Himalayan Cats Archives

Himalayan cats are a beautiful mix of a Siamese cat and a Persian cat. This makes them a very unique and attractive breed to many people. Naturally, you may wonder how much they cost, and the number might surprise you. So, how much do Himalayan cats cost? Himalayan cats cost $200 - $2500 depending on size, age, and orientation. They are in high demand and this causes them to be one of the more expensive cat breeds in the world. That being said, there are various reasons why these cats are so in demand and other factors contributing to the cost. We'll dive into some of those reasons below and share tips on how you can get a Himalayan cat for a decent price. Why Are Himalayan Cats So Expensive Himalayan cats are expensive because of their unique coloration, look, and personality. There really is no other cat breed out there that combines that kind of size and unique fur pattern and coloring. Their fur is also an important piece that causes a more expensive price tag, and breeders love it. Himalayan cats are a product of the desire to have a Persian with the colors of a Siamese. In the 1930s, this dream was achieved, and just a few decades later, it was recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). In recent years, the CFA has started to categorize Himalayans as a sub-breed of Persians. The Siamese in these cats gives them a unique seal point coloration. A majority of their fur is creamy white, and the extremities are a cool grey. Striking blue eyes are also a main attraction of these cats. Himalayans also have very fine and silky fur. It can be described and almost cashmere. This is the main reason these cats are so highly sought after. The cost of the cat is going to depend on several things which we will dive into. A general estimate of this breed of cat can be anywhere from $200 to $2,500. In some cases, even more. Again, this is going to depend on several things, including the age of the cat and the breeder. Factors Affecting Cost Of A Himalayan Cat Himalayan cats are beautiful. They have an amiable personality and a beautiful coat. Because of this alone, these cats are very sought after. Since it’s in demand, the prices are going to rise. Let’s take a closer look. ● Coat- their coat is the first thing you notice on these cats. They are gorgeous creatures with very soft fur. The siamese colors with the Persian fluff are highly sought after. Taking the stunning blue eyes into account makes a powerful statement of beauty. ● Breeder- it is crucial to find a reputable breeder. Breeders have an essential job of taking stellar care of their kittens in addition to finding the perfect breeding match. The CFA keeps their breeders to a strict code of ethics that all breeders need to follow. A breeder who does their job and does it will is going to ● Age- a kitten is going to cost more than an adult cat will. More people are interested in the cute kittens than the independent adult cats. This demand usually increases the price. ● Being a mixed breed- This is one of the most important factors that determine the price. Because this cat is a mixed breed, it takes a lot of time and expertise to have a successful litter. Breeders have to do extensive genetic testing in order to make sure health issues will not be present in the kittens. ● Health- sometimes, kittens who have deformities or health concerns are cheaper than a cat who is pristine. I once had a beautiful purebred Bengal who was free from my aunt because she had a bone deformity. It was hardly noticeable, but it caused the cat to be disqualified from any shows. Age Highly Preferred Breeder General Breeder Great Coat Coloration Good Health Kitten Most expensive More Expensive More Expensive More expensive Adult More Expensive Moderately expensive Expensive Expensive Age Highly Preferred Breeder General Breeder Poor Coat Coloration Poor Health Kitten Most expensive More Expensive Less Expensive Less expensive Adult More Expensive Moderately expensive Less Expensive Less expensive The most expensive cat would be a kitten from a highly preferred breeder with an excellent coat with great health. Opting for a kitten from a general breeder with a bone deformity, for example, is going to be much less expensive. It is essential to mix and match which traits you are most concerned with. Which Breeders To Get A Himalayan From The CFA has a registry of cat breeders of all recognized breeds. Himalayan cats are listed as a sub-breed of Persians. This is not an exhaustive list of reputable cat breeders. To find a cat breeder near you, a quick Google search will do the trick. However, there are some key questions to ask when meeting with the breeder. How long have you been a breeder?- this question shows how experienced the breeder is. If they have not been doing it for very long, that doesn’t mean their bad; it just means they're new. Asking follow up questions can help you determine how competent they are. Have you always bred this cat?- if they have dedicated their lives to one cat, they know their stuff! If you notice that several different types of cat, it could be a kitten farm. Meaning these people are just trying to breed and get rid of cats. How long have you been working with this breed?- It’s okay to switch things up every now and then. If you notice a breeder switching around a lot, it could point to signs that they are not truly passionate about that breed. What genetic defects could this breed potentially have?- this is important information for you to know. It also shows the knowledge the breeder has about the cat. How many cats do you raise per year?- too few cats could point to a lack of passion or experience. Too many can point to kitten farms or inadequate care. Do you participate in cat shows?- cat shows allow breeders to learn more about cats. This is important and shows how dedicated the breeder is to their craft. Here are some red flags you should watch out for: ● They can’t answer simple questions about health, genetics, or other information about the cat ● They sputter or are not able to answer a question ● Charges by how pretty the cat is NOT the health of the cat ● They are not concerned about the care you would provide as the new owner Adopting A Himalayan Cat Adopting a cat is generally less expensive than buying a cat. To adopt, there is simply a fee covering the care of the animal while it was waiting for a new home. Adoption fees also filter those who are genuinely interested in giving the cat a new home. Buying a cat is a lot more expensive. These cats were specifically bred based on certain standards. Either way, most breeders or animal shelters will inquire about the care you are going to give your new feline friend. Some places even do a home inspection and initial application. Make sure your home is properly set up, and you have done your research. Once, I adopted a big orange tabby cat. The shelter had me go through an application process and interview before I could even pull out my debit card! These places are great because it shows how much they cared for the cats while they were taking care of them. Costs Associated With Raising A Cat The initial costs of a kitten are going to be the most expensive initial costs. For a brand new kitten, you will likely have to spend money on shots, spay/neutering, food bowls, water bowls, litter boxes, toys, etc. Including food, these initial costs can be several hundreds of dollars. If you are buying a purebred cat, it will be even more. It depends on what cat you are getting. Annually, expect to spend 500 to 1,000 dollars per year. This price includes food, litter, extra toys, and annual health checks for your kitty. The number may fluctuate depending on what kind of food you buy or if your kitty has health conditions that need to be looked at.