How We Decide the Price of a Kitten: Insights from Our Cattery -LuckyBlue
Many new cat lovers gasp at the price tag on a pure bred kittens. But think of it as paying for a bundle of health, good behaviour, and years of joy, not just a quick sale.
Backyard sellers, scammers sometimes offer you low prices. Yet those kittens may hide health issues down the road. Responsible breeders like us invest time and money to create top-notch companions. The kittens price mirrors the care, strong genes, and ethical steps behind each litter. Let’s break down.
When you think about bringing a new kitten into your home, especially a British Shorthair (BSH), you might wonder what goes into determining its price. It’s not just about the immediate aesthetic appeal or playful behaviour; several key factors play a vital role in pricing these adorable feline companions. From breed rarity and pedigree to health considerations and ongoing expenses, let’s explore how we decide on the price of our kittens.
One of the most significant factors influencing the price of a kitten is its breed and pedigree. British Shorthairs are particularly sought after due to their unique characteristics and charming personalities. As pure bred kittens, they come with a higher price tag because of their rarity and the distinctive traits associated with the breed. Do not go after mixed gene breed because could be dangerous.
The lineage of a kitten can greatly affect its price as well. Kittens that come from champion bloodlines like ours are known for their exceptional qualities, often command higher prices. This connection to renowned ancestors not only assures potential owners of the kitten’s looks and temperament but also enhances their desirability as future breeding candidates. Hence, if you’re seeking a top-tier British Shorthair, expect to invest more for the privilege of owning a kitten with impressive lineage.
At our cattery, we prioritise the health and genetic integrity of every kitten. We understand that the well-being of our kittens is of utmost importance to their new families. Therefore, we provide verified proof of health for our kittens, ensuring both parents are free from any illnesses specific to the BSH breed. Health assurance is a crucial aspect when it comes to pricing.
Kittens raised in a healthy environment, with careful breeding practices, tend to have fewer health issues down the road. This proactive approach translates into higher costs as we invest significantly in veterinary care, vaccinations, and genetic testing. The peace of mind that comes from adopting a kitten whose health has been meticulously monitored is invaluable, and many prospective owners are willing to pay a premium for such an assurance.
Beyond the initial purchase price, there are ongoing expenses that contribute to the overall cost of maintaining our cattery. Here’s a breakdown of our average monthly expenses:
🍩 Dry food: £100
🥩 Weet food: £200
💊 Supplements, vitamins, treats: £50
📢 Consumables (towel roll, disinfectant, wipes, cleaning supplies): £40
🪀 Toys and cat furniture: £40
🛒 Premium Wood Pellet Cat Litter: £80
💉 Vaccinations and microchips (first-year cost per kitten): £70
💉 Vaccinations (annual cost per adult cat): £60
🧪 Laboratory and Analysis (first two years for one cats): £200-£500
🧪 Annual Laboratory and Analysis (for cats over three years old): £100-£150
❤️ Pet Insurance (per cat): £20-£35
❤️ Emergency Vet Treatment and Surgery: £20
🔋 Electricity (heatings, lights, CTTV, water fountain,…. ): Summer: £50 and Winter: £150
🎖️ Cat Shows: £100
🚗 Fuel Car: £50
©️ Marketing: £20
These figures reflect our commitment to the well-being of our kittens and their parents. Regardless of the number of litters we produce, these costs remain constant. They form the backbone of our dedication to raising healthy, happy kittens, which inevitably influences our pricing.
Adopting a kitten is not just about acquiring a pet; it’s about welcoming a new family member. While price certainly plays a role in the decision-making process, it’s essential to appreciate the value behind it. When you choose to adopt a British Shorthair from our cattery, you’re investing not only in a kitten but also in a legacy of responsible breeding and a commitment to health and well-being.
In conclusion, the price of a kitten reflects a multitude of considerations ranging from breed rarity and pedigree to ongoing health commitments and financial responsibilities. Understanding these factors can help potential kitten owners make informed decisions that resonate with their values and lifestyle. After all, bringing a new kitten into your life should be a joyful experience, one where you feel confident in your choice and the well-being of your new furry friend.
We take the well-being of our kittens very seriously, hence:
✔ give you lots of information and have photos of the litter in an advert for selling kittens
✔ have a waiting list for kittens
✔ encourage you to visit us and see your kitten several times before taking them home
✔ we have a clean and safe area home for kittens and their mum, with adequate space for mum to have peace and quiet if she needs it
✔ we have a separate nursery room to avoid stress for mum and kittens
✔ want you to be happy to meet the kitten’s mother and dad
✔ only let you take the kitten home when they’re ready to leave
✔ tell you about the socialisation they’ve been doing
✔ be registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy – GCCF
✔ give the kitten GCCF Registered (non-active), vaccinated, microchipped, general health checked, de wormed, litter trained, toys, etc..
✔ keep in touch after you’ve taken the kitten home
✔ pet insurance for the first few weeks
Always make sure you have done all the research and be prepared what to ask and what to expect when contacting a breeder. Scammers are everywhere.
Examples of what a bad breeder/ scammer will do:
✘ give you very little information
✘ no photos/videos of kittens
✘ no video calls
✘ asking for deposit in advance
✘ won’t let you meet the kitten’s mum, dad and littermates
✘ offer you to meet in a public place such as the street, a service station or railway station to hand over the kitten or offer to drop the kitten off at your home
✘ won’t be unable to provide proof of vaccination, worming, health certificates, etc..
✘ won’t be unable to give you information about, or proof of, relevant genetic health testing
✘ won’t provide a genuine vet’s contact details
