Scottish Fold kittens are some of the most adorable cats in the world. They have a unique and instantly recognizable look, and their sweet personality makes them a favorite among pet owners. But one question that many people have is how much does a Scottish Fold kitten cost?
The average price of a Scottish Fold kitten is between $500 and $2000. But with so many different colors and sizes available, the price can vary depending on the type of kitten that you’re looking for. In addition, you’ll need to consider the initial costs plus the living costs of your new feline friend.
This article will explore the best places to purchase a Scottish Fold, how much you’ll need to save to afford one of these fluffy friends, and the monthly costs of keeping this type of pet.
What Are The Initial Costs Of Purchasing A Scottish Fold?
Scottish Folds are adorable cats with large sparkling eyes, fluffy coats, and folded ears. Their charm has led them to become one of the most popular breeds in the world, and it may surprise you to discover that after your initial purchase, the maintenance costs of a Scottish Fold are not as high as you think.
The cost is always higher when purchasing your pet as there are several one-off purchases you need to consider, such as food and water bowls, a litter box, cat bed, cat carrier, collar, and a leash.
Of course, if you already own a cat and have supplies ready for them, your initial costs will be much lower. However, if you’re adding a cat to an already established family, it’s essential to consider that experts recommend an individual litter tray for each cat.
Below is a detailed list of initial costs, which can total anywhere from $300 to $1000.
| Item | Average Cost |
| Collar and ID Tag | $5 – $20 |
| Microchip | $5 – $30 |
| Spay/Neuter | $50 – $100 |
| Bed | $15 – $70 |
| Carrier | $10 – $100 |
| Food & Water Bowls | $10 – $50 |
| Litter Box and Scoop | $15 – $50 |
| Toys | $10 – $30 |
| Nail Clippers | $5 – $20 |
| Brush | $5 – $20 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $200 – $500 |
| Total Cost | $330 – $990 |
Where Is The Best Place To Purchase A Scottish Fold?
The best place to obtain a cat is from a shelter. Not only will you provide a forever home to an animal in need, but you’ll also get that pet at a low cost. The downside to this option is that they’re unlikely to have the specific breed you’re looking for.
Though your chances of getting a Scottish Fold cheaply or even free are unlikely, it’s always worth checking the local animal shelters and internet advertisements before purchasing.
Your best option is to purchase a Scottish Fold from a reputable breeder. Though high-quality breeders may charge a little bit extra, it’s worth the cost for their guarantees. Professional breeders will create healthier cats and tell you how to maintain your cat’s optimum health.
In addition, a breeder will be able to show you your kitten’s parents so that you can get a rough idea of what your Scottish Fold will look like. The cost of buying from a breeder is around $500 – $2000.
If you’re looking for a top-quality Scottish Fold, some of the best US breeders, including Kiss’A’Fold Cattery and Kalai’s Scottish Fold Boutique, may charge up to $2,500. At the same time, Wunderfolds Scottish Fold Cattery can set you back $5000+.
A significant factor to consider before purchasing is whether you’re looking for a pet cat or a competition cat, as the latter will be far more expensive. If you’re looking for a cuddly pet, there’s every chance you can source one from a breeder for as little as $500.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of A Scottish Fold?
Many factors affect the cost of a Scottish folder, particularly the breeder that you purchase from. Reputable breeders who have built experience in the niche will charge more for their expertise.
These breeders benefit from spending thousands of dollars creating a perfectly nurturing environment for the first few weeks of your kitten’s life.
As with most cats, kittens are more expensive than adult cats. However, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, then adult Scottish Folds are a great option as they’re far more independent and will save you several dollars.
Rare coat and eye colors add value to the price tag, as does a cat with optimal health. Finally, a pedigree certificate proves the purebred status of your cat but raises the value of your purchase.
Consider all of these factors and what is most important to you to get the best value on your purchase.
What Are The Monthly Costs Of A Scottish Fold?
The average Scottish Fold costs its owners between $80 and $300 per month for food, litter, and treatments such as flea and worming.
If your cat is indoor-only, its risk of contracting fleas or ticks is minimized. Still, these pests can find a way into your home, and it’s better to be safe than sorry by providing regular treatments for your cat.
The table below breaks down the monthly costs of keeping a Scottish Fold, allowing you to budget for any outgoing expenses.
| Breakdown | Total Cost | |
| Health Care | As a kitten, your Scottish Fold will require multiple shots, which can set you back around $50 per treatment. In addition, the cost of neutering or spaying a cat can be an expensive but one-time payment. A male will cost around $200, while a female will be about $300-$500. | After initial treatments, expect to pay between $10 and $50 a month in health care. |
| Food | It may be tempting to purchase cheap cat foods to save yourself a few dollars, but be aware that many of these come with corn and other fillers, leaving your cat hungry for more food. With cheap brands, you’ll need to subsidize your cat’s diet with treats that can be expensive and fattening. Experts recommend a quality, high-protein brand which will cost around $1 a day and provide a nutritious and healthy diet for your cat. Look for brands that list chicken, salmon, or other protein sources as their primary ingredient. | $25 – $75 per month. |
| Grooming | Though the long-haired Scottish Fold requires a little more grooming attention than the short-hair, neither breed are particularly high maintenance. One weekly brush is sufficient for removing loose hairs. You’ll also want to brush your cat’s teeth regularly to help prevent any dental diseases and keep their nails trimmed to avoid scratches to yourself or your home. | $5 – $30 per month |
| Treatments and Vet Visits | In general, the Scottish Fold is a healthy cat, and one check-up with the vet each year should suffice. Keeping up with monthly flea and worm treatments is vital to avoid your feline getting sick. | $10 – $50 per month |
| Pet Insurance | While most Scottish Folds live happy, healthy lives, it’s impossible to predict the future, and you never know what challenges your cat may face. A broken bone can cost hundreds of dollars, while retrieving a foreign object they’ve swallowed can cost more than $1000. There are many reasonably priced pet insurers, and while this is not an essential cost, it’s a good idea to protect yourself if anything happens to your cat. | $10 – $50 per month |
| Living Costs | Maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your cat is an essential part of its wellbeing. Keeping litter fresh and changing it frequently is the most significant environmental consideration. In addition, you may want to add litter liners, litter mats, or deodorizing granules to help keep the area clean and fresh. A scratch pole is also essential as your cat will want to sharpen its claws. If you don’t provide a suitable medium, your feline will set about finding its own, which is likely to be your carpet or furniture. | $20 – $45 per month Litter: $5 – $20 Liners: $5 – $10 Deodorizers: $10 – $15 Mats (one time cost of around $5 each) Scratcher: (one time cost of anywhere from $10-$50) |
| Entertainment | Entertainment is crucial for your cat’s health and wellbeing, but it is also one of the easiest areas to cut costs. Pet shops and supermarkets offer an array of toys to entertain your feline, but they’ll be just as happy playing with a cardboard box or rolled-up ball of paper. | $5 – $25 per month |
Conclusion
The Scottish Fold makes a lovely feline companion that is pretty low maintenance. After initial purchasing costs, you’ll be able to keep this pet happy for as little as $80 a month or $20 a week.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can get your costs down even further by purchasing second-hand products or buying in bulk. For any cat lover, purchasing a Scottish Fold is a decision you won’t regret.
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