Persian cats are an elegant and distinct breed. You may recognize them from the Royale Toilet Paper Commercials, two soft white kitties rolling around, selling bathroom tissue. Given how much the kittens cost, it’s no secret why they were chosen to represent a brand called “Royale.”
Persian cats cost about $1500 for adult males and $1800 for adult females. Generally, the younger the cat is, the more expensive they are. A Persian kitten will cost between $1300 and $3000. If you have your heart set on a Persian kitten, expect to pay about $2000.
It’s easy to see that Persian cats are pricey, but what makes them so expensive? Read on to learn more about Persian cats, why they cost so much, and where you can find one.
Table of Contents
What Is a Persian Cat?
A Persian cat is considered a “luxury” cat breed — like Siamese cats — though this doesn’t make them rare. The breed is extremely popular amongst pet owners and breeders because of their relaxed attitudes and overall calm demeanors.
Persian cats are generally mild-tempered and are not loud or overly active cats. They have long, soft fur and round faces with short snouts. In fact, they are often improperly bred to accentuate these features, which can cause intense health problems and physical impositions later on.
The Persian cat’s laid-back attitude combined with its lovely appearance creates a docile companion with a regal look. People that love Persian cats often become extremely passionate and buy more than one. These felines are also the focal point of many works of art and have been favored by cat-lovers since the 19th century.
How Much Does a Persian Cat Cost?
How much a Persian cat will cost you depends on what age, gender, and purpose you are buying the cat for. The average pet owner who wants a household companion and does not want to breed the cat can expect to pay between $1200 and $1800.
If you do want to breed the cat, you can expect an extra $500-$1000 on that price.
If you have your heart set on a Persian kitten, you should be prepared to hand over at least $2,000. Even if the cat’s purchase price is lower, paying for all of your pet’s shots, food, and surgeries will cost you hundreds more during the first year.
You may find Persian kittens online for cheaper but beware of scam sites and breeders with unsafe practices. Some people may also try and pass off other kittens as purebred Persian cats to charge a higher price.
A legitimate Persian cat breeder will provide you with authentication papers and lineage for your new kitten. Never send money or confidential personal information to an unverified breeder or poster on cat forums. You can visit The Cat Fanciers’ Association for a list of American breeders of cats, including Persians.
Where Can You Get a Persian Cat?
Purchasing a Persian cat can be a complicated process, depending on where you live in the country. If there is a breeder located near you, your search will be much easier, as will visiting the kittens and picking up your new pet when she is old enough.
You may also want to ask your local breeder if you can come to meet her adult cats to decide if you like the breed enough to invest in a kitten.
If you don’t have a local breeder, you’ll have to find one that will ship the kitten to you. That means you won’t have the opportunity to meet the kitten before they are sent out, and your breeder will likely choose the kitten for you.
To find a breeder near you, you can search the internet on your own for “Persian cat breeders,” but the best way to find a reputable breeder can be to talk to a current Persian cat owner.
If you know someone who has or has had a Persian cat, you should ask them about the breeder they chose and their experience with them. A good breeder will have excellent communication skills and be very transparent about how they care for their cats and the kittens you will purchase.
Even if you don’t decide to go with the specific breeder that your friend chose, they may be able to give you a list of names of breeders that they have heard of. You can also search social media websites for groups of Persian cat owners that can suggest well-rated breeders.
Can You Adopt a Persian Cat?
It is possible to find a Persian cat up for adoption, though it’s rare. An adult Persian cat is more likely to be given up for adoption than a kitten. Also, if someone has purchased a Persian from a legitimate breeder and they need to give the kitten up for some reason, the breeder will usually take the animal back and rehome or keep him.
There are Persian cat rescue societies throughout the country as well. Many shelters will take in unwanted animals and find them a new, happy home, and a surprising amount of these pets are Persian cats. It may seem unlikely that someone would just abandon a pet that cost them a few thousand dollars, but Persian cats can be higher maintenance than some people expect.
The Persian cat’s signature luxurious coat is one of its best features and one of its most difficult. Many owners of this breed find themselves brushing their animals daily to keep the fur clear of painful knots and tangles.
The breed can also be subject to many health issues since unsafe breeding practices are unfortunately common. Their short snouts and round faces can cause breathing issues and poor dental hygiene, both of which can be costly to treat and cause people to abandon their pets.
Why Do Persian Cats Cost So Much?
The breed is one of the most popular feline breeds globally, which means many people are trying to cash in on the success. Anyone who can get their hands on two unfixed Persian cats could potentially start breeding them and selling the litters.
Unfortunately, these individuals often don’t know or follow the proper mating practices and don’t know how to select suitable mothers and fathers of their litters. This can lead to many health issues and cats that need to be put down because of their illnesses. These breeders often charge less than the reputable ones, and the low price draws in customers who just want to own a Persian cat and don’t know what to look for.
While you can find Persians for under $600 US, this low price should raise some red flags. As a general rule, the lower the price of the animal, the lower the breeding standard. A proper Persian cat will come from a well-documented lineage, and the breeder will be charging a much higher fee for their healthy animals and their valid reputation.
On the other end of the spectrum, you don’t need to find the most expensive kitten to trust where the animal came from. Many cats may be overpriced, and it’s up to you to shop around and find a breeder you trust with a price that you are comfortable paying.
Summary
Persian cats can cost as low as $500 and as high as $3500. It ultimately depends on the location and person that you purchase your pet from. It also depends on the age of the cat you’re looking for; adults are much cheaper than kittens, and you may even be able to adopt one for free from an animal shelter.
Sources
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association: Breeder Search
- Wikipedia: Persian Cat
- Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue: Persian
- PetMD: What You Need to Know Before Bringing Home a Persian
Pam is a self-confessed cat lover and has experience of working with cats and owning cats for as long as she can remember. This website is where she gets to share her knowledge and interact with other cat lovers.