The Russian Blue cat’s gorgeous blue-gray coat and bright emerald eyes appear expensively elegant and glamorous. These are some of the reasons why a lot of cat lovers assume that the Russian Blue cat price is not affordable.
To cut to the chase, the Russian Blue breed is indeed expensive. They always make it to the list of the most highly-priced feline breeds that usually cost thousands of dollars.
Hence, if you are determined to have one of these kitties, you need to prepare for the expenses of owning a Russian Blue cat. This detailed financial breakdown will help you do that, so let’s start!
The Average Cost of a Russian Blue Kitten
On average, the Russian Blue kitten price is around $1,000 to $2,000 depending on several factors such as the breeder’s reputation, registration, and lineage. Those with excellent pedigrees are more expensive than the ordinary ones, ranging between $1,500 and $3,000.
Russian Blue cats aren’t rare. However, they are extremely expensive because of their popularity and pedigree. Hence, you should expect that their prices will vary from breeder to breeder.
Reputable breeders with established names offer more expensive kitties because they are experts in their field. If you want to save money, you can always go the adoption route as it only costs a few dollars.
Nevertheless, here’s a Russian Blue cat produced by a reputable breeder so you have an idea:
A Day in the Life of a Russian Blue Cat | Sebastian Edition 😻<a href="https://youtu.be/hA46h7x5u4I" 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%2FhA46h7x5u4I%2F0.jpg" alt="A Day in the Life of a Russian Blue Cat | Sebastian Edition 😻" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Russian Blue Kitten
Several factors influence the hefty price tag of Russian Blue cats. Although they are not as rare and exotic as other expensive feline breeds, the Russian Blue cats are highly valued due to their popularity, quality, and pedigree.
To help you better understand how breeders come up with their kitten prices, here is a list of major factors that affect the cost of Russian Blue cats:
Pedigree: Before buying a Russian Blue kitten, you should understand that some are made for family pets, while others were developed to dominate the show ring. Show quality Russian Blue kittens usually come from champion lineage; hence, they are more expensive.
Age: Just like with other cat breeds, kittens are always way more expensive than the senior ones since they require more attention and care. So expect to pay a higher price if you want to own a Russian Blue kitten.
Breeder’s Reputation: Russian Blue cat breeders who have established a credible name in the feline community produce expensive kittens. This is mainly because they practice high breeding standards and quality breeding programs. You are also paying for their expertise honed through years of breeding.
Color: The selling point of Russian Blue cats is their bluish-gray fluffy coat. The bluer the coat pigmentation of a Russian Blue, the more expensive it becomes.
Registration: Usually, Russian Blues that have complete registration documents cost more. The Cat Fanciers Association Inc. and The International Cat Association are just a few feline registries that acknowledge this cat breed. The cost of registration is usually included in the kitten price computation.
Popularity: The Russian Blue is neither rare nor exotic. However, it is quite popular since it is a naturally occurring breed. The demand for these “angel cats” influences their price in the market.
These are just the primary factors that influence the price of Russian Blue cats.
Many breeders also consider shipping costs, breeding rights, deposits, the lineage of the parent cats, legal documents, and health guarantees in pricing their kittens.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Russian Blue Cat From a Rescue?
Typically, the adoption fee for Russian Blue cats in animal rescue centers costs around $75 to $300. This may differ depending on the type of rescue center, age of the cat, and health condition.
Usually, the adoption fee already covers neutering/spaying, deworming, microchipping, behavioral modification, and medical examinations. This means that the cats in most shelters and rescues are guaranteed to be healthy.
As compared to the Russian Blue cat price from a breeder, the fees for rescues are very minimal. However, expect that their Russian Blues are already matured or even past their prime.
Initial Cost of Russian Blue Cat Ownership
Aside from the Russian Blue cat cost, you should also be mindful of the initial expenses of owning one. These expenses include the starter supplies you need to acquire before taking your kitten home.
Here is a list of the cat items you need to prepare for your Russian Blue cat’s rehoming:
Food and Treats: The Russian Blue cat require a diet that contains the nourishment they need for growth. You can buy quality cat food and treats intended for Russian Blue kittens in pet stores for $20 to $50.
Food and Water Bowls: Quality and durable food and water dishes are priced between $10 and $25. You’ll surely save time in cleaning the after-meal mess of your new kitten if you have nice feeding bowls.
Litter Box: As a natural breed, your cat will pee and poop on the sand. To start their potty training, you need to acquire a litter box, usually sold for between $20 and $160 depending on the size.
Litter Sand: Aside from the litter box, you need to buy litter sand to go along with it. There are various types of litter that you can purchase, but generally, this will cost you $15 to $25 per pack.
Collar and ID Tag: These items are essential, especially for those who live in major cities. Tags and collars serve as the identification of pet cats so they won’t be mistaken as strays whenever they are outside your home. These items will likely cost you around $5 to $20.
Cat Bed: Like most cats, Russian Blues love sleeping. Usually, they rest for 12 to 16 hours a day. This is why you need to provide them with a comfortable cat bed where they can relax and sleep quietly. Cat beds are priced around $15 to $30 depending on the size and materials used.
Cat Carrier: If you plan to carry your cat with you when you go on trips, you must purchase a carrier. The average price of soft-sided and hard-sided carriers is around $20 to $60.
Toys and Scratching Post: You should consider buying toys for your cat to keep it active and entertained. This could be a ball of yarn, a stuffed toy, a toy mouse, or a fish plushy. Scratching posts are also necessary as they help release your cat’s pent-up energy. Pet stores usually sell these for around $15 to $70.
Grooming Essentials: Russian Blue cats groom themselves frequently. A good shampoo intended for cats will help you eliminate their unwanted scent. You should also consider buying a comb to remove the sheddings and danders under your kitty’s dense coat. You’ll need to cash out $25 to $35 for these items.
Initial Vet Visits: As you bring home your Russian Blue cat, you need to bring it to the vet to ensure that it has no health problems. Expect your cat’s initial vet visits to cost $100 to $250.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Similar to human beings, cats can also be vaccinated to protect them from diseases. Core feline shots for conditions such as panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus, feline leukemia, and rabies would cost you around $25 to $50.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: Preventative medications for flea, tick, and heartworm are essential to keep your cats safe from parasites. This is also vital if you have housemates who are allergic to fleas and ticks. Expect to pay $30 to $100 for these medications.
Neutering or Spaying: Spaying/neutering is the surgical removal of a cat’s reproductive organ. This is mainly administered to Russian Blues that are intended to be family members. You’ll need to pay around $200 to $500 for this procedure.
Microchip: A microchip is usually inserted into a cat’s skin for easy identification. The chip is grain-sized so it is not invasive. This is usually administered by a vet or someone from an animal welfare organization. Usually, microchipping your Russian Blue will cost you $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: As you go along your cat ownership journey, you may purchase some more items that you deem essential such as poop bags, paw wax, accessories, etc. Allot $15 to $30 for this.
Here is the table summarizing all the initial expenses of owning a Russian Blue cat:
I strongly suggest that you follow the list above in procuring starter supplies for your Russian cat.
This will greatly save you time and effort because you won’t have to ask breeders or fellow cat owners regarding these items.
However, remember that the price range included does not include shipping fees, so you have to spend more money than the estimates shown above.
Annual Cost of Owning a Russian Blue Cat
The annual costs of owning a Russian Blue could be quite expensive. You need to anticipate the cost of replenishing their cat food supply as well as replacing damaged toys and feeding dishes.
Alongside these supplies, you will also need to cash out for your Russian cat’s medical needs and insurance.
Here are the specific expenses of owning a Russian Blue cat that you should expect annually:
Kittens, just like other pets, are pretty vulnerable to diseases and parasites because their immune system is still developing. This is why regular veterinary visitations are essential.
Routine checks done by a local vet often include assessment for congenital disorders and examination for common feline diseases. Your cat’s teeth are also checked for possible dental disease.
Expect that these checkups will cost you around $100 to $200.
Aside from providing your Russian Blue with vet care, you also need to purchase them pet insurance.
Depending on the type of plan, insurance costs range between $360 and $600 annually. This will help you through tough times, especially if your cat has a health condition.
Other Potential Expenses
Aside from the ongoing costs of a Russian blue cat breed, there are also some other potential expenses you may consider. These are non-essential expenses that every cat owner can set aside if the budget is a bit tight.
Here’s a list of all the potential expenses in owning Russian Blue cats:
Cat Boarding Service: This service is convenient for busy owners. If you ever need to go on a business trip and you can’t take your cat with you, you can leave your Russian Blue cat in pet boarding houses, where it will be taken care of while you’re away. This costs around $30 to $50 per day.
Cat Grooming: Like other cats, Russian Blues also love to be pampered. You can take your pet cat to a pet salon where it can get its coat, nails, and ears cleaned. A regular cat grooming service will set you back $50 to $60.
Pet Accessories: Cat owners just want their pets to be happy. Hence, some buy pet toys and cat trees for their kitties. Cat trees usually cost around $50 to $100, depending on the size and design.
Emergency Vet Visits: Although no pet owner would wish something bad to happen with their kitties, it is better to prepare for emergencies and health tests. If ever your cat suffers an injury, you might need to cash out $300 to $1,000, depending on the severity of the condition.
Cat Registration: Registering your Russian Blue cat to a breed organization such as TICA is useful if you want to document their lineage. Both household and pedigreed cats can be registered for $8 to $50.
If you have a few bucks left on your budget, you might want to consider spending them on these services or saving them for emergencies.
Places to Find Russian Blue Kittens for Sale and Adoption
In choosing a feline breeder, you must consider their credibility, breeding history, and breeding process standards.
With all of the kitten mills and backyard breeders luring innocent pet owners with their kitty’s cheap price, you want to make sure that the breeder you will transact with is professional and trusted.
Here are some of the most reputable breeders and famous breeding farms in the United States where you can find quality Russian Blue kittens for sale:
Royal Blues Cattery – This cattery is a member of The International Cat Association (TICA). They are committed to improving their Russian Blue lines by breeding only desirable traits. Their kitten package, which costs $2,950, includes a kitten health record, health guarantee, and microchipping.
Righteous Russian Blues – Located in North Carolina, this cat breeder produces Russian Blues with European lineage. Their kittens are priced at $2,850, including kitten shots, neuter/spay, deworm, deflea, and health documents.
Exclusive Blues – Their service covers New York and extends to the nearby states. It is a TICA-registered cattery that breeds healthy and quality Russian Blue cats. Their kittens are considerably more expensive than the other breeders, with each kitten costing $3,000.
Blue Rose Cattery – This breeder is also TICA-accredited, and they produce Russian Blue cats with European bloodlines. Their kitties are complete with feline shots and worm treatments. You can take home one of their Russian Blue kittens for $2,500.
Majestic Blue Cattery – The Russian Blue cats of this cattery descended from champion bloodlines. Their quality kitties cost $2,700 with a kitty package that includes vaccine shots, health documents, supply lists, sample food, and a health guarantee.
If you are looking to adopt a healthy Russian Blue cat instead of buying from a breeder, here are some of the reputable rescues and animal shelters you can check out:
Adopt-a-Pet – This online pet database hosts thousands of feline rescue centers across the United States. You’ll easily find Russian Blue kitties available for adoption near your area on this pet website.
Feral Fixers – This non-profit rescue organization aims to reduce the number of euthanized cats and feral felines in the community of Illinois. They take in different breeds of adult cats, including the Russian Blue cat.
Kitty Kitty – Located in Chicago, this animal rescue promotes a cageless and no-kill rescue and rehabilitation program for abandoned and surrendered cats. Occasionally, they have Russian Blue cats under their care.
Adopting a cat from a rescue is considerably cheaper and wiser for those with a tight budget.
Cats in rescue can still make good pets, given that they are trained and prepared by the organization before being cleared for adoption.
Money-Saving Tips for Russian Blue Cat Owners
Owning a Russian Blue can indeed cost you a lot. Don’t worry, though. I have listed a few money-saving tips you can follow so you won’t need to break your bank in taking care of your kitty.
Here are some tips you can follow to cut down expenses in owning a Russian Blue cat:
Buy supplies in bulk. Pet stores usually give discounts on bulk orders. You should also take advantage of store sales so you can save a few bucks from your budget.
Invest in pet insurance. Veterinary bills can be horrifying sometimes. To prevent yourself from worrying and being stressed during emergencies, you should consider investing in cat insurance.
Try DIY pet items. There are available resources and instructions about DIY pet toys and cat trees on Youtube made by fellow pet lovers. Instead of buying from stores, try crafting your very own pet items at home.
Learn how to groom your cat. Russian Blues do not require much grooming. You only need to learn how to bathe them, clip their nails, and brush their coat so you won’t ever need to go to pet salons.
By following these simple tips, I’m sure you’ll get to save a large sum of money which you can use for other expenses. However, you should not forsake your cat’s quality of life at all times.
Final Thoughts
Although the Russian Blue cat price can cost you a fortune, you’ll realize that every penny you spend on this feline is well worth it when they repay you with unconditional love and loyalty.
They have unique gray fur and striking blue eyes as you would expect most noble cats. In addition, they have a gentle nature and very few health issues.
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