Why some cat breeds cost more, and what to check before you buy

Prices for cats vary enormously. A rescue cat may cost an adoption fee, while some pedigree or hybrid kittens are advertised for many times that. Price on its own tells you very little about whether a kitten is healthy, well socialised or bred responsibly. This guide explains why some breeds cost more and what to check before you hand over any money.

Why some cat breeds cost more

Several things push up the price of a pedigree or hybrid kitten:

• Breeding costs. A responsible breeder pays for vet checks, vaccinations, microchipping, good food, registration and time spent raising and socialising the litter.
• Health testing. Some breeds have known inherited conditions, and good breeders pay for tests or screening on the parents.
• Rarity and demand. Breeds that are uncommon in the UK, or that are fashionable on social media, attract higher prices.
• Looks. Kittens with a particular coat pattern, colour or face shape are often priced higher, even when those features bring health risks.

Some of these costs are signs of good breeding. Others, especially paying more for an extreme look, can reward breeding that harms cats.

Health problems behind some popular looks

Welfare organisations and the main UK cat registry have raised concerns about breeding for extreme features. Before you choose a breed, find out what its look means for the cat's health.

Very flat faces

Cats bred for a very short, flat face can have narrowed airways, trouble breathing, runny or sore eyes, and crowded teeth. Some find it hard to pick up food. If you like a flat-faced breed, look for breeders who select for a more moderate face and open nostrils.

Folded ears

The gene that causes folded ears affects cartilage throughout the body, not just in the ears. It is linked to painful joint disease that can develop at any age. Welfare groups advise against breeding cats with this trait.

Hairlessness

Hairless cats have no coat to protect them from cold or sunburn and often need regular skin care. They can struggle to keep warm and are usually best kept indoors or with careful protection outside.

Very short legs

Cats bred to have very short legs have a form of dwarfism. This can affect their joints and spine and limit normal behaviour such as jumping and climbing.

If you are unsure whether a breed's features cause problems, ask a vet before you commit, not after you have fallen for a kitten.

Wild hybrids such as Savannahs and Bengals

Some breeds come from crossing domestic cats with wild cat species. Bengals descend from crosses with the Asian leopard cat, and Savannahs from crosses with the serval. Kittens from the first few generations after the wild cross are closer to their wild ancestor and are usually the most expensive.

These cats can be very active, need a lot of space and stimulation, and may not suit a typical home. Before buying any hybrid:

• ask exactly which generation the kitten is, and see paperwork that shows it;
• ask how the parents behave and how they are kept;
• check with your local council whether any licence or special rules apply to the cat you are considering;
• make sure your vet and insurer are happy to take on the cat.

Be wary of adverts that make big claims about a "rare" or "exclusive" breed you cannot find on a recognised registry. Some heavily marketed "new breeds" have turned out to be existing breeds sold at inflated prices.

Buying safely and paying a fair price

See the kitten with its mother

Visit the kitten at the home where it was raised and see it with its mother. In England, it is illegal for pet shops and dealers to sell kittens under six months old that they have not bred themselves, so you should buy from the breeder directly or adopt from a rescue.

Check age, microchip and paperwork

Kittens should not leave their mother too early. In England, cats must be microchipped before they are 20 weeks old, and the breeder should give you the microchip number and registration details. Ask for vaccination records, any health test results for the parents, and registration papers if the kitten is sold as a pedigree.

Spot the warning signs

Walk away if the seller:

• won't let you visit or do a live video call with the kitten and its mother;
• asks for a deposit before you have seen the kitten;
• pushes you to decide quickly or pay by bank transfer;
• can't answer basic questions about health, vaccinations or the parents;
• offers to meet somewhere other than their home.

Judge the price sensibly

There is no single "right" price, and published price lists go out of date quickly. Compare several registered breeders of the same breed. A price far below the usual range can signal a scam or poor breeding. A price far above it does not guarantee a better cat. Ask what the price includes, such as vaccinations, microchipping, registration and insurance cover, and get a written receipt.

Think about the lifetime cost

The purchase price is often a small part of what a cat costs over its life. Food, litter, vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, insurance, neutering and boarding all add up. Breeds with known health problems can also cost more in vet fees and insurance. Work out what you can afford each month before you start looking.

If what you want is a friendly companion rather than a particular look, a rescue cat or a moggie can be a great choice. You can browse cats looking for homes on Find a pet.