Once bred for the purpose of catching rats, the American Shorthair Cats have evolved into becoming one of the most sought after and well-loved breed of cats. The cool thing is, they are not even American; they are European!
European merchants brought them over aboard their ships as “working cats” to help protect products against rodents. The formal development of the breed though happened in America; hence the name.
American Shorthair Cats are “no fuss” cats as they seem to be very low maintenance as compared to other breeds.
Thinking of having one? Here are the things you have to know.
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American Shorthair Cat Purchase Price
Once you have decided on an American Shorthair Cat for a pet, check first for cats available for adoption. These are usually felines that have been given up by their previous owners and would love to have a new home.
This is the most cost-effective way to own one as it can only set you back $50. Now, that’s a good deal!
Breeders are also giving up their retired show cats at a much lesser cost. If the specific lineage of your pet is something that you are not particular with, adoption may be the best option. Not to mention the most affordable one, too!
On the other hand, Tabby cat price from a reputable breeder would be around $1,000 to $5,000. Part of the package is a vaccination certification and registration with Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association (TICA).
Other One-Time Costs
- Shipping and Transport Cost
Once you have found “the one”, it is usually kept with the mother until it’s old enough to be separated and healthy enough to travel. The cost of shipping depends on the destination of the package.
Usually, the charges would be $1.54 per mile if the destination is less than 100 miles and $0.42 per mile if less than 1000 miles.
- Carrier Cost
A kennel is needed to ship your cat from the breeders. A two-door model costing at $30 is a good choice for easy loading of your cat. This ensures that your paw friend is safe and comfortable on its way to you!
- Microchip Implant
Most pets nowadays are being implanted with a microchip that acts as a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) that gives permanent ID to your cat. Contrary to what others think, this is not a tracking device.
The microchip has its unique ID number that when scanned through the database can provide the owner’s information. A microchip actually increases the chance of your pet being returned to you in the occasion that it gets lost.
Having your cat microchipped can cost around $15 and if your cat already has one, you may subscribe to a suite of pet safety benefits at $19.99 per year.
American Shorthair Cat Maintenance Cost
Pets equate to responsibilities. Owning one is not just a hobby or should it be a spur of the moment decision.
You have to think through the responsibilities that lie with being a paw parent and these include providing for the following needs:
- Food Cost
American Shorthair kittens that are three months old can be fed three small meals per day. The frequency of feeding can be reduced to two meals per day as soon as they reach six months of age.
Adults, on the other hand, do not have special diet restrictions but they do love their meat!
One thing you have to watch though is your cat’s weight. This breed of cats is susceptible to obesity so pet owners should make sure that their cats are not being overfed.
Food portion depends on the weight of your pet. If fed with dry food, a 5-lb. cat should be given ¼ to ½ cup daily which can be given individually or divided into several meals. 10-lb. – 15-lb. cat’s consumption is usually at ½ – ¾ cup per day and a 20-lb. cat can consume ¾ up to a cup of dry food.
A bag of dry cat food like the Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Foodcosts $24.82 and can last up to 1 to 3 months depending on your cat’s weight.
- Grooming Cost
American Shorthair Cats are not high-maintenance pets. In fact, this breed has easy-care coats.
Expect not to spend too much on grooming other than the usual. A bottle of shampoo is at $7 and can last for months!
Many cats develop dental diseases that cause lesions in their gums and mouth. Imagine how extremely uncomfortable this may be!
To avoid this, vets would suggest daily brushing of your pet’s teeth. The standard dental kit is at around $6.00.
If you are too busy to religiously follow your cat’s grooming regimen, you do not have to worry! There are several grooming service companies that can pamper your fur balls while you go along with your busy schedule.
Of course, this comes with a price. At Pet Salon USA, standard grooming package that includes bath & brush, trim & groom, nail trim/file, ear cleaning & plucking, and anal gland expression (if requested) will cost $29.95 – $48.95 for small pets, $44.95 – $68.95 for medium, and $54.95 – $82.95 for large ones.
- Veterinarian Cost
American Shorthair Cats are a tough breed with almost no predisposition to health issues other than a few genetic weaknesses. Still, you as a pet owner should consider the costs of going to the veterinarian’s clinic.
Annual visit to the vet may cost you $48 while a wellness check is at $35 per visit.
- Toys
American Shorthair Cats do not demand much attention. They do love to be held but they will also let you do your own thing when you’re busy.
To keep them occupied, you can buy several toys in the market. Average spending on toys would be around $30 – $50 per year depending on how much you want to splurge for your fur babies.
- Cat Sitting
As mentioned several times, American Shorthair Cats are not the fussy and clingy type. They are happy to play on their own.
If you plan to go out of town for several days, however, that is a different matter!
You may want to get cat sitting services from well-trusted companies that can ensure your furbaby is safe, happy, and well-fed while you are out. You have to spend $20 per visit for services including feeding, change of water, medication, cleaning the litter box, coat brushing, and playing.
If you plan to be out of your home for more than 10 days, the price may go down to $10 per visit for daily scheduled care visits.
Factors Affecting Price
- Cats with records of lineage, showing it to be purebred is more likely to be expensive than cats who don’t. Moreover, tabby cats from rescue centers and adoption clinics tend to break the bank less than cats brought from breeders.
- The younger the cat, the more expensive it will be.
- The reputation of the breeder.
- Inclusion in the package.
Tips for Buying and Owning an American Shorthair Cat
Here are some things you have to know before buying an American Shorthair Cat:
- It is not a lap-cat; do not force them to be one. This is an independent breed that does not like being smothered. If you want a cat that does not require much attention due to your busy schedule, then this is for you.
- If you have children at home, do not let them play with your cat unsupervised. Children can play rough and cats are not fond of tail-pulling. Or at least, teach them to be gentle with your furry companion.
- Make sure to get cats from trusted breeders. The quality of breeder sometimes determines the health status of your pet.
- Your breeder should be a member of the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).
- When having an American Shorthair cat, make sure to give a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
- Upon purchase, check your cat’s weight. A male adult American Shorthair cat should be around 7-12 lbs and females weighing slightly less at 6-11 lbs. If the cat is already over the normal weight range, there is a high probability for obesity and other health issues.
- You will have to spend time actively playing with them at least once a day or provide something they can be active with like interactive toys. Remember, this breed is prone to obesity and physical activities or play is a must to keep their weight and overall health in check.
