Give a Siamese cat a colorful makeover, and you get the Oriental Shorthair. Orientals are popular for their friendly nature and colorful patterns. So it’s common to ask: how much does an Oriental Shorthair cat cost?
Apart from buying a cat, there are various added expenses associated with owning one. So it’s best to be ready for these ongoing costs to avoid financial burdens.
If you’re steadfast in owning an Oriental Cat, we’ve made this guide to help you navigate the Oriental Shorthair price and costs of caring for one.
We’ve also added some tips for you to reduce these costs and save a few bucks. So let’s get started!
The Average Cost of an Oriental Shorthair Kitten
Oriental Shorthair cats cost relatively less at around $400 to $800 for common varieties. Show-quality cats can cost an average of $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the breeder, age, and physical qualities.
Oriental Shorthairs are a fairly common cat breed. The Cat Fanciers’ Association also considers it one of the most popular breeds among pet lovers. So naturally, a lot of people desire to own this loving and energetic feline.
If your heart is set on an Oriental but budget is an issue, some shelters give these felines away for a few hundred dollars. Some even cover vet expenses such as shots and sterilization, saving you more money.
Factors Affecting the Cost of an Oriental Shorthair Kitten
We’ve established that Oriental Shorthairs are a popular cat breed. They’re also fairly inexpensive, and common varieties are cheaper than other breeds. But be reminded that some factors may make Oriental Shorthair cats cost higher.
Listed below are some of the factors that can affect the cost of your Oriental Shorthair:
Age: Adult cats cost less than kittens. If having a companion is all you need, then an adult cat is okay. However, Oriental Shorthair kittens grant you the privilege of raising them until they become senior cats, making them more expensive. Kittens also demand more care and attention compared to adult cats, which also factors into the higher cost.
Pedigree: A cat with a long list of show champions to its name naturally demands a higher price tag. Having a distinguished lineage guarantees that your new pet is top-caliber and show-ready. A fine pedigree also assures you that your feline has superior genes for health, beauty, and temperament.
Registration: Purebred pets typically come with their own set of registration documents — which are factored in the price of the pet. These papers certify the purity of your Oriental Shorthair’s lineage. Cats with papers are typically more expensive for breeders to cover the expense of registering their Oriental kitty.
Breeder’s Reputation: Orientals from distinguished catteries come at a premium. Certain breeders have established themselves as sources of high-quality pets from expert breeding methods. These highly reputable breeders offer well-bred cats that come from a long line of champions, thus guaranteeing you that your pet is of extremely high quality.
Appearance: Oriental Shorthair cats come in a myriad of colors and patterns. Excellent pedigree Oriental Shorthairs or a feline with an outstanding appearance cost higher. Rarer varieties and colors with high demand usually command a higher price as well.
What’s mentioned above are just a few of the factors that affect the Oriental Shorthair price. Other factors can still affect the cat’s price. Also, consider the kitty’s sex, what shots they’ve had, and the demand for Orientals in your area.
If you are still on edge about whether the Oriental Shorthair is suitable for you, you can check out this video to learn more about this rainbow cat.
The Oriental Shorthair Cat 101 : Breed & Personality<a href="https://youtu.be/owZNonXI8jQ" 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%2FowZNonXI8jQ%2F0.jpg" alt="The Oriental Shorthair Cat 101 : Breed &amp; Personality" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Oriental Shorthair Cat From a Rescue?
Many pet shelters and rescue groups offer Oriental cats for $100 to $400. There are also some that only ask for donations. Either way, your savings will be huge if you opt to adopt, with time searching as your primary investment.
A benefit you get from adopting is the assurance that the cat is handled well. Shelter cats are normally neutered or spayed and have taken rabies vaccines already.
Adopting is also by far the nobler thing to do. While purchasing from a breeder guarantees a cat a home, adopting allows you to give an abandoned kitty the opportunity to have a home and be cared for.
Initial Cost of Oriental Shorthair Cat Ownership
Remember, beyond the Oriental Shorthair price tag is the cost of keeping it! Getting it is the easy part, but caring for your feline is a lifelong commitment. So you have to be prepared and gather all of your Oriental’s basic needs.
Below is a list we’ve prepared to arm you with the knowledge you need to keep your Oriental Shorthair happy, clean, and healthy as it gets used to a life with you:
Food and Treats: For $20 to $50, you can get some high-quality dry food or wet cat food and treats to keep your Oriental nourished. Treats will come in handy if you want to train this highly intelligent feline.
Food and Water Bowls: Invest in a pair of good-quality food and water bowls since they’re just around $10 to $25 a set. High-quality containers usually come with the bonus of being more durable and easy to clean.
Litter Box: if you plan on keeping your Oriental indoors, then a litter box is a must! Potty train your kitty and free yourself from the burden of cleaning up your kitty’s messes. It will only cost you around $20 to $160.
Litter Sand: For only $15 to $25, you can get started on potty training with your precious Oriental. Cats love peeing and pooping on the sand, so go fill up your litter box with it and teach your kitty to go potty.
Collar and ID Tag: If you’re the type who loves going out with your kitty, then invest in a decent collar and ID tag. It will save your pet from getting lost by making them more identifiable for only $5 to $20.
Cat Bed: Oriental cats have been known to join their owners in bed. Don’t let that stop you from giving your kitty its bed when yours gets too full. Just be prepared to shell out around $15 to $30 for one.
Cat Carrier: Oriental cats tend to get upset if you’re gone for a long time. If you’re one to go on long trips, a carrier is essential so you can bring your cat along. A carrier will typically cost you around $20 to $60.
Toys and Scratching Post: Orientals are energetic cats that crave play, so toys are crucial. Bored Orientals easily pick up bad behaviors. So get your kitty busy! You’ll probably just shell at $15 to $70 for it.
Grooming Essentials: Oriental Shorthair cats are fairly easy cats to maintain. Grooming is an excellent way to bond with Oriental Shorthair. So grab a set, and expect to pay around $25 to $35 for grooming costs.
Initial Vet Visits: Orientals are generally healthy cats, but regular veterinary advice can save your pet from a multitude of problems. Prevention is the best way to keep your kitty healthy. Veterinary guidance will cost you only around $100 to $250 per visit.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Prevent illnesses like feline leukemia by vaccinating your cat. Breeders typically give kittens their initial shots, and it’s your job to complete them. Shots normally range from $25 to $50.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medication: No pet likes parasites. So keep your Oriental pest-free by giving them the needed prevention. Anti-pest treatments normally range between $30 and $100.
Neutering and Spaying: There are several benefits to neutering or spaying your Oriental Shorthair. For an initial cost of $200 to $500, you can prevent serious illnesses like breast and prostate cancer.
Microchip: For only $40 to $60, save your pet from getting lost by implanting them with a microchip. This tool can help you track your cat’s location, so you don’t have to fret if you lose your pet.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Be ready to set aside at least $15 to $30 for some additional supplies such as extra food bowls, spare toys or scratching posts, or some grooming aids.
For a visual breakdown, below is a list of the initial expenses mentioned:
If you’re already set on finding an Oriental Shorthair for your home, then stop all that you’re doing and get these essentials!
Many of these can already last your pet a lifetime, so seek out quality materials and ask for help from experts so you get the most out of your investment and the best for your pet.
Annual Cost of Owning an Oriental Shorthair Cat
The responsibilities of owning an Oriental Shorthair cat are endless. After all, you are the fur parent to this fur baby, so it’s your job to tend to all its needs. You will be facing regular expenses for the next 12 to 15 years with your pet.
These regular expenses include regularly supplying your pet’s food, regular checkups (that get more often as your kitty gets older), regular grooming, and pet insurance if you choose to have a policy for your pet.
Below is a breakdown of your expected annual expenses for your Oriental Shorthair cat:
Annually, you can expect a total cost of around $1,243 to $2,605, factoring in all of your regular expenses for your kitty. So in its lifetime, you can expect a maximum total expenditure of about $19,050 to $39,075.
Insurance policies might sound like a superfluous investment, but setting aside $360 to $600 for medical procedures can save you a huge expense in the event of a medical emergency.
Owners also should care to take their Oriental cats on regular visits to the vet. Regular vet visits help you prevent and remedy illnesses for your cat. The vet can also guide you on necessary vaccines that your kitty might need.
Usually, routine visits to your vet can set you back around $100 to $200.
Be reminded that all these figures are conservative estimates. Your annual expenditure may vary depending on your circumstance.
Other Potential Expenses
We’ve finished talking about absolutely crucial expenses that you will face with your Oriental Shorthair. But have you thought about what additional costs there might be for owning this breed?
There are varying circumstances that force us pet owners to shell out a bit of extra cash to ensure our fur babies are cared for. And below are just some of those added expenses you are bound to face:
Cat Boarding: Let’s face it, you can’t always bring your kitty wherever you go. For those long out-of-town trips where bringing your Oriental is not an option, there are cat boarders available to take in your cat with rates that run around $15 to $30 per night.
Grooming: Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to properly groom their pet. If you are concerned about your Oriental Shorthair’s hygiene but are unable to handle it yourself, you can employ the help of a professional groomer for around $30 to $70 per session.
Pet Fees: Some landlords require a deposit for pet owners to rent in their residential spaces to mitigate damage that pets can cause. Terms vary from landlord to landlord, but they’re often a monthly pet rent or a non-refundable deposit equivalent to a percentage of your rent.
Cat Accessories: Who doesn’t want to give their kitty a happy home? If you’d like to go the extra mile and get the ideal toys for your pet, prepare to set aside around $40 to $150 for cat accessories and fancy toys.
Medical Emergencies: It’s difficult to anticipate health issues and accidents. In these situations, it may even be a battle between life and death for your pet. Undoubtedly, your cat needs medical attention, and be prepared to shell out at least $1,000 to $1,500 for medical costs.
As you get to know your Oriental Shorthair, hopefully, you will be able to find ways to avoid these additional costs, or better, do some of it yourself. In the long run, it will save you money and bring you closer to your feline companion.
Aside from medical emergencies, be reminded that these additional expenses are dispensable.
Places to Find Oriental Shorthair Kittens for Sale and Adoption
The Oriental Shorthair is a fairly popular breed, so it’s not too challenging to locate reputable breeders.
When selecting a breeder, however, ensure that you’ve done enough research to determine if their standards fit your metric for Oriental Shorthairs and ensure that you’re not getting conned.
The internet is filled with Oriental Shorthair breeders, but for your convenience, we’ve compiled some well-known breeders that have been around for years.
Here are some reputable Oriental Shorthair breeders to check out:
Senrabe Orientals – This North California-based breeder specializes in breeding solid cinnamon-colored Oriental cats. They pride themselves on their breeding program that consistently yields top-caliber cats.
Pfieffurr – This breeder from Indiana is seasoned with over 25 years of experience in raising Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese cats. They breed, intending to improve the breed and set new standards for quality.
If your heart is set on adopting an Oriental Shorthair, you are free to contact the non-profit and rescue organizations below:
Go Kitty! – GoKitty is an online platform that links breeders, owners, and rescue centers with aspiring kitty owners. They have an impressive collection of cats that span across several cat breeds, including Oriental Shorthairs.
Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue – Purebreds Plus is a California-based cat rescue organization dedicated to rehoming purebred and exceptional felines. True to their name, their list of adoptable cats sport remarkable cat breeds and mixes, including purebred Oriental Shorthairs and mixes.
Petfinder – Petfinder is a massive online database with connections with various animal rescues and shelters in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Their advocacy is to spread awareness of the presence of high-quality adoptable pets, including purebred Oriental Shorthairs.
For more information on cat adoption, you can consult our guide to help you find free kittens in your area.
Of course, there is no limit to the breeders out there, so if any of these options don’t work out, don’t hesitate to reach out to breeders and owners on social media who can appropriately guide you.
Money-Saving Tips for Oriental Shorthair Cat Owners
As you can see, there are tons of expenses beyond the Oriental Shorthair price. There is a multitude of unexpected costs with raising your kitty.
With the right amount of creativity, you can lower these expenses and make owning this breed a bit lighter for your wallet.
Below are just some tips we can share that can help you save some bucks while caring for your precious Oriental.
Learn to groom your cat. Grooming isn’t just some pet care routine to keep your kitty clean it’s also a way to bond. Most Oriental Shorthairs love attention! Just make sure to be thorough, so learn tooth brushing and ear cleaning methods for your kitty as well!
Make homemade cat food and treats. If you have the supplies and time on your hand, take some time to learn how to make some wet food or dry food for your little kitty. Making cat food at home gives you more freedom and control to give your kitty what you believe they need.
Make DIY cat toys. Most cats are pretty easy to please. Set up some cardboard boxes, throw in spare ping-pong balls, and you’ve got a setup that’s ready to entertain your cat for hours. It’s all a matter of getting creative, so look for some inspiration online; there are tons out there!
Invest in pet insurance. Having your pet insured spares you from potentially huge medical bills. It’s better to regularly pay for a policy than to get blindsided by unexpected medical emergencies.
These are only a few examples of money-saving hacks. Browse social media, and you’ll be met with more tips and tricks to save up and skip the extra cost without neglecting your Oriental Shorthair’s needs.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Hopefully, we’ve shared more than enough to navigate you through the different costs of owning an Oriental.
Remember that your cost doesn’t end with purchasing the pet; you will have to care for it, keep it happy and make sure that it’s healthy.
We’ve listed a ton of information and advice, but continue to study this breed so you can be more prepared to handle an Oriental.
If you have any more insights about Oriental cats, feel free to leave us a note in the comments below.
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