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Getting a new cat is an exciting experience that many potential cat owners look forward to. Bombay cats add to that excitement with their panther-like disposition and playful temperaments which makes them fascinating pets. This is a medium-sized cat with glossy black fur and striking copper eyes.
When you are in the process of getting a new cat, an important consideration is the costs associated with the breed. Aside from needing to be able to care for them properly, you also need to determine whether you can afford the cat itself and their ongoing care. Cats can be expensive to own, and the Bombay cat is no exception.
You can expect to spend from $15-$2,000 for bringing this breed to your house, additionally, you have to consider spending $150–$800 per month on maintenance.
This article will guide you through the most important costs of the Bombay cat and their care.
Bringing Home a New Bombay Cat: One-Time Costs
Bombay cats are considered rarer than many other domesticated cats and they are not widely available, making them pricey. The Bombay cat is recognized by numerous registries such as the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and is considered to be a pedigree breed.
Free
The only way you will be able to get a Bombay cat for free is if they are rehomed by someone. This could be from family or friends, or perhaps someone online. However, you might need to pay for a small rehoming fee or cover the cost of the supplies the cat comes with.
Adoption
- $15–$300
Before purchasing a Bombay cat, it is a good idea to check for one up for adoption. However, Bombay cats are uncommon in shelters because they are rarer than most cat breeds. It is more common for Bombay cats to be returned to the breeder that they were purchased from rather than be given up for adoption. If you are lucky enough to come across a Bombay cat up for adoption, you only need to pay the relatively inexpensive adoption fee.
Breeder
- $400–$2,000
Your best bet at finding a healthy and well-bred Bombay cat is through a reputable breeder. The breeder should be knowledgeable, trustworthy, registered, and able to provide you with detailed information on the cat’s genetic history and testing.
It is important to support Bombay cat breeders who care about the quality of the cat rather than quantity. You can expect to spend up to $2,000 for a Bombay cat from a breeder. This is slightly cheaper than some other rare pedigree breeds.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $200–$850
The initial cost of your Bombay cats’ supplies is going to be higher than their ongoing costs. Their initial supplies include things like their food and water bowls, carrier, litter box, and sterilization costs. The main ongoing costs for a Bombay cat’s supplies are toys, food, and litter. Some supplies are optional, such as a nail clipper or brush which are unnecessary if you take your Bombay cat to be professionally groomed.
You can purchase supplies for your Bombay cat from various pet stores and online retailers like Amazon or Chewy. You might even find second-hand supplies from online buy-and-sell websites for a fraction of the price it would cost new.
List of Bombay Cat Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $10–$15 |
| Spay/Neuter | $50–$300 |
| X-Ray Cost | $75–$300 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $250–$500 |
| Microchip | $45 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $100–$750 |
| Cat bed | $30 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $7 |
| Brush (optional) | $8–$12 |
| Litter Box | $6–$30 |
| Litter Scoop | $1–$5 |
| Toys | $20–$40 |
| Carrier | $10–$40 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 |
How Much Does a Bombay Cat Cost Per Month?
- $150–$800 per month
The main monthly expense for a Bombay cat will be their food and health care. The cost can vary month-to-month depending on what your Bombay cat needs during a particular month. Bombay cats won’t always need to be taken to a veterinarian each month, which can significantly reduce the costs. If you purchase their food in bulk at discounted prices, you might not need to spend money on new food for a month or two.
Health Care
- $50–$100 per month
Part of being a responsible Bombay cat owner ensuring that they have access to essential health care. The monthly cost can vary depending on what specific health care your cat needs to be done. This includes vet visits, medication, teeth cleaning, parasite prevention, and treatments. Unless your cat is always outdoors or has a chronic illness, you won’t always spend money on their health care each month.
Certain times of the year could cause their monthly health care bill to increase, especially during flea or tick season. However, year-round flea and tick prevention is important for most cats. Senior Bombay cats may need more health care than young and healthy ones.
Food
- $10–$38 per month
There are no specific dietary requirements for Bombay cats, and they will eat a similar diet to other domesticated cats. The price of your Bombay cat food will depend on the type and quality of the food. Dry food is usually cheaper than wet or raw food diets, but the price still depends on the quality. It is best to purchase quality food for your cat with beneficial and wholesome ingredients, as this could help you save on future vet bills related to a poor diet.
Some Bombay cats may require a specialized diet according to their lifestyle and health as recommended by their veterinarian. Specialized cat food diets typically cost more than standard diets, since they are prescribed to cats who have certain health problems.
Grooming
- $15–$70 per month
Bombay cats have a smooth and low-maintenance coat that makes grooming a breeze. Their coat is short and does not tangle or mat, even if they haven’t been brushed for a while. Most Bombay cats don’t need to be taken for professional grooming often, and you can easily groom them at home. You will need to invest in a brush and nail clipper to groom them yourself. Bombay cats do not need to be bathed unless they have gotten something on their fur that doesn’t come off when they lick themselves.
If you are unsure about grooming your Bombay cat at home, you can get their nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and fur brushed by a professional groomer every 2–3 months.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $50–$400 per month
Certain medical treatments, procedures, and medications can be expensive for Bombay cats. Most standard veterinary visits cost around $50, excluding medications and procedures like X-rays, inoculations, or lab tests. Most young and healthy Bombay cats will not need to be taken to a veterinarian every month, aside from months when a basic health checkup is necessary. If your Bombay cat is on medication for certain health problems, you might need to spend money every month purchasing it.
Pet Insurance
- $18–$80 per month
Pet insurance for your Bombay cat is optional, although it is recommended to help with unexpected vet bills. There are many pet insurance companies to choose from, each offering different coverage plans at various prices. Pet insurance is usually paid every month, and the price is influenced by the type of coverage plan, the age, and the health of your Bombay cat. Some plans only cover accidents, while others cover illness.
Environment Maintenance
- $45–$60 per month
Maintaining your Bombay cat’s environment is important, and usually involves cleaning their litterbox, and replacing the litter or any damaged toys. You will also need to spend money on cleaning supplies like disinfectants and wipes to clean their litterbox. A Bombay cat’s environment maintenance is relatively low and isn’t always going to be a monthly expense. If you purchase Bombay cats’ litter or liners in bulk, you can save money on replacing the litter each month.
| Cat litter/liners | $20/month |
| Litterbox cleaning supplies | $10/month |
| Toys | $15/month |
Entertainment
- $15–$45 per month
Bombay cats are known for being active and explorative cats. They enjoy having various toys and activities that can keep them entertained and prevent boredom. This includes catnip toys, puzzles, teaser toys, scratching posts, and cat trees to climb. You do not need to spend too much on your Bombay cats’ toys, and if you choose durable ones, you probably won’t need to buy more each month.
There is also the option of subscribing to a monthly subscription box for cat toys. These subscription boxes generally cost between $12 to $25 per month and mail fun and exciting new toys for your cat each month.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Bombay Cat
- $150–$800 per month
Many factors can influence the total monthly costs of owning a Bombay cat. Their monthly costs are similar to many other cat breeds, and you aren’t guaranteed to spend a lot on your Bombay cat each month. Some months are more affordable than others, especially if your Bombay cat is relatively healthy.
One of the most expensive monthly costs associated with Bombay cats is health and veterinary care. Veterinary care can be expensive for cats and can affect how much you spend on your Bombay cat monthly. While some veterinary treatments are affordable, other treatments can cost up to $800 a month. The more affordable monthly costs for Bombay cats will be their food, litter, and grooming.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Aside from the costs we have already discussed in this article like food, grooming, and veterinary visits, below are additional costs to consider.
- Pet sitters: If you go away on vacation or need to leave your Bombay cat alone for a few days, you will need to find a pet sitter for them. Most pet sitters charge around $12 to $40 per hour. However, some pet sitters may look after your cat for a discounted price if you are leaving them in their care for more than one day.
- Emergency care: Accidents happen, and sometimes cats require emergency veterinary care that can be expensive. Some live-saving procedures that your Bombay cat may need can cost up to $5,000. Not everyone has an immediate few thousand dollars to spend on emergency veterinary care for their cats. This makes it essential to set money aside each month for such emergencies.
- Chronic medications: Your Bombay cat may develop a health condition that requires chronic medication for their entire life. The medication would need to be prescribed by a veterinarian and bought monthly.
- Household damage: Bombay cats aren’t always on their best behavior and might cause damage to your home. Whether the damage is from a scratched-up couch or overturned expensive dinnerware, keep in mind that you will need to pay to get those things fixed or replaced.
Owning a Bombay Cat on a Budget
While it is possible to own a Bombay cat on a budget, you still need to keep in mind that owning any cat breed can be expensive. However, there are several ways you can cut down the associated costs of Bombay cat ownership.
Choose quality supplies and products.
Quality cat supplies are usually going to last longer than poor-quality ones made from cheap materials. By purchasing long-lasting supplies that are highly rated for their durability, you can save money each month from replacing them when they get worn or broken. This means choosing quality food and water bowls over flimsy plastic ones or investing in a sturdy litterbox that is easy to clean.
Keep an eye out for discounts or bulk purchases.
Regularly check your nearest pet stores and online websites for discounts on cat supplies. Some stores have monthly sales, which can save you significant money each month. You can also look into purchasing your Bombay cat’s food and litter in bulk. Check for discounts that offer a reduced price if more than one of the same product is purchased at the same time.
Regular veterinary visits.
Your Bombay cat still needs to be taken for regular veterinary visits even if you are on a tight budget. It is recommended to ensure that your Bombay cats get checked out by a veterinarian a few times a year. This allows any developing health problems to be caught early and prevents you from having to spend thousands of dollars to treat them later.
Saving Money on Bombay Cat Care
Set money aside each month.
Create a savings account for your Bombay cat where you deposit money into it each week or month. For example, try to deposit $10 every week into the savings account or $40 per month. This money eventually adds up and can help cover unexpected vet bills and even food for the month if you are short on immediate cash.
Groom them at home.
Bombay cats save you a lot of money with their low grooming requirements. Instead of having to pay a professional to groom your Bombay cat, try doing it yourself. You can purchase a quality brush and nail clipper and ask their veterinarian how you can use them to safely groom your Bombay cat at home.
Conclusion
When you first get a Bombay cat, you will notice that the initial costs are quite high. A Bombay cat itself usually costs between $400 to $2,000 from a breeder. You can expect to spend up to $850 on their initial supplies like a litterbox, bed, microchip, sterilization, food bowls, and carriers. Fortunately, the ongoing costs for Bombay cats are much less.
The monthly cost of your Bombay cat includes their food, litter, and pet insurance which can cost as low as $150. If vet bills are included in the monthly cost, you might end up spending around $800 for the month. Fortunately, there are ways to save on your Bombay cat care and own them on a budget with careful planning.
Featured Image Credit: Viktor Sergeevich, Shutterstock
