Persian Cat Price

Persian cat prices can vary widely. Not only does the price of Persian cats depend on the location of the cattery or Persian breeder, but availability and the time of year. Here are just a few reasons why prices may vary so much and what you can expect to pay for a Persian cat or kitten.

The location of the Persian cat breeder can play a part in the price of a Persian. On the U.S. east coast, the price of Persian cats seem to be higher than those in the mid-west or west coast. I believe this price difference is based on the overall cost of living in the east.

The time of year that kittens are available can play a role in the price of Persian cats. Most cats come into season when there is more daylight and longer days. Therefore, during the winter cats do not come into heat as often or at all. This means that there are very few Persian kittens available in the early part of the year. The scarcity of kittens during this time of year can drive the price of Persian kittens up (not a lot, but enough). Additionally, many Persian cat breeders plan the breeding of their cats around show schedules.

Persian cat price can vary because of whether or not the kittens are registered. Reputable Persian cat breeders sell registered kittens and cats. However, a breeder may withhold registration papers on their kittens until they receive written verification that the kitten has been altered. Unless your kitten is registered, you have no proof that the Persian kitten you are looking at is actually purebred or the offspring of purebred Persian cats.

Reputable Persian cat breeders provide their kitten buyers with a written contract and health guarantee. Health guarantees differ from breeder to breeder so it is important to ask about a health guarantee and read it thoroughly before purchasing the kitten. If the Persian cat breeder says that they have cats that are DNA tested negative for PKD - ask to see those certificates. A reputable breeder should not be offended by that request.

Reputable breeders take the time to develop a tried and true placement procedure for their kittens and cats. A reputable Persian cat breeder is not focused on selling their kittens, they are focused on the breed itself and finding great homes for any kitten they place. They take the time to interview prospective buyers, to explain their breeding program, to develop a contract that is legally enforceable by either party in a court of law should something go wrong. A reputable Persian cat breeder provides information to prospective buyers on Persian cats, their grooming, care, feeding requirements, and much more. A reputable breeder will properly vaccinate their kittens with age appropriate vaccinations. A reputable Persian cat breeder will send the kitten home with its new owner along with (at a minimum) a packet that contains a sample of what the kitten has been eating, registration slip (unless withheld until alter), information on caring for the kitten, a health record of its vaccinations and wormings. Many breeders provide a buyer with coupons for the food or other items, a list of suggested supplies and toys, and photos of the parents.

A reputable Persian cat breeder spends a great deal of time and money ensuring that their cats and kittens are healthy. They test for known genetic problems in the Persian cat breed (i.e., PKD). They have their cats routinely examined by their veterinarian. Their cats and kittens have age appropriate vaccinations and wormings.

Persian cats come in a variety of colors: solid color, bi-color, tabbies, color points, particolor. Some colors are more popular with breeders, show people, judges and buyers. This popularity (or lack of) can influence the price of Persian cats.

Reputable Persian cat breeders breed to the breed standard of their preferred registry (i.e., CFA, TICA). They breed because of their love for the Persian breed, because they love their cats, because they love kittens and because they just enjoy their cats. They want to improve the breed by breeding cats that will improve on what they are whether it be looks or genetic health. Not every Persian kitten will meet the exacting criteria of their breed standard. These faults are usually minor in nature (i.e., ears set too high, eyes not round enough, a bad bite, coat not being long or plush enough). Just because a Persian kitten has a fault according to the breed standard does not make it less desirable. The price of a Persian may reflect how close to the breed standard the kitten is.

We have all heard the old adage "you get what you pay for." This is never more valid than when looking for a purebred Persian cat or kitten. Be prepared to pay between $500 - $1200 for a pet quality Persian cat (spay or neuter contract). Look for an experienced, dedicated Persian cat breeder who obviously cares a great deal about their cats, their breeding program, their reputation, the health and well-being of their cats - NOT just the money the kitten may bring. Information on recognizing and finding reputable Persian cat breeders can be found by clicking on this link.