The charm of the Ocicat is one of the main reasons why it’s sought-after, but do you know how much an Ocicat costs? If you’re interested to know, this is the article for you.
For starters, Ocicats are costly; therefore, you will need to set aside money to reserve your new kitten. Over the lifetime of your new cat, you will incur additional expenses that will exceed this initial investment.
By reading this guide, you will understand all the essential aspects of Ocicat ownership, including the associated costs. Are you looking forward to gaining more knowledge? Let’s get started!
The Average Cost of an Ocicat Kitten
The cost of purchasing an Ocicat from a registered breeder ranges from $800 to $2,500. However, if you want one from a champion line, be prepared to spend up to $3,000.
The price of an Ocicat also depends on the breeder’s reputation, the cat’s age, temperament, and physical features, among others.
Despite the fact that Ocicats don’t actually descend from wild cats, their appearance and markings contribute to their high price. That said, Ocicats have been in high demand; hence, they often cost a large sum of money.
However, if you check the prices for other cat breeds, especially exotic breeds like the Sphynx, Lykoi, and Savannah, you’ll notice that the Ocicat is not the most expensive. In fact, it costs way below these other breeds.
Watch this video to learn a bit more about the Ocicat:
We're Wild for the Ocicat<a href="https://youtu.be/qPtG-EtS3QM" 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%2FqPtG-EtS3QM%2F0.jpg" alt="We&#039;re Wild for the Ocicat" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of an Ocicat Kitten
You might be enticed to purchase an Ocicat due to its coat patterns. However, this could end up costing you a lot of money, considering that the cost of the cat itself is already several thousand dollars.
But have you ever considered the factors contributing to an Ocicat’s high price? Initially, the price of an Ocicat is determined by a wide variety of factors.
The following is a list of the most critical factors that contribute to the price of an Ocicat:
Age: The price of an Ocicat may vary according to their age. Due to the strong demand for Ocicat kittens, they are more expensive than adult cats.
Location: An additional cost will be added to the overall expenses if you live far from the breeder’s place and want your kitten delivered. The length will determine the price, which may be significantly increased.
Mixed Breed Status: The Ocicat is a hybrid of the Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair cat breeds; hence, their effective production requires a great deal of effort. This contributes to the high cost of kittens.
Breeder’s Reputation: Finding a breeder who is registered with the appropriate authorities and has a good reputation is essential, but doing so may increase the cost of the Ocicat. Expect to pay more to a reputable breeder. Still, you can rest confident that they will help you learn everything you need about the kitten and that it will come with many guarantees.
Registration Papers: The price of Ocicat kittens registered with reputable organizations like the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) is significantly higher than average. The kind of registration being sought also varies.
Health Screenings: Before putting their kittens up for sale, many breeders conduct health checks. They are sold at a premium if a thorough health examination reveals that they are in excellent condition. Despite this, it is strongly advised that you seek out an Ocicat kitten with a health guarantee.
As you can see from the list, the factors mentioned above are just some potential contributors to an Ocicat kitten’s overall cost.
That said, this list may be incomplete because the price of an Ocicat Kitten can also be affected by other aspects, including its size, gender, color, and spaying or neutering status.
Bear these elements in mind, or you may seek the advice of a breeder who can assist you in making a decision and determining whether or not the price point is appropriate.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Ocicat From a Rescue?
The adoption fee for an Ocicat from a rescue organization or shelter ranges from only $75 to $150. This price is a substantial discount compared to the cost of purchasing from a breeder, which can reach up to $2,500.
Since the Ocicat is a mixed breed, it may be challenging to adopt one from a shelter or rescue organization. You should count yourself fortunate if you do discover one because the price is far lower than one from a registered breeder.
You could also save money on veterinary care by adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue group because many have already had the necessary vaccinations for their health or have already been spayed or neutered.
The adoption fee also depends on age, behavior, and medical conditions.
Initial Cost of Ocicat Ownership
Getting an Ocicat kitten is incredibly exciting for pet owners, but there are a lot of things to consider in the cost of owning one. You must also be aware of the initial expense, in addition to the price of the kitten.
Other than the Ocicat’s price, you’ll want to know what other necessities they require, including accessories and medical care.
To make things easier for you, we have put up a list of all the essentials you will need for your Ocicat:
Food and Treats: It is essential to provide your Ocicat with a complete and balanced diet suited to their age and lifestyle. In addition, offering treats in moderation can aid in training your new cat. A few bundles of cat treats and a bag of premium cat food cost between $20 and $50.
Food and Water Bowls: You should also invest in your Ocicat’s feeding bowls. Choose stainless steel bowls that are relatively shallow and broad. A pair of high-quality feeding bowls costs between $10 and $25.
Litter Box: There are a variety of litter box options available. You should pick a litter box that is large enough to allow your cat to defecate comfortably. Depending on the chosen size, expect to spend $20 to $160.
Litter Sand: Along with the litter box, you must also purchase litter sand to prevent the spread of waste odor in the house. A bag of litter sand costs between $15 and $25.
Collar and ID Tag: Consider purchasing a collar and identification tag for your Ocicat. This will help your Ocicat be easily identified and distinguished from stray cats. Choose one that is appropriate for your cat and will not corrode easily. A collar and ID tag can cost between $5 and $20.
Cat Bed: Ocicats have sensitive noses, so choose a bed made from natural materials like cotton and wool. Invest in a high-quality bed because that will bring comfort to your cat. A quality bed for Ocicats costs between $15 and $30.
Cat Carrier: A reassuring and secure cat carrier is essential when traveling. A cat carrier of the appropriate size provides more space for stretching and movement while maintaining a sense of security. You can spend between $20 and $60 on this expense.
Toys and Scratching Post: Toys provide physical and mental stimulation for cats, which helps them avoid boredom and undesirable behaviors. When purchasing toys for your cats, invest in ones of superior quality. Various toys and scratching posts range in price from $15 to $70.
Grooming Essentials: The Ocicat’s coat requires minimal grooming. Brushing the Ocicat once a week is essential to keep their thick coat healthy and shiny. Their grooming needs include nail clipping, ear cleaning, and brushing. A basic grooming kit for an Ocicat will run you between $25 and $35.
Initial Vet Visits: Typically, you must take your Ocicat kittens to the veterinarian to ensure they are healthy. This may vary based on the veterinarian’s fees in your region and the consultation performed. Pet consultations can range in price from $100 to $250.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Kittens must receive vaccinations to prevent them from contracting common diseases. You should set aside $25 to $50 for the first-year vaccinations of your Ocicat kitten.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: Prevention is always better than cure. That said, deworming and tick prevention are essential for preventing parasites and heartworm diseases that can affect cats. You can expect to pay between $30 and $100 for this treatment.
Neutering or Spaying: Having your Ocicat spayed or neutered has many benefits. Most breeders will already have your Ocicat spayed or neutered before you take it home. However, if you need to alter your kitten, you will be required to spend between $200 and $500.
Microchip: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) considers microchipping the most effective method for identifying lost cats. Your pet will have permanent identification with a microchip, and if they become separated from you, they will have the highest chance of being retrieved. At local veterinary clinics, this can cost between $40 and $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: In addition to the items listed above, there are additional requirements for your Ocicat. It consists of carpet cleaners, poop bags, poop scoopers, and many other things. Depending on your needs, you can expect to spend between $15 and $30 on miscellaneous cat supplies.
Here’s a checklist of all your initial expenses for your Ocicat kitten:
As you can see from the table above, you will need around $555 to $1,465 for your Ocicat initial expenses. Keep in mind that this is on top of the actual price of an Ocicat kitten.
Some items, such as the collar and identification tags, food and water bowls, and the bed, will last a long time and will not need to be replaced frequently.
Moreover, if you already have some of these items, you can save more money by skipping them. It is up to you to maintain it, so you do not have to purchase a new one.
It is also important to note that the prices listed above are only estimates. It can still vary based on the factors you take into account. Hence, your actual expenditures may differ from our estimates.
Annual Cost of Owning an Ocicat
If you are confident that you can afford the initial costs of purchasing an Ocicat, you also need to consider the annual expenses to meet its needs.
Ocicats are generally healthy, but, like other cat breeds, they also require medical attention. Maintaining their daily needs in addition to other cat supplies is vital, given that they are growing and transforming.
Here is a breakdown of the annual costs associated with owning an Ocicat kitten:
At first glance, the annual cost of owning an Ocicat appears relatively high. This may be comparable to or lower than the other cat breeds.
Most of the recurring expenses are cat necessities such as food, treats, litter sand, toys, and a scratching post. These are a few of the items they utilize frequently or daily.
Routine veterinary care is an additional recurring expense. Taking your cat for regular checkups would be best to prevent age-related health problems. A yearly veterinary consultation can cost between $100 and $200.
In addition to vet consultations and examinations, it is essential to get pet insurance coverage for your pet. The amount of $360 to $600 may be demotivating, but it comes in handy against unforeseen medical expenses.
Please note that these are only estimates. Your annual expenses may vary based on the circumstances or factors you consider or prioritize.
Other Potential Expenses
After discussing the cost of Ocicat kittens’ basic needs, we will move on to the potential expenses an owner should also prepare a budget for. Other expenses may or may not be necessary, depending on your dog’s needs or wants.
These include services for both emergency and non-emergency circumstances.
Here’s a list of other potential expenses for an Ocicat:
Pet Daycare: There are occasions when you cannot bring your Ocicat. You can leave your cat at a cat boarding facility for companionship while you are away. The average daily cost for pet daycare ranges from $20 to $40.
Pet Sitters: This can be an alternative to pet daycare centers or boarding facilities. People in the neighborhood are willing to care for your cat while you are away. You can find pet sitters for between $10 and $20.
Emergency Treatment: It is also possible for your Ocicat to experience unanticipated complications requiring immediate medical attention. Due to the high cost of this treatment, putting away $800 to $1,500 in advance should be one of your top priorities.
Grooming Services: If you want to keep your Ocicat’s sheen and suppleness, you should take them to a grooming salon. If you have pet grooming essentials, you can skip this section, but an occasional trip to the groomer is also recommended. The price range for a full grooming service ranges from $50 to $80.
Dental Care: Cats must receive professional dental care. It is beneficial for cat owners who cannot brush their Ocicat’s teeth frequently and can also lower the risk for periodontal disease. On average, cleaning a cat’s teeth costs between $200 and $250.
All of the potential charges listed above are optional, with the exception of emergency care for your Ocicat. As you go, you will discover strategies to avoid incurring these costs and save more money.
Places to Find Ocicat Kittens for Sale and Adoption
Now that you know the financial commitment and duties associated with having an Ocicat, it is time to begin searching for places that offer them.
For your reference, I have compiled a list of Ocicat breeders with a high level of credibility. In addition, I mentioned a few cat rescue facilities for this particular breed.
Here is a list of breeders where you can purchase Ocicat kittens:
Dot Dot Dot Ocicats – Operating in Kansas City, Dot Dot Dot Ocicats has actively bred and showed Ocicats for over two decades. They produce healthy Ocicats with great appearance and temperaments.
Catiators Ocicats – Catiators Ocicats was established in 1998. They began by showing cats, but as they became more interested in the breed, their objective shifted to preserving the Ocicat’s health, beauty, and wonderful personality.
MangoTango & Irushka Catteries – Operating in Fort Myers, Florida, this breeder has been breeding Ocicats for over 20 years. They raise their kittens at home and find show and pet homes for them. Patty and Cathy are active in the cat show circuit and would be delighted to meet you if you stopped by to view their beautiful cats.
Acquiring a pet from a rescue center is far less expensive than buying from a breeder. Some shelters are obliged to euthanize cats that are not adopted, so when you adopt a cat, you’re also saving its life.
If you would rather adopt an Ocicat than purchase one, here are some rescues to consider:
Adopt-a-Pet – This is a pet adoption website that offers different dog and cat breeds for adoption, including Ocicats. You can easily filter your options based on your location, the cat’s age, and specific traits.
The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) – MRFRS was founded in 1992 by a handful of compassionate individuals who wanted to help feral cats in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Trap-Neuter-Return was one of their first programs with the goal of improving the lives of feral cats. Contact them to see if they have available Ocicats.
Ocicat Rescue – Blackwater Ocicats – The Blackwater Ocicats operates in a small North Carolina cattery composed primarily of Ocicat breeders. They started in 2005 with one litter but now have a small cattery, and they also run an established Ocicat Rescue.
You can also communicate with other Ocicat owners through social media groups.
There will surely be many people willing to assist you in your search. You will be surprised at how helpful online groups are and how simple it is to find an Ocicat.
You may also want to check out our article for some tips that will assist you in discovering free kittens in your area.
Money-Saving Tips for Ocicat Owners
Although new cat breeds resemble wild animals, such as Bengal and Savannah, the Ocicat was the first breed of cat to imitate a wild animal, which may help to explain why they are so popular on the market today.
Purchasing an Ocicat is a considerable financial commitment; however, this does not stop you from saving money. You always have the option to make alterations to discover a less expensive solution.
Here are some practical tips for Ocicat owners to save money:
Invest in high-quality essentials. Investing in high-quality necessities for your Ocicat is one of the most effective ways to save money. They will use it daily, so the items should be durable enough to be used for a long time. If you think about it, you will save more money on a one-time purchase than on numerous inexpensive items.
Make DIY toys and scratching posts. Cats require a place to scratch to keep their claws in tip-top shape. You can make inexpensive scratching stations by repurposing old carpet samples or other materials from around the house. In addition, a length of string and a garden cane can transform into a fishing rod toy for your Ocicat.
Groom your Ocicat at home. The key to your Ocicat’s health is keeping them clean. However, regular grooming services can be a substantial expense for owners. Therefore, purchasing the recommended grooming essentials and grooming your cat at home will save you significant cash over time.
Keep your cat healthy and safe. Exposure to certain diseases can be fatal for Ocicat without protection. This condition can be very costly to treat and cure. Therefore, keeping your Ocicat safe and healthy is essential to prevent overfeeding.
These four tips may not seem like much, but if you follow them consistently, you will save a ton of money!
It is essential to note that there are additional ways to save money with your Ocicat. You can limit your expenses, but you should never compromise the quality of care you provide for your cat.
Final Thoughts
The Ocicat is one of the most popular pets on the market because it looks like a wild cat, yet it is a domesticated breed. The price is significantly higher than typical because they are in high demand.
There’s no denying that an Ocicat costs more than other felines. If you are concerned about the initial and recurring costs of ownership, you can lower your expenditures by doing considerable research and using a bit of creativity.
You can try following the budget-friendly advice I have provided or decide to adopt rather than buy an Ocicat. By doing this, the cost of owning an Ocicat will be much reduced.
Are you getting an Ocicat soon? We would love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts and comments about the Ocicat price in the comments below!
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