While the cost of the Birman cat is not the lowest on the market, it is still relatively more affordable compared to other hypoallergenic breeds.
Of course, the price is not the only consideration when adopting a Birman cat. These cats require regular grooming and may also be prone to certain health conditions.
If you’re thinking of adding a Birman to your family, here is a closer look at Birman cat prices. This will help you determine how much you can expect to pay for this long-haired breed.
The Average Cost of a Birman Kitten
Typically, a Birman cat costs between $600 and $1,200. However, this price range will vary depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the cat’s parents’ health state, and overall bloodline quality.
But what exactly does that price tag get you?
For starters, Birman kittens are incredibly beautiful, with their long, silky fur and striking blue eyes. They’re also relatively rare, which contributes to their high cost.
Birmans with blue eyes and pure white paws are especially desirable and command a higher price.
This includes having a certain coat color and pattern, as well as having a certain body type.
Show quality Birmans, for instance, are more expensive than those that are not show-quality. This is because show quality Birman cats must meet a certain standard in order to be eligible to compete in cat shows.
Their average cost, however, is still lower than that of some other popular breeds, such as Persians.
Curious about their appearance? You can check out the video below:
Birman Cat Are Awesome - Cute Birman Cats Videos Compilation<a href="https://youtu.be/P9X1umCANj4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FP9X1umCANj4%2F0.jpg" alt="Birman Cat Are Awesome - Cute Birman Cats Videos Compilation" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Birman Kitten
Anyone who owned a Birman cat can attest that these beautiful creatures are stunning to look at and have wonderfully docile and affectionate personalities.
They are typically very good-natured and easy to get along with. However, they are also one of the most expensive cat breeds to date.
Here are some common factors that affect the price of a Birman cat:
Age: A Birman kitten will typically cost more than an adult since kittens are more in demand. Many cat owners want to raise their Birman cats from kittenhood to adulthood to complete the experience of cat ownership.
Location: If you live in an area with a higher demand for Birman cats, you can expect to pay more. For example, Birman cats are particularly popular in Australia, so if you live there, you might have to pay more than someone in the United States.
Coat Color and Appearance: Their unique appearance also comes with a price tag. The more striking the coat color and pattern of the kitten, the higher the cost will be. The most expensive coat colors and patterns are the traditional Birman colors of seal point, blue point, and chocolate point. Other colors and patterns, such as lynx point and tabby point, are usually less expensive.
Show Quality: If you’re looking for a Birman cat that can be shown in competitions, you should expect to pay more. These cats meet certain standards to be eligible for competitions, so they’re typically more expensive.
Pedigree: A pedigree serves as proof that a Birman kitten’s parents are both registered with a recognized Birman breed organization such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association. This means that the kitten has a pure lineage and is, therefore, more valuable than a non-pedigreed Birman.
Breeder’s Reputation: The biggest factor affecting the cost of a Birman cat is the breeder. If the breeder is well-known and has a good reputation, their kittens will usually be more expensive. Birmans from a breeder specializing in show-quality cats will also cost more than those from a general breeder.
Birman kittens are difficult to find, so be prepared to search long and hard to find a reputable breeder. Once you find a breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions and visit the kitten’s home to ensure they are well cared for.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Birman Cat From a Rescue?
The average cost of adoption from a Birman rescue is around $75 to $150. However, this may still change depending on the rescue’s requirements and the cat’s needs.
Usually, the adoption process includes an application, home visit, and adoption fee. The fee helps to cover the cost of rescuing the cat and finding it a new home.
The rescue organization will then provide the adopter with information about the Birman cat, such as why there are surrendered to the rescue, the rehabilitation they went through, etc.
Initial Cost of Birman Cat Ownership
When you first get a Birman cat, there are some initial costs that you need to take into account. You’ll need to ensure you’ve got the basics covered.
The good news is that most of the stuff you’ll need for your cat can be found at your local pet store or online.
Let’s take a look at the initial costs of setting up your Birman cat’s home and care:
Food and Treats: Birman cats are known for their love of food and treats. They prefer wet food, especially if it’s packed with protein and low in carbohydrates. You’ll also want to invest in a few different types of treats. Not only does this keep them satisfied, but it also helps them learn faster. High-quality cat food and treats cost around $20 to $50.
Food and Water Bowls: It is best to get bowls explicitly made for cats, as they are the right size and have a non-slip bottom. Food bowls should be made of stainless steel or ceramic so they don’t chip or break easily. Water bowls should have a high lip so that your Birman cat can drink from them without spilling water all over themselves. A pair of good-quality feeding bowls costs around $10 to $25.
Litter Box: Birman cats are pretty particular about where they poop, so make sure you get them a litter box that’s big enough for them to use comfortably without feeling cramped. Litter boxes for Birman cats typically cost between $20 and $160.
Litter Sand: This is a superb choice for those looking for a natural and safe way to keep your Birman cat’s litter box clean and sanitary. Sand is very effective at absorbing urine and feces, which helps to keep the litter clean and free of odors. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 for a good quality litter sand.
Collar and ID Tag: Another major thing that comes with owning a Birman cat is the need for an ID tag and collar with your pet’s name and your phone number on it. You can get these at any pet store or pet supply store for around $5 to $20. This will help people identify your cat in case it wanders outside.
Cat Bed: Since a good night’s sleep is important for your feline friend, it’s worth taking the time to provide a bed for them. A suitable bed for a Birman cat is priced between $15 and $30.
Cat Carrier: A good quality cat carrier will cost you anywhere from $20 to $60, depending on the carrier and the retailer you buy it from. It’s extremely useful, especially if you intend to travel with your Birman. This will make transporting your cat easier and safer.
Toys and Scratching Post: Birmans are playful cats, and they will need some toys to keep them amused. Aside from that, Birmans love to scratch, so providing them with a scratching post is important. This will help to keep your furniture and carpets safe from their claws. The price of a scratching post for a Birman cat can range from $20 to $100.
Grooming Essentials: Birmans must be regularly groomed to prevent their long fur from becoming matted. So make sure you have everything you need on hand before adopting one. This includes nail trimmers, shampoo and conditioner, brushes and combs, and toothbrushes and toothpaste. Expect to spend around $25 to $35 on grooming.
Initial Vet Visits: Taking care of your kitten’s health from the start is important to give them the best chance at a long and healthy life. During the initial vet visit, your vet will likely give them a physical examination and check their weight and vaccination history. Generally, they charge between $100 and $250 for their service.
Initial Vaccine Shots: As a new cat owner, it’s important to keep your Birman cat up to date on their vaccinations. These are usually given when the kitten is around eight weeks old and include vaccinations against rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia (FeLV). The initial round of shots costs approximately $25 to $50.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: Fleas and ticks can carry diseases that can be harmful to your cat, so it’s important to protect them from these parasites. Monthly preventative medications are the best way to keep your Birman cat safe from these threats, and they can cost around $30 to $100.
Neutering or Spaying: One of the main reasons to neuter or spay your Birman cat is to help reduce the risk of having cancer or eliminate certain behavior problems. Additionally, neutering or spaying your Birman also prevents them from reproduction. The cost of this surgery often ranges from $200 to $500.
Microchip: Microchipping can help keep track of your Birman cat’s whereabouts. If your cat is ever lost, a shelter or veterinarian can scan the microchip and contact you. This costs around $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Other supplies include litter box liners (to keep the box clean), pet wipes (for cleaning up accidents), and bedding materials such as fleece blankets or pads that fit inside your cat’s crate when traveling on out-of-town trips/visits. These supplies will run you between $15 and $30.
Here’s a rundown of the initial expenses you’ll need for your Birman cat:
The initial cost of owning a Birman cat can be quite high, but it’s important to remember that many of these expenses are one-time costs and not ongoing. In fact, you’ll likely have a few of them already in your home.
Annual Cost of Owning a Birman Cat
Owning a Birman cat is not a cheap endeavor. In fact, when you add up all of the costs associated with owning one of these regal felines, it can be quite expensive.
Here is an estimate of what it could cost you to keep your Birman happy and healthy every year:
The recurring cost of owning a Birman cat consists primarily of food, treats, and other necessities. However, you must also consider the cost of grooming your kitten.
Although they are generally very healthy cats, Birman kittens still need routine veterinary care and vaccines to stay healthy.
These checkups can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on where you live and what kind of care your vet provides to your Birman cat.
You should also consider purchasing pet insurance. It’s an optional expense, but they’ll help you cover the costs of emergency veterinary care for your beloved feline friend.
Insurance companies often charge between $360 and $600 yearly, depending on the chosen policy. These policies cover anything from routine checkups to unexpected illnesses or injuries that require an overnight hospital stay.
No matter what your budget is, though, owning a Birman cat can be a rewarding experience. These beautiful cats are known for their loving and gentle dispositions, and they make wonderful companions.
Other Potential Expenses
Besides the initial cost of adopting or purchasing a cat, there are other potential expenses you’ll need to budget for. For example, you may need to pay for pet sitters, daycare, and a dog walker while on holiday.
Here are a few of the other potential expenses associated with Birman cat ownership:
Pet Sitter: If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s important to find a cat sitter that you can trust. The average pet sitter fee is around $20 to $30 per day. However, prices can vary depending on the length of stay and the services required.
Pet Daycare: The average pet daycare fee is around $25 to $35 per day. However, depending on the services provided, the location of the daycare, and the size of the cat, the price may still vary. For example, some daycare facilities offer discounts for multiple pets, and some facilities offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays.
Grooming Services: Your Birman cat may never need professional grooming, but if you opt for it, be prepared to pay around $50 to $75 per session. If your cat has never been professionally groomed before, it may need to be sedated, adding to the cost.
Cat Registration: Owning a Birman cat can be expensive, especially if you want to get your cat certified through the CFA, the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. The average CFA certification fee is around $100 to $200.
Emergency Medical Costs: The Birman cat is also susceptible to certain diseases. The most common health concerns for Birman cats include congenital heart disease, infectious diseases, kidney disease, and cancer. Emergency treatment for these conditions can range from $500 to $10,000.
Although these expenses are not required, you may want to save up money in case your Birman cat needs emergency medical care.
Places to Find Birman Kittens for Sale and Adoption
Breeders are a popular option for people looking to buy a Birman kitten. They provide specific types of Birman kittens depending on one’s preference, and they also offer health guarantees.
Before searching for a Birman breeder online, make sure you do thorough research and background checks.
To get you started, below are some reputable Birman cat breeders we can vouch for:
Kyatwo Birmans – This is a CFA-registered breeder of Birman cats in Southern California. Their Birman cats are healthy and well-cared for. They are careful in screening potential families so their cats don’t end up in rescues.
Marali Birmans – Marali Birmans has been breeding Birman cats since 2010 and specializes in breeding blue-eyed kittens. This breeder has been an active member of the National Birman Fanciers Club and Sacred Cat of Burma Fanciers Club. They also offer a variety of colors to choose from.
Siam Bali Rags – This is a reliable and trustworthy breeder in Florida. All of their Birman cats are well-trained. Moreover, this breeder is dedicated ensures that their kittens are raised in a safe and conducive environment so they’ll become great pets.
If you’re looking for a new companion and would like to save a life at the same time, consider adopting a Birman cat from an animal shelter or rescue organization.
Some of the Birman cats in rescues have been abandoned or neglected by their previous owners, while others have been brought in after being found as strays.
Here are several Birman cat shelters and rescue organizations where you can find a Birman cat for adoption:
National Birman Fanciers (NBF) Club – This is a CFA-registered Birman rescue organization that covers most of the United States. The NBF also sponsors National and Regional Birman Specialty Shows around the country, where Birman breeders and fanciers can meet to show their cats and learn more about the breed.
Specialty Cat Breed Rescue – This organization rescues cats from shelters, fosters them until they are ready for adoption, and provides medical care and supplies. They have helped over 200 cats find homes since their inception in 2015. They have volunteer networks across the country that work with local shelters to rescue abandoned cats, including Birman.
Cat House On The Kings – This pet adoption service, founded in 1992, is California’s largest lifetime care cat sanctuary. They have a satellite adoption center inside Petco on Blackstone at Ashia in Fresno. They also focus on purebred cats that need special care or are abandoned.
Looking for free kittens in your area? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on finding free kittens and see if there’s a Birmans cat shelter or rescue organization near you.
Money-Saving Tips for Birman Cat Owners
Birman cats are expensive, but there are ways to keep your expenses low and still provide your Birman with the care they need.
Here are some money-saving tips for Birman cat owners:
Compare food prices. Birman cats are relatively high maintenance with their diet, so you want to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck regarding their food. You can visit several pet stores in your area to find out which one has the best prices.
Get a multi-cat discount. This is applicable if you have multiple Birmans. Most veterinarians offer discounts on your overall bill if you have over one Birman cat.
Consider pet insurance. When it comes to Birman cats, there’s no such thing as too much protection. Pet insurance is a wise investment, particularly if you don’t want to spend so much money on a vet. Some insurance companies have a policy that covers vet visits and even surgery if your cat needs it.
Join a Birman cat breeders club. If you want to save money on your Birman cat, consider joining a Birman cat breeders club. These clubs provide resources and support as you raise your new kitten. They often offer exclusive discounts on supplies, food, and even vet care as well.
Get your Birman cat spayed or neutered. This is one of the most effective ways you can do to save money on your Birman’s health care costs—it prevents unwanted litter, which means fewer vet visits later on in life. Spaying or neutering is very affordable if done early enough in life. You can even find free clinics in some areas if you’re tight on budget.
By following these money-saving tips, you can provide your Birman cat with the care they deserve without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
The Birman cat is a superb choice for a pet because of their loving nature and affectionate demeanor. They are easy to train and have a gentle disposition, making them a great addition to any family.
However, keep in mind that when budgeting for a new pet, it’s important to consider the cost of food, medical care, and other supplies. You need to be prepared financially before bringing a Birman cat into your home.
Are you interested in getting a Birman cat? Let us know in the comments!
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