How Much Do Siberian Cats Cost?

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How Much Do Siberian Cats Cost?

Siberian cats are among the most exotic, loyal, and hunting-inclined cat breeds globally, hailing from Russia and rising to popularity elsewhere by the early 2000s. Often dubbed the ‘Moscow Semi-Longhair,’ the Siberian’s long water-repellent fur and (nearly) hypoallergenic coat make the breed a rare allergy-sufferer’s dream. But how much do Siberian cats cost?

Siberian cats cost between $1,100 and $1,700 if you buy one from a TICA-certified breeder. Siberians with ice-blue eyes, solid-white coats, or bi-colored eyes are a bit pricier, typically costing $2,000 to $4,000 per kitten. Fees may include vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter, and microchipping.

When you travel the pedigree kitty adoption route, monthly litter, toys, and food costs hardly rival the fee for buying that squeaky purebred kitten from a reputable breeder. To learn about how much Siberian cats cost, read on!

Why Are Siberian Cats So Expensive?

There’s no doubt about it, Siberian Forest Cats (affectionately nicknamed ‘Siberians’) are quite the investment, often going for $1,100+ per kitten. But when the average shorthair kitty at the shelter delivers a $250 price tag, it’s normal to question the vast $1,000+ cost difference.

Siberian kittens are so expensive because they’re:

‘Hypoallergenic’

While truly ‘hypoallergenic’ cats are still mythical critters, the Siberian cat is teetering on the edge but not quite there yet. The explanation is simple. Siberian cats release less Fel d 1 in the fur, the very same protein that turns petting a snuggling kitty into a sneezing fit or itch-fest.How Much Do Siberian Cats Cost?

Though a runny nose or cough is still possible when you invite a Siberian into your family, the reaction won’t be as severe. Siberian cats are among the few breed options for allergy-sufferers, racking up the price for the opportunity to own one of these glorious creatures.

However, this “allergy-free” kitty sheds as much, if not more, than other long-haired cats. These fluff balls will “molt” twice a year as they transition between the winter and summer coats and require weekly brushing of their triple-layered coats to prevent unsightly tangles.

Still Relatively Rare

From the business perspective, Siberian cats run up a hefty receipt because of the classic ‘supply and demand.’ While the breed is still popular in its motherland (Russia) and survives the -40°F Siberian winters thanks to its thick coat, Siberians are relatively new to the States.

There are only 68 or so TICA-certified Siberian breeders spanning the U.S., Canada, Singapore, and Germany. If each cattery produced a four-kitten litter three times annually, that’s only 816 new Siberians welcomed into the world each year.

The allure behind owning this long-maned, photogenic, and ‘exotic’ breed far outweighs the supply. In fact, the demand is so high that many Siberian catteries have years-long waitlists for cat lovers desperately attempting to own this majestic and rambunctious kitty.

Healthier Than Other Breeds

Purebred cats (and dogs, for that matter) face more health consequences than their mixed-breed alternatives. The reason is science-based. When a particular breed carries a dominant genetic condition in its DNA, mating with the same breed heightens the risk of offspring developing that disease. Mixing in a new genetic code can phase it out.

But the oh-so-plush Siberians are nearing ‘medical anomaly’ status. The Siberian Forest Cat’s most glaring disease predispositions include:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

With a lower risk of obesity and few health concerns, many Siberians survive well past ten years old, with many outlasting their golden years until 20. Spending $1,100 on these icy-eyed, playful runts is far less daunting when you weigh the future medical costs (or lack thereof).

Siberian forest cats are loving family companions, live to 20 years old, and rarely experience medical issues. The video below highlights the breed’s most flawless traits:

Additional Costs of Siberian Cats

Siberian cats are over four times more expensive than your run-of-the-mill shelter cat, but their $1,100 to $1,700 average price tag doesn’t compare to that of other rare breeds. For example, the Savannah cat can run a heart-stopping $20,000 bill, Bengals closer to a college semester’s tuition ($5,000), and Maine Coons a slightly ‘more affordable’ $3,500.

However, a few things can impact a Siberian’s final price tag, and many reliable catteries will include other “perks” in the final sales price. Let’s review what those are now.

More Expensive Traits

While the barrel-chested, perky-eared, and beady-eyed traits sink deep into a Siberian cat’s genetic code, more admirable and aesthetic physical characteristics will increase its value. The chart below details how price differs based on coat, eye color, and overall appearance:

TraitExtra Cost
Colorpoints & Torbies (Tortoiseshell/Tabby Mix)$100
Solid White$200
Blue Eyes$100
Bi-Colored Eyes$200

Most of these beautiful Siberian traits are the ‘luck of the draw’ and improve a kitten’s chance of winning titles at future award shows. Kittens born to pedigreed and show-winning Siberians plus these flawless traits will soar above $2,000, sometimes closer to $4,000.

What’s Included With Your Purchase

While spending about $1,500 at once might hurt your wallet, many Siberian catteries provide additional bonuses in the names of owner convenience and kitten health. For example, for that lofty price tag, you might also get:

  • A microchip (if your kitten discovers her inner-Houdini and becomes an escape artist, a microchip scan will help a rescue league return her home)
  • Kitten shots (distemper, rabies, and more!)
  • Spaying or neutering surgery (not only does this save you from the territorial spraying of an intact cat, but it can also lower Fluffy’s risk of breast or testicular cancers)
  • Registration papers with either TICA or the CFA (documents your new Siberian’s status as a purebred kitty)

At a $500+ value, these incentives guarantee that you’re getting your money’s worth when you bring that majestic fluffball home. However, check with the cattery first to see what comes with the purchase price. There may also be a non-refundable deposit to “save your spot” in line.

Where To Buy a Siberian Cat

Technically, there are several pathways for buying a Siberian, Craigslist, unofficial websites, and Facebook Marketplace included. However, online pet scams taking advantage of animal lovers are running rampant in recent years, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a fully-vaccinated kitty, your deposit back if something goes wrong or a cat at all!

The only way to ensure you’re adopting a healthy, pedigreed Siberian cat — and getting your money’s worth — is by contacting a TICA-certified Siberian breeder (list here). These breeders abide by TICA’s lofty ethical standards, including promises to:

  • Only sell healthy kittens
  • Neuter or spay all cats before the one-year mark (ideally before adoption)
  • Provide two vaccinations each for calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline rhinotracheitis
  • Forfeit TICA status following three complaints in 12 months

Also, purchasing from a reputable Siberian breeder means receiving guaranteed vaccinations, fixing, registration paperwork, and a microchip. If a local breeder isn’t on this list and sells these majestic kitties for an eye-opening low-ball price (like $500), look elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Siberian Forest Cat might be a relatively rare breed for the average cat enthusiast, but it’s nowhere near “one-of-a-kind.” If the Siberian isn’t tugging at your heartstrings as you’d hoped, similar long-hair (and modestly exotic) feline breeds include:

  • Maine Coons
  • Norwegian Forest Cats
  • Persians
  • Ragdolls
  • Himalayans
  • Ragamuffins

Regardless of your breed choice, the final price will depend on the cat’s physical traits (ex: ‘Black smoke’ in Maine Coons), pedigree (show-winning lines drive up the price), and age (adult cats are cheaper than kittens). Expect to spend around $1,000 to $3,000 for a purebred kitten.

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