Siamese cats have captivated attention in the Western world since the 1880s. Though these felines vary in their shapes and colors, they are consistently smart, friendly, and adaptable, not to mention gorgeous! It’s no wonder they are so sought after. Because they are so beloved, however, they come at a price. So how much is a Siamese cat worth?
The cost of a Siamese cat is between $250 – $2500. The cost varies significantly depending on the Siamese cats color, breeding, and age, demand as well as where you get the cat. Adopting a Siamese cat from a shelter can greatly reduce the costs. Additional costs will be incurred after you get the cat. This includes feeding it a high-protein diet and being prepared for health problems that might arise with the breed.
When you get a Siamese cat, you’re getting a breed with a storied pedigree and special requirements for upkeep. You’re also getting one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, and one of the best for friendly temperament. In this article, we’ll dive into what you can expect to spend if you’d like to own one of these blue-eyed beauties.
Siamese Cat Pricing: An Overview
One thing that can determine the cost of the Siamese you choose is its coloring and how common it is. The coloring refers to “points” on the Siamese, which are its face, ears, feet, and tail. The Cat Fancier’s Association, which sets the guidelines for showing and breeding cats in the United States, only recognizes four colors for purebred Siamese cats:
● Seal Point: The body is cream or fawn. Points are dark brown. The eyes are blue.
● Chocolate Point: The body is ivory. Points are milk chocolate color. The eyes are a vivid blue.
● Blue Point: The body is a cool white. Points are a gray-blue. The eyes are blue.
● Lilac Point: The body is glacial white. Points have a grey to pinkish tone. The eyes are blue.
As you will see from the following chart, Siamese cats have a wide range of prices. The color and age of the cat, the breeder, the location where you get the animal, and other factors play into what you can expect to pay.
You will also pay more if the cat is show-quality, or has previously competed in cat shows. A show-quality cat has all of the characteristics set forth by the Cat Fancier’s Association, which include a certain type of head shape, tail coloring, and coat texture, among many other details. The full list of required show cat characteristics can be viewed here.
Estimated Prices For Purebred Siamese Cats
Cat Age | Cat Color | Average Price |
Kitten | Seal Point | $250-$600 |
Adult | Seal Point | $250-$800 |
Kitten | Chocolate Point | $250-$600 |
Adult | Chocolate Point | $250-$1000 |
Kitten | Blue Point | $250-$600 |
Adult | Blue Point | $250-$1000 |
Kitten | Lilac Point | $250-$600 |
Adult | Lilac Point | $250-$1000 |
Color Variations
While the above colors are the accepted colors by the Cat Fancier’s Association, there are many other variations of Siamese cats that you may find as you’re looking at breeders. These can include tortie points, red points, lynx points, and numerous other combinations from breeding a Siamese with a more common breed.
The price for these varies greatly but could be slightly less than a purebred. Breeders should be able to provide you with up to date information on the cats they have available and whether they are purebreds or mixes.
Why Are Siamese Cats So Expensive
Siamese cats can bear a hefty price tag for many reasons, but they all amount to the fact that these cats are highly unique, and the demand for them is high.
A Siamese cat is likely to come from a breeder, which will mean paying more, as with any animal, due to breeding and care costs. If you have to travel to your breeder, you will incur the cost of gas or airfare in addition to the cost of the animal.
For many people, allergies from cats are a big problem. The Siamese cat is typically hypoallergenic and sheds less than other cat breeds. For a person with allergies, getting a Siamese means less time vacuuming hair off the floor and couch, and spending less on allergy medications!
Beauty plays a role here too! The unique markings and bright blue, almond-shaped eyes of the Siamese make it a pet people love to take photos of and show off to friends.
Finally, the Siamese cat personality is consistently fun, friendly, and playful. Siamese cats are not known for being shy, and they typically adapt to their surroundings and families very quickly. This loyal cat loves to entertain, jump, play, cuddle, and talk. This makes them an ideal companion and a great cat for families. Many other cat breeds are known for this, but it is virtually a guarantee in the Siamese.
These ideal characteristics of the Siamese cat are the main reasons why they cost more than other breeds. To some, they’re a perfect pet!
Are Siamese Cats Rare
Siamese cats may seem common, but compared to other cat breeds, they are quite rare. Domestic shorthair cats account for 90 to 95% of the cats in the United States. Therefore, the Siamese and all other breeds fit into that remaining 5 to 10%. This is part of the reason why the Siamese are so coveted and cost so much. They are difficult to find, particularly as purebreds, and they are truly exceptional not just in their rarity, but in their looks and personalities.
What Additional Costs Can I Expect With A Siamese Cat?
As with all cats, you can expect to pay for supplies for the cat, including litterboxes, toys, beds, treats, brushes, collars, and sprays. There will also be standard vaccinations needed throughout the cat’s life. But with Siamese cats, there are some special costs specific to the breed that you’ll need to consider when bringing one home.
Diet
Because of their breeding, Siamese cats tend to be smaller and leaner than many cats, with an average recommended weight of about 8 to 9 pounds, as opposed to 10 to 15 pounds for most other breeds. Siamese cats are also extremely active. Because of their unique build and love for exercise, Siamese cats need at least 35% protein in their diets. Protein is advisable for all cats but especially necessary for the Siamese breed.
It’s essential to check the label before buying food for your Siamese. Cheaper cat foods will include a lot of cornmeal, gluten, and by-products that can cause weight gain and aren’t healthy for any cat, much less the delicate and active Siamese. These felines have lean legs and long bodies. Their legs and hips aren’t built to handle the excess weight, and being overweight can cause health problems. Ultimately, the cat food you buy, whether wet or dry, may cost a bit more as it will need to guarantee the right level of protein to keep your Siamese on the run!
Healthcare
It’s important to acknowledge that Siamese cats can develop a unique set of medical problems that may warrant expensive treatments. Siamese cats seem to be more prone to asthma than most cat breeds. They also appear to have a predisposition for progressive retinal atrophy due to having been cross-eyed when originally bred. Though this trait has been primarily bred out, eye problems can still be an issue.
Siamese cats are also prone to PICA, an unusual disease that can cause them to lick and chew on different types of material like clothes, bedspreads, and carpets. In chewing, the cat might accidentally ingest the material. This can lead to a buildup in the animal’s stomach, and expensive surgery is needed to remove the items. Anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications can be used to control this behavior.
Because of their lean build and high activity level, Siamese cats also can be prone to painful muscle and joint conditions like hip dysplasia, hyperesthesia, and arthritis. These conditions, while treatable, can be costly.
All of these diseases are possible in a Siamese cat and typical cat health problems like urinary tract infections and gum disease.
It’s important to take your Siamese to the vet as frequently as possible. With any cat, but especially with purebred animals like Siamese, it is also advisable to acquire pet insurance to help defray some costs that may likely come up. Get pet insurance early, as the price will increase the older the animal gets. The insurance is typically available for a low monthly fee.
Where Can I Buy A Siamese Cat?
There are several breeders in the United States, but they are a bit spread out. If you’re looking for a purebred, there’s a chance you might have to take a road trip to pick up your new furry friend. To locate a breeder of Siamese kittens, search the Cat Fancier’s Association breeder locating tool here.
The Cat Fancier’s Association has approved the list of breeders based on standards of ethics and health. Still, it’s essential to research your breeder carefully. Reputable breeders have excellent online reviews, have properly socialized their cats, have papers to prove the kittens received appropriate shots and examinations, and have raised the kittens in open areas rather than in cages. If you have a bad feeling about a breeder, don’t ignore your gut!
Where Can I Adopt A Siamese Cat?
Perhaps instead of going to a breeder, you are interested in finding a displaced Siamese who needs a home. While you are likely to see mostly shorthairs at shelters, it is possible to find one with Siamese cats available. Shelters get influxes of cats in the early spring and late summer, so search your local Humane Society or independent animal shelters to see what they have available. Many shelters keep photos and descriptions online that can be searched.
Some shelters specialize in the adoption of Siamese cats. To find these, you can ask around in your area or use Google for a location. You can also use this page which catalogs animals available for adoption across the United States. You can apply search filters for location, age, and gender to help you find your new friend.
Much like visiting a breeder, you may have to travel a bit to find your Siamese for adoption. They are not as likely to be displaced as other breeds due to their popularity. But it is possible to find one to adopt. Adoption fees tend to be cheaper than fees when you purchase from a breeder. The cost of adoption should be available on shelter websites.
Beware of Craigslist or other listings that offer cats “free to a good home.” While some may have good intentions, there is a chance you are getting cats that are not healthy, have not been adequately immunized, and do not have medical records or histories available.
Are Siamese Cats Worth It?
With all of the expenses and potential health problems, some may wonder if it’s really worth it to buy a Siamese cat. After all, you might have to venture far to get one, they cost more, and their unique genetic makeup could mean extra costs in caring for them.
Whether it’s worth it is entirely up to the potential owner. To make sure you get the most value out of your cat, you must have sufficient information from your breeder about your Siamese’s health. This can be achieved by finding a reputable breeder through online reviews and in-depth conversations with the breeder.
Spending a little extra money on high-protein cat food may be annoying in the short run, but in the long term, a high-protein diet could help keep health problems and expensive vet bills at bay. A healthy diet will support your Siamese’s immune system and musculature and keep your cat in the family for a long time.
Many people seek out Siamese cats for their beautiful looks. A Siamese is certain to be a willing and beautiful subject for photos and other art forms. They are also likely to be a stunning conversation piece when you have friends over!
But perhaps the most common reason the Siamese cat is worth it is their affectionate and loyal personality. You take a gamble when you add any cat to your home, but Siamese cats have proven immensely friendly and playful with adults, kids, and other animals throughout their time as domesticated cats. This is probably the best reason to seek out a Siamese cat to join your family.
It’s up to the buyer to use this information to determine whether it’s worth it. But Siamese cats have been popular housecats for more than a century because they are so beautiful and loving. Some would say these traits are, in fact, priceless!
My name is James, and welcome to FAQCats!
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