How Much Does an Oriental Shorthair Cat Cost?

Last Updated on February 8, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The exotic and elegant Oriental Shorthair cat breed is growing in popularity, but these unusual cats come at a high price. This article will break down the expected costs of purchasing and properly caring for an Oriental Shorthair cat.

The Oriental Shorthair breed boasts a distinct appearance featuring large ears, green eyes, and a slender, muscular body. Their soft, silky coats and affectionate personalities make them very appealing pets.

However, since they are considered a “luxury” purebred cat, Oriental Shorthairs do not come cheap. Read on to learn what to expect in upfront and ongoing expenses if you’re considering adding one of these cats to your family.

Highlights

The stunning Oriental Shorthair makes an elegant yet demanding pet. Ensure you can provide excellent lifetime care by understanding these key financial takeaways:

• Purchase price – Expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 when buying from a breeder; adoptions run $75 to $300.
• Initial costs – Buying essential supplies and veterinary care will cost you $400 to $600.
• Recurring expenses – Budget $50 to $150 monthly for food, litter, toys, treats, and grooming. Annual costs run from $800 to $1,500.
• Potential health issues – Purebreds may face genetic conditions costing $500 to $2,000+ to diagnose and manage.
• Breeder health testing – Reputable breeders screen for heritable diseases before breeding, at a cost of $300 to $700 per parent cat.

How Much Does an Oriental Shorthair Cat Cost?

The starting point in acquiring an Oriental Shorthair is the initial purchase or adoption fee, which can range dramatically depending on the source.

From a reputable breeder, expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 for a Oriental Shorthair kitten. Quality breeders invest significant money into health testing parent cats and providing proper veterinary care, food, and socialization for litters. Since well-bred Oriental Shorthair kittens are in high demand, the price tag reflects their rarity and pedigree.

Alternatively, adopting an adult or retired breeding Oriental Shorthair from a shelter or rescue group typically costs between $75 and $300. The adoption fee helps cover initial veterinary expenses by the organization.

According to Catster, the total monthly cost of owning an Oriental Shorthair is $125-$545 per month. The cost of adopting an Oriental Shorthair is not more expensive than any other cat. The cost of health care for Oriental Shorthairs is $0-$450 per month.

Hepper says that the cost of an Oriental Shorthair cat varies between $600 and $3,000, depending on the breeder and the cat’s age. The initial setup and supplies for an Oriental Shorthair can cost between $580 and $1,375. The cost of spaying or neutering an Oriental Shorthair can cost up to an additional $1,375.

PetMD writes that the cost of an Oriental Shorthair cat from a reputable breeder can cost between $600 and $1,500, depending on location, age, and pedigree. The cost of purchasing an Oriental Shorthair from a well-known breeder with an excellent pedigree can cost from $1,500 to $3,000.

While the savings are substantial compared to buying from a breeder, the cat’s health and temperament may be less predictable.

Breeder vs. Adoption Costs and Benefits

Purchasing from a breeder has several advantages – you can select a kitten after interacting with the litter, obtain health and lineage documentation, and ask the breeder questions. Reputable breeders also stand behind their kittens with a health guarantee. However, buying a pedigreed Oriental Shorthair from a breeder is expensive.

Adopting an Oriental Shorthair saves a shelter cat and costs a fraction of buying from a breeder. However, adopted cats may have unknown medical or behavior issues requiring treatment or training.

Adoptions come with fewer health guarantees and you rarely meet the parents. But for many, saving money and a cat’s life outweighs the uncertainty.

Initial Vet Costs: Vaccines, Spay/Neuter, Check-ups

Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, initial veterinary expenses typically cost between $400 and $600. These include:

• Vaccinations and preventatives – Kittens need a series of core vaccines and deworming, costing $75 to $150. Annual vaccine boosters run $50 and up.
• Spay or neuter surgery – Altering costs $200 to $500 depending on the clinic. Kittens should be fixed between 5-6 months old.
• Initial vet exams – Thorough exams and tests screening for health problems run $100 to $300. Your new cat needs at least two vet visits in the first year.
• Microchipping – This permanent ID costs $50 to $100 and helps ensure your pet gets returned if lost.

While essential, these initial medical costs can pack a punch. Pet health insurance can help by reimbursing vet expenses, but comes with its own fees.

Regular Monthly Expenses

The ongoing cost of caring for an Oriental Shorthair averages $50 to $150 per month. Regular expenses include:

• High-quality cat food – Oriental Shorthairs need protein-rich diets. Feeding premium canned and dry food costs $20 to $50 monthly.
• Litter and litter box supplies – Litter runs $10 to $30 per month depending on quantity needed and type. Expect to budget additional costs for litter boxes, liners, scoops, and cleaning supplies.
• Grooming tools and routine brushing – Orientals need weekly brushing to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Stock up on brushes, combs, and nail clippers. Professional grooming costs $25 to $75 per visit.
• Toys – Puzzle feeders, interactive wands, and scratching posts provide essential stimulation. Allow $10 to $30 per month for replacing worn toys.
• Treats – Oriental Shorthairs thrive on positive reinforcement. Monthly treat budgets range from $10 to $20.

Regular expenses like quality food and interactive toys enrich your Oriental Shorthair’s daily life. Providing a stimulating environment also prevents problem behaviors stemming from boredom.

You might also like our articles about the cost of cats like the Toyger, the Russian Blue, or the Tonkinese.

Potential Unexpected Health Costs

Like all purebred cats, Oriental Shorthairs may be prone to certain genetically linked health conditions. Reputable breeders screen their breeding cats to help minimize risks. But health problems can still arise, especially later in life.

Potential conditions include:

• Dental disease
• Heart disease
• Skin allergies
• Joint disorders like hip dysplasia
• Kidney or liver disease
• Digestive issues

Treating health conditions often costs $500 to $2,000, or more for serious illness or surgery. Pet insurance can offset unpredictable vet bills. Policies cost $20 to $100 monthly, depending on the level of coverage.

Though not mandatory, insurance provides peace of mind and eases financial strain during pet emergencies.

Importance and Cost of Health Screenings

Since purebred cats are susceptible to genetic disorders, it’s crucial to buy from a breeder who health tests parent cats before breeding. Reputable Oriental Shorthair breeders perform various screenings including:

• Blood tests screening for viral diseases like feline leukemia cost $100 to $200 per parent cat.
• Eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist to check for inherited eye defects are $200 to $400 for both sire and dam.
• Cardiac exams to screen for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy run $300 to $700 for each parent.
• Genetic testing via laboratory panels screens for dozens of mutations for $150 to $250 per cat.

While pricey, responsible genetic testing improves the breed’s health. Before getting a kitten, ask to see proof of the parents’ negative test results.

Annual Maintenance Costs

Caring for an Oriental Shorthair costs between $800 and $1,500 per year including:

• Routine veterinary exams and vaccines – Annual vet visits run $200 to $400 for a physical exam, lab work, vaccines, and preventatives.
• Pet insurance – Comprehensive accident and illness coverage costs $500 to $600 per year.
• Litter, food, treats – Daily supplies total $600 to $800 annually.
• Grooming – Occasional professional grooming and weekly brushing might cost $200 to $400.
• Toys – $50 to $150 per year replaces worn or lost toys.
• Miscellaneous – Allow $200 to $300 for backup supplies, boarding fees if traveling, cat trees, unexpected costs.

While optional, pet health insurance gives security against expensive vet bills. Regular expenses like quality food, engaging toys, and veterinary care support your Oriental Shorthair’s health and happiness.

Final Words

Owning any cat is a financial commitment. But exotic breeds like the Oriental Shorthair particularly warrant researching expenses and budgeting properly for quality care throughout their lifetime.

While the upfront and ongoing costs are high, a loving home and preventative healthcare will keep your Oriental Shorthair purring for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Oriental Shorthair cats rare?

While still somewhat uncommon, the elegant Oriental Shorthair breed has grown beyond its classification as “rare”. However, Orientals have a very dedicated following among cat fanciers.

Their eye-catching appearance and extroverted personality contribute to high demand. Reputable breeders often maintain waiting lists due to limited kitten availability.

Overall rarity depends on location – Orientals are easier to find in cat-friendly urban areas versus rural regions. But their exotic vibe keeps them in high demand.

Are Oriental cats friendly?

Oriental Shorthairs thrive on companionship and bond strongly with their families. Most are highly affectionate and outgoing with their owners and strangers alike.

Their extreme people-oriented nature makes them poor candidates for totally independent outdoor cats. With early socialization and handling, Orientals make wonderfully lively, devoted, and friendly feline companions.

Are Oriental cats noisy?

Orientals are highly vocal cats who readily communicate their opinions! They frequently chirp, trill, and carry on full conversations with owners. Orientals social nature extends to demanding attention and interacting.

Additionally, since they are an active breed, Orientals can be noisy runners and players. With early and ongoing training, however, owners can curb excessive vocalizing and rambunctiousness.

But these vivacious, chatty cats will rarely be completely silent. Planning to spend interactive time daily with an Oriental Shorthair will keep them happily occupied.