First imported from Thailand (formerly Siam) in the year 1880s, Siamese cats are believed to be from a line of ancient cats from the temples of Siam. References to the cat can be found in ancient Thai literature that has been in existence for hundreds of years.
Characterized by their pointed markings, huge ears, long legs, and wonderful character, Siamese cats have gained popularity all over the world. They have since then become an ideal pet for cat lovers from everywhere.
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Siamese Cat Purchase Price
A Siamese cat would cost you anywhere from $695 to as much as $1,400; the price of which varies from one breeder to another. If it already comes with vaccinations, warranty, travel crates, toys, and the likes, it is more expensive.
Getting your Siamese cat from breeders may be expensive but it already includes basic vaccinations, health certificates, together with proofs that the kitten (or the adult cat) has already been tested negative from feline leukemia and other cat diseases. Some would also include food the cat has been used to.
One great advantage in getting from a breeder is the guarantee of the cat being healthy. Together with this guarantee is an assurance that the breeder would readily take the cat back should you find it to have an undisclosed disease.
Some breeders may also own a retired breeding cat. These cats are about 2 to 6 years old and are also up for sale at times.
You can check with the breeder as these cats may not be as expensive. A retired adult Siamese cat can cost $500. With this amount, your Siamese cat is already microchipped, spayed/neutered, and have been given basic vaccines.
It should also be noted that breeders usually collect a non-refundable deposit amounting to as much as $300 to $400 depending on the breeder. Better be sure of your decision to get a Siamese cat before you take steps of contacting the breeder because there’s no turning back when you have paid the deposit – or you can say goodbye to your 400 bucks.
On the other hand, shelters may also have Siamese cats available for adoption. These cats are those that have been rescued and need new homes.
When adopting a Siamese cat from shelters, expect to pay around $100 to $175. Most cats from these sources have already been neutered or spayed as it is always a requirement.
Vaccinations are almost always included but you also need to check with the shelter as to what kind of vaccines the Siamese has been given. Adopt a Pet can help you find a shelter near you.
Other Upfront Costs
- Transport
Whether you decide to go to a breeder or adopt from shelters, the first cost to consider is how to bring the Siamese cat home. You would be lucky enough if the breeder or the shelter is within your city. Otherwise, think of the money you would be spending on gas.
Another mode of transporting your cat from the breeder/shelter’s location is through shipping. Prices vary depending on the distance your Siamese cat is traveling.
Expect to pay $1.54 per mile for shipping of less than 100 miles. For distances more than 100 but less than 1000 miles, it would cost you $0.42 per mile.
Flying your cat is also another option. This would be one expensive mode of transport though.
When you choose to fly with your cat in the cabin, expect to pay an average of about $125 for your cat. Cats can either fly inside the cabin, through cargo or as checked baggage – depending on the airline and the size of your cat. Yes, there are size specifications as to how your cat can fly.
A pet carrier to transport your Siamese cat is also needed. Depending on the size, prices can range from $24.99 to as much as $169.99.
- Vaccination
Vaccinations usually cost around $15 to $17 per shot.
Breeders and shelters usually administer basic vaccinations but you need to supplement these with boosters and other special inoculants. Certain types of vaccines to cats would be more expensive than the others.
There are also vaccines that can be administered through just one shot. This saves your pet some pain by avoiding several injections for different diseases and at the same time, cheaper overall.
- Microchip and Registration
Cats, just like any other pets, may sometimes wander outside your home. It is thus important to have your cat registered.
A microchip that should be implanted to your cat would cost about $15 to $45 or even more. This is a one-time payment to the vet and already includes the registration.
If you got your Siamese from the shelter, check with the rescue organization first whether the cat is already chipped and registered – although it most probably is.
Siamese Cat Maintenance
Siamese cats come from an old and beautiful breed. The breed is highly-sociable and demands a certain level of attention from its cat parent.
But to keep it in its best condition, you need to spend on its regular needs such as the following:
- Cat Food
At each stage of your cat’s life, there would be a different kind of diet. A different kind of cat food is reserved for kittens, another type of food for an adult cat, and a newer set of diet for a senior Siamese cat.
Kittens should have a diet rich in fat and protein to boost growth. Prices range from about $12 for a 3.5-lb. bag of chicken and rice formula to around $26 for 16-lb. for dry premium kitten food and $23 for 3 oz. can (24pk) of wet kitten food.
Food for an adult Siamese cat can cost you about $14 for a 16 lb. bag of Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food. Wet cat food can cost you around $12 for a case of 5.5 oz cans (24 pk).
Food for senior Siamese cats can cost you $23.00 for a 16-lb. bag of dry cat food.
Remember that your Siamese cat, as it grows, need a variety of cat food for it to remain healthy. Kittens, as mentioned above, need more fat and protein for growth while an adult cat needs 25% protein and 40% fat plus a wide array of fiber, vitamins, and Omega 3 and 6.
Senior cats would not need as much protein and fat as their being active wanes as they grow older.
- Grooming Expenses
Dental health among cats has always been ignored by cat parents. One of the most common dental problems a Siamese cat may suffer from is periodontal disease. This includes gingivitis and periodontitis.
Tooth abscesses, feline chronic gingivostomatitis, and broken teeth have also been plaguing cat dental health for decades. It is thus important for your Siamese cat to maintain oral health.
A toothpaste made specific for cats (usually packaged with a toothbrush) would cost you $13.00.
Cats need some washing whenever necessary. It would be essential to get yourself a cat shampoo that can be used during baths.
Remember that shampoos being used by humans, no matter how gentle they claim, contain dyes and other chemicals that may irritate your cat’s skin. Go for shampoos that were made especially for cats.
Depending on the brand and the size of the bottle of shampoo, it could cost you around $7 per bottle.
Once in a while, your Siamese cat needs a little grooming. Cat nails can be a pain especially when you have an active one.
Having someone to cut your cat’s nails would cost a minimum $10 at pet salon.
You can also opt to have your Siamese cat groomed at a grooming salon. The Central California SPCA, for example, states that grooming services would cost you about $35 to $60 or even more for a haircut, brush out, bath, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
The rate would depend on the size of your Siamese cat and the condition of your pet when it was brought in.
- Medical Costs
An annual vet visit costs around $48 and a simple wellness check up could amount to as much as $35. Emergency cases would be more expensive; ranging from over $100 up to less than $200.
On the other hand, vaccines can be as low as $15 to $17 per shot, depending on the type of vaccine.
Other services like ear cleaning costs around $5 and $25 for a flea or tick dip. There would also be additional costs should your Siamese cat come with a health condition.
Factors Affecting Cost
- A Siamese cat from a breeder would cost more compared to when adopting from a shelter.
- Purchases with inclusions such as vaccinations, microchip with registration, along with other freebies are more expensive.
- Siamese cats that are retired breeders (usually 2 – 6 years old) are less expensive than kittens.
- Some breeders have warranties. If they have, it would cost you more.
- Depending on its kind, prices may differ. A Lynx Point Siamese price is pegged at $125 from a shelter while a Flame Point Siamese cat costs $75 from the same rescue group. Other Siamese cats that have not interbred may cost less.
- Some Siamese cats that may have minor health issues would be less costly.
Helpful Tips When Buying a Siamese Cat
Siamese cats always crave for your attention. When getting this breed, make sure to not leave it at home for long periods of time.
These cats are “talkative” and sociable. They always want to be involved in most of your activities so be sure to give it more attention than you do with other feline breeds.
Siamese cats also have a distinctive meow that may be louder than most cat breeds. If you can’t be bothered with the noise, you better opt for another type.
Transporting your Siamese cat from the breeder/shelter can be very expensive. If possible, you can choose to acquire your feline friend from the closest possible location to cut on costs. This, of course, is without sacrificing the quality of the Siamese you’re getting.
