How Much Does a Siberian Cat Cost? 2024 Price Guide

The Siberian cat is an ancient breed that originated in Russia. It’s a naturally occurring cat, and breeders have only recently created a standard to judge its size and appearance. Many experts believe it is an ancestor to all modern longhair cats, and it has similarities to the Norwegian Forest cat.

If you are thinking about purchasing a Siberian cat for your home, keep reading while we take an in-depth look at this breed to see if it’s right for your home.

Bringing Home a New Siberian Cat: One-Time Costs

Before purchasing a Siberian cat, there are several one-time costs you should consider. Besides the purchase price of the kitten, you will also likely need to get it spayed or neutered, and it will require several vaccinations. Other one-time costs include a microchip to help identify the cat if it’s lost and a cat carrier to keep it in while you take it to the vet.

Free

Fortunately, cats usually have large litters, and the Siberian is a fairly popular breed in the United States, so there is a small chance that you can find someone willing to give away their extra kittens for free. However, don’t count on it, especially if it’s a purebred Siberian.

Adoption

$75–$200

You should set aside $75 to $200 to adopt your Siberian cat from a local animal shelter. While this cost may seem high, many of these cats have already received their shots. Some may even be spayed or neutered, which can save you hundreds of dollars. Adopting your cat will free up resources for other animals and help the cat live a full and happy life. Since these cats are popular in America, there is a good chance you can find them in a local shelter.

Breeder

$1,000–$2,000

You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a Siberian that comes from a reputable breeder. Your location and the availability of breeders will influence the cost, as will current demand. Some breeders may need to put you on a waiting list, but since most cats can have three to five kittens or more per litter, you usually don’t need to wait long.

Initial Setup and Supplies

$50–$300

Cats are quite independent and don’t need a lot of setup and supplies. However, most experts recommend getting one litterbox per cat, plus one extra, so it’s best to get two litter boxes if you have one cat. Extra boxes will reduce the chance of accidents, especially if your cat is finicky and refuses to use a dirty box. You will also need a food bowl that’s wide and shallow so the cat’s whiskers won’t bump off the sides while it eats, and most cats do better with a water fountain than a bowl of standing water.

List of Siberian Cat Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Siberian Cat Cost Per Month?

$75–$300 per month

You can expect to spend between $75 and $300 per month on your cat, depending on the kind of litter you use and the brand of food you buy. Most people also spend lots of money on toys and treats, but the good news is that cats don’t usually destroy toys the way dogs do, so you will likely have a box full of toys after a few months with no real need to buy more.

Health Care

$10–$50 per month

You will need to purchase rabies and distemper shots for your cat to keep it healthy and safe. Rabies will need a booster every 3 years to stay current, and you will need a yearly vet visit to make sure your cat stays healthy. Other common health problems that can occasionally affect any cat requiring a trip to the vet include urinary tract infections and ear infections.

Food

$30–$100 per month

Most people will spend around $50 per month on food and treats. However, some foods, especially those for a prescription diet, can get quite expensive. We recommend dry cat food to help keep the teeth clean, with real meat like chicken, fish, or turkey listed as the first ingredient.

Grooming

$5–$150 per month

Unlike most other longhair cats, the Siberian coat doesn’t tend to tangle or knot, so you don’t need to spend a lot of time grooming it. Regular brushing once or twice a week should be more than enough to keep it looking great. Many people choose to take their cat to a professional groomer to get the teeth cleaned and the nails clipped, but you can do these things yourself to save some money.

Medications and Vet Visits

$10–$100 per month

As we mentioned earlier, you will likely need to take your pet to the vet every year for an annual checkup. Besides these visits, many owners choose to get a monthly flea and tick medication that will eliminate the danger posed by these insects, which often helps prevent heartworm.

Pet Insurance

$10–$50 per month

Pet insurance will cost much less if you get it while your pet is still a kitten. Many people feel that the monthly premium is expensive, but if your cat gets a serious illness or is in an accident, you might be required to pay several thousand dollars out of pocket. Insurance helps protect you from these surprise fees and makes sure your cat gets the attention it needs.

Environment Maintenance

$30–$45 per month

The main environmental cost that you need to worry about is the cost of litter.  There are very low-cost litters that can cost less than 1 dollar per day, but many of these will be dusty and can make a mess of your home. More expensive litters usually contain less dust and clump together tighter, so it’s easier to keep clean.

In addition, some owners like to use a litterbox liner to keep the waste away from the main box because it can scratch and absorb odor. You should avoid fragrances in your litterbox because they can be too powerful for your cat. Instead, we recommend adding baking soda to the litter if you notice your cat is extra smelly.

Entertainment

$5–$25 per month

Owners tend to spend a lot of money on their kitten, but as the cat gets older, you will have plenty of toys, and your entertainment costs will go down. If you have difficulty getting to the store to purchase treats and new toys, a subscription service like Meowbox can be a great way to have these items delivered to your door.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Siberian Cat

$75–$300 per month

A Siberian cat is not too difficult to maintain, nor is it overly expensive. However, you should expect to spend $75 to $300 per month by the time you purchase litter, flea and tick medication, food, treats, and toys. In addition, your costs can increase if you are buying pet insurance and have the cat professionally groomed.

Additional Costs to Factor In

If you need to go on vacation, you will need to make special accommodations for your cat. If you plan on taking the cat with you, you will need to check with the hotels to find one that allows pets. If you want to fly the cat, you will need to set aside $150–$250 for a ticket. If you are not taking the cat with you, you will need to find a friend or family member to watch your cat. If none exists, you will need to house the cat at a kennel, which can cost $25–$100 per night.

Owning a Siberian Cat on a Budget

It’s not too difficult to keep your Siberian cat healthy while being on a tight budget. Many low-cost litters will cost less than a dollar per day, and if you purchase high-quality cat food, it’s more likely to keep your cat full for longer so it won’t get hungry as often.

Saving Money on Siberian Cat Care

The best way to save money on healthcare costs is to use careful option control so your cat doesn’t become overweight, leading to several health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Another way you can cut healthcare costs is to manually brush their teeth as frequently as possible to help slow the progression of dental disease.

Conclusion

The Siberian cat is a loving animal that has plenty of affection for every member of the family. It’s a healthy animal with a long lifespan, so it’s a great choice for a pet. Once you have the initial health procedures out of the way, you will only need to purchase food and litter each month to keep your cat healthy and happy.

We hope you have enjoyed reading over our look into this ancient breed and that it has helped answer your questions. If we’ve helped you create a budget that allows you to purchase one of these pets, please share this guide to the Siberian cat on Facebook and Twitter.

• See also: Male vs. Female Siberian Cat: Which One is Best for You? (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock