just ensure you have all the necessary tools and you will have a beautiful-looking Persian cat and you will have saved some money.
Pet Insurance
Cost: $30-$35+
Pet insurance is always a good investment. The cost will depend on the type of insurance you choose, but the good thing is that it covers unexpected or emergency costs, such as sudden illness or injuries.
Pet insurance can cover the following things:
• Illnesses
• Accidents and injuries
• Prescribed medications
• Emergency care
If you choose to take out a pet insurance policy for your Persian cat, you can expect to pay somewhere between $30 and $35 or even more per month, depending on where you live and the type of insurance you want.
Environmental Supplies
Cost: $30+
Environmental supplies are very important when owning a cat, especially an indoor cat. If you have an outdoor cat, you do save some money as you don’t have to buy cat litter and similar supplies. However, Persian cats are indoor cats, therefore you will need to provide them with fresh litter supplies every month.
Make sure you change the litter and clean the litter box frequently so that your feline friend is happy to use it and so you avoid unpleasant odors.
You can also look for better quality litter, or some alternative cat litters that prevent odors, or that are healthier for your furry friend. If the room still has unpleasant odors due to cat litter or cat food, then look for the best air freshener for cats that safely eliminates odors and leaves you with a fresh environment.
Toys And Entertainment
Cost: $20-$25+
You don’t have to provide your Persian cat with new toys and different types of entertainment every single month, because Persian cats are known to be calm cats and not particularly demanding.
However, they still need some type of entertainment, such as scratching posts, in order to prevent them from scratching walls and furniture, cat trees to climb on, and interesting toys to keep them busy.
Additional Costs
As well as these expenses, you should keep in mind that additional costs can happen every time. Monthly costs depend on the owner’s lifestyle, the brands they prefer, the cat’s health, and similar. However, additional costs can be required at any time; emergencies can happen and it is best to be prepared.
Some of these additional costs may include:
• Pet nanny service – if you’re going on a vacation without your feline friend and you don’t have anyone else to keep an eye on her for a few days, you may need to hire a pet nanny service. This will cost you between $30 and $50 per day.
• Emergency treatments – if you don’t have pet insurance, then you should be prepared for unexpected costs. If your cat falls ill suddenly or gets injured, you can expect to pay a lot of money, depending on the type of injury and the treatment required.
• Household damages – your cat may damage your furniture or other things around the house and it may cost you a lot of money to repair or replace them. That’s why it’s so important to train your cat properly and provide her with scratching posts and other interesting toys that will redirect her attention from the furniture.
• Behavioral training – if you don’t know how to train your furry companion properly, or you cannot control its behavior, then the best thing to do is to invest in behavioral training.
Money-Saving Tips For Persian Cat Owners
Owning a Persian cat can be very expensive. Here are some great money-saving tips that I hope will be useful to you. Read on to find out how to cut costs!
• Pet insurance – the best way you can save money is to invest in pet insurance. Without it, you always have to be prepared for emergencies and unexpected bills. However, with pet insurance you can rest assured that you won’t have unexpected veterinary bills.
• Get supplies in bulk – buying supplies in bulk can save you a few dollars because many pet stores give a discount on bulk orders.
• Don’t go to pet salons – Persian cats require special care when it comes to their long coats. However, if you can arm yourself with a few good brushes and combs, you can groom your pet friend at home and save money.
• DIY pet toys – nowadays, you can find instructions for DIY pet toys that are easy to make, and save some money compared to store-bought toys. Remember, most Persian cats aren’t very active, so they don’t need a lot of toys.
Suggested: TOP 13 Persian Cat Breeders In California
FAQ
Why Are Persian Cats Expensive?
Persian cats are expensive for many reasons. Firstly, they’re purebred cats, and probably one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. The price also depends on from where you are buying the cat, as well as on the quality. Show-quality Persians are the most expensive, while pet-quality Persians are somewhat cheaper.
How Much Does a White Persian Cat Cost?
The price may also depend on the coat color. The white Persian cat is one of the most popular, which naturally affects its price, making it the most expensive Persian cat. While the average price of a Persian cat ranges from $1300-$5000, a white Persian cat may cost more.
Are Persian Cats Good Family Pets?
Persian cats are sweet, affectionate, gentle cats which can be great family pets. They typically get along well with small children and other family members. These cats aren’t very active, so they won’t bother you a lot. With proper training and socialization, you’ll have a perfect Persian family pet.
Are Persian Cats Friendly With Other Cats?
As Persian cats are naturally quite calm, they won’t initiate a conflict with other cats, but they may need some time to accept their new roomate. As always, it’s very important to introduce cats to each other properly, and give them some time to get used to each other. Eventually, they’ll become best friends.
In Conclusion
If you wondered about the expenses of owning a Persian cat, you came to the right place. These cats may cost a lot of money, but that’s hardly surprising as they’re one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
They have a unique appearance, and their coat requires special grooming care, but they are also gentle, affectionate, and calm cats who make great companions.
Unfortunately, like many purebred cats, they may be prone to certain diseases that are characteristic for this breed. With proper care, quality food, and regular vet checks, these cats can have a very long lifespan.
Before you decide to give any cat a home, you should find out what they’re like and what they need so you can be sure that you are able to provide them with everything they need for a happy life. This is the first step in being a responsible pet owner.
Hopefully, this Persian cat price guide will help you move forward and find your perfect Persian cat, and that the money-saving tips will be helpful as well, so that you can enjoy your furry companion for a long time.
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