If you are looking to purchase a new cat for your home, you might have come across a few that cost $2,000 or even more! If you’re wondering which ones won’t break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we list the most affordable cat breeds, show you what they look like, and tell you a bit about them. We also give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for each breed to help you find the perfect match for your family.
The 15 Affordable Cat Breeds
1. American Shorthair
| Cost: | $10–$100 |
The American Shorthair is likely the least expensive cat that you will be able to find. They are a mixed breed resulting from many generations of cats mating in the region. You can usually find one of these cats for as little as $10 in many areas and might even find people giving them away.
2. American Longhair
| Cost: | $20–$50 |
The American Longhair is the longhaired version of the American Shorthair, and while they’re less common, they’re still affordable, usually for as little as $20. These longhaired cats are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and most owners describe them as friendly and affectionate.
3. American Curl
| Cost: | $200–$600 |
The American Curl is a purebred cat with distinctive curled ears that curl backward in an elegant arc. They are friendly and outgoing cats that are quite affordable.
4. Egyptian Mau
| Cost: | $200–$900 |
The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed with a sleek coat, natural spots, and almond-shaped eyes that can be green or gold. They are one of the few spotted cats, yet you can find them at an affordable price.
5. Burmese
| Cost: | $300–$600 |
Burmese cats have attractive, shiny coats that come in various colors. They are good climbers and enjoy jumping from perch to perch. They also form strong bonds with family members and make great pets.
6. American Bobtail
| Cost: | $350–$800 |
The American Bobtail is a relatively rare breed, but that doesn’t stop them from being one of the more affordable cat breeds. These playful cats have short, stubby tails that help them stand out in a crowd. There is an urban legend that explains their creation as a hybrid of a tabby cat and a wild bobcat, though it’s more likely the result of a genetic mutation.
7. Siamese
| Cost: | $500–$1,000 |
Siamese cats are extremely popular due to their unique appearance, resulting from a form of albinism that causes the face and other extremities to have color while the body remains white or cream. These cats enjoy climbing and spending time with family members.
8. Abyssinian
| Cost: | $700–$1,200 |
Abyssinian cats are slender, strong, and instantly recognizable due to their large ears and short fur. These active cats are easy to maintain and make great pets whether you live in a large or small home.
9. Himalayan
| Cost: | $700–$1,200 |
Himalaya cats have the same color-point albino trait that Siamese cats have. However, it’s easy to recognize these cats due to their long fur and blue eyes, which make them popular and highly sought-after pets.
10. Exotic Shorthair
| Cost: | $800–$1,500 |
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium-sized cat that forms strong bonds with their owners and enjoys spending time with them. They have a low energy level, so they will be happy to sit on your lap as you watch TV, but they still like to play, and their short fur is easy to maintain.
11. Oriental
| Cost: | $800–$1,200 |
The Oriental cat breed has a long head and tall ears, giving them a unique and recognizable appearance. These cats are also trainable and will even walk on a leash, making them well worth the higher cost.
12. Persian
| Cost: | $800–$1,500 |
Persian cats have large bodies with short legs and backs. Their round eyes will immediately capture any pet lover, and they’ve been popular since the 1500s. These cats make great pets, but their fur requires a great deal of maintenance, so they are best suited to owners who can spend plenty of time with their cats.
13. Ragamuffin
| Cost: | $800–$1,500 |
The Ragamuffin is a large cat with a long tail. They are even-tempered, enjoy spending time with family members, and even tolerate other animals. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and they make fantastic pets.
14. Scottish Fold
| Cost: | $800–$1,100 |
The Scottish Fold is an adorable breed with short ears that fold forward and down, causing them to resemble an owl. They are sweet-tempered cats that like to sleep with their legs stretched out and enjoy playing with toys but will snuggle up while you are sleeping or watching a movie.
15. Balinese
| Cost: | $850–$1,500 |
The Balinese cat has a color-point coat like the Siamese, to which they are closely related. These long-haired cats are also active and will spend plenty of time chasing after toys and might even climb the curtains and furniture if there aren’t plenty of scratching posts around.
How Do You Know How Much a Cat Will Cost?
There are several online resources for pets that list the current going rates for cat breeds. Since the prices are based on cats actually for sale, they can vary every time you look them up, so it’s a good idea to check them multiple times when you find a cat that you like. It’s also possible to find prices higher and lower than those listed here.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Get a Cat?
If you can’t find someone giving away a cat in your area or are looking for a specific breed, the cheapest way to get one is usually by adopting them from a local animal shelter or rescue organization, which usually charges much less than a breeder. Avoid going with a breeder with significantly lower prices than other breeders, as they may not be reputable and could sell you an unhealthy cat.
Can I Take a Stray Cat Off the Street?
Most experts recommend not taking stray cats off the street because they can have health problems and other issues preventing them from being good pets. However, if you do rescue one and want to provide a home for them, it’s a good idea to have a vet examine them to rule out any health problems. They will also need to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
Summary
Many different affordable cat breeds can make great pets, including the Siamese, Ragamuffin, and Himalayan. If you are looking for the least expensive option, the American Shorthair is your best bet, and for only a few dollars more, you can go with the American Longhair, which looks much more expensive than they are.
- Related Read: How Many Breeds of Cats Are There?
Featured Image Credit: MDavidova, Shutterstock
