Okay, so I’ve been thinking about getting a Russian Blue kitten for a while now. They’re just so darn cute with those silver-blue coats and green eyes! But before I jumped in, I needed to know the damage – how much would one of these little guys actually cost me?
Digging for Info
First, I started with some good old-fashioned internet searching. I typed in stuff like “Russian Blue kitten price” and “cost of Russian Blue cats.” I found a bunch of breeder websites, classifieds, and general articles about cat breeds. It was kind of overwhelming, to be honest. Lots of different numbers were getting thrown around.
Breeders vs. Shelters
One of the first things I realized is that there’s a big difference in price between getting a kitten from a breeder and adopting one from a shelter or rescue. Breeders, who specialize in purebred cats, usually charge a lot more. I mean, we’re talking hundreds, even thousands, of dollars!
Shelters, on the other hand, are way more affordable. You’re usually paying an adoption fee, which helps cover their costs of caring for the animals. This is often just a couple hundred bucks, sometimes even less.
Figuring Out Breeder Prices
So, back to those breeder prices. I noticed that the cost could vary a lot depending on a few things:
- The breeder’s reputation: Fancy, well-known breeders with champion bloodlines charge top dollar.
- The kitten’s “quality”: Some kittens are considered “pet quality,” while others are “show quality,” meaning they meet the breed standards really closely. Show quality costs more, naturally.
- Location: Prices seemed to differ depending on where the breeder was located. City prices were often higher than those in more rural areas.
- What’s included:Some breeders include things like vaccinations, microchipping, and even a health guarantee in their * don’t.
From my scouring of websites, it looked like a Russian Blue kitten from a breeder could range anywhere from $800 to upwards of $2,000, and that’s the number I kept seeing!
Beyond the Initial Cost
I also have to remember, It is not the first cost! There are all the other expenses that come with owning a cat, like:
- Food
- Litter
- Toys
- Scratching posts
- Vet checkups
- Maybe even pet insurance!
My Final Decision
After all this research, It helped me. Although I love the breeder kittens. I decided to start looking at local shelters and rescues. I figured I could give a loving home to a kitten in need, and it would be a lot easier on my wallet. I’m still keeping my eye out for a Russian Blue, but I’m open to other breeds too. Wish me luck!