How Much Does a Russian Blue Cat Cost?

Russian Blue Cats are one of the most sought after breed, and if you’ve decided to bring one into your home then you need to learn about the costs of ownership.

The cost for a Russian Blue Cat depends on where you purchase the cat and what supplies you need. For adoption, the cost would be between $75 to $250 and up to $3,000 for a breeder. Initial costs for supplies, food, and health add up to about $400, and then monthly costs sits between $50 to $100.

Let’s break this down further and look at the costs of getting a Russian Blue Cat and keeping them healthy, happy, and safe.

Russian Blue Cat Costs: Getting the Cat

You may get lucky and come across a situation where you can get a Russian Blue Cat for free, but these are few and far between. They may cost you more in the long run.

For Free

Free cats usually come from situations where an accidental litter occurred or they need the cat out of the home quickly.

In those cases, you would need to take on the initial cost of vaccinations and spaying/neutering, something that is almost always included when getting a cat from a shelter, adoption center, or breeder.

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a “free” animal, so be wary of those offers, unless you know the individual well. Don’t for obvious reasons, get cats from craigslist or similar obscure sources.

Cats that are given away for free often come with health issues, now or in the long run. You could easily spend more on vet bills in the first week of ownership than you would picking up a health-certified Russian Blue Cat from a shelter or breeder.

https://youtu.be/kVYxEx9ZbEs

Adoption

Most shelters and rescues have Russian Blue Cats available for adoption within the range of $75 to $250.

These cats lack pedigree and a guarantee of breed, and they usually aren’t kittens, but this is a good place for anyone who has loose standards when looking for a companion.

While you know less about the history of the cat you might adopt from the shelter, they still do the heavy work of:

• Checking cat health, including spay/neuter, deworming, and vaccines
• Assessing cat temperament
• Providing support after adoption

Plus your money goes toward keeping the shelter open to help more animals in need.

Breeders

While Russian Blue Cats are not necessarily a rare or exotic breed, their temperament and appearance make them a highly sought after breed.

Reputable breeders usually charge between $2,000 and $3,000 to reflect the demand as well as all the work they invest in raising healthy Russian Blue kittens.

This cost covers:

• Pedigree
• Genetic testing and health testing (for parents)
• Health records (vaccines and deworming)
• Usual care (high-quality food and enrichment)

While it may seem like a lot, buying from a reputable breeder is the best way to ensure your Russian Blue Cat has a shot at a healthy life and a temperament that fits your needs.

Make sure you work with a responsible breeder who aims to provide the best for their cats. They should prioritize health over money, and they’ll probably have just as many questions for you to ensure the cat goes into a home that’s the right fit for them.

Suggested reading: Where to Get a Russian Blue Cat?

Initial Russian Blue Cat Costs

Before you bring your new Russian Blue Cat home you need to have certain supplies ready for their care and enrichment.

You need at least 2 litter boxes for a single cat, and each one can cost as much as $20 to $50 (sometimes more).

High-quality cat litter costs about $20 to $30 per bag or box. You may also need to purchase a litter training aid like CatAttract to help you new cat adjust to your home, and this is a one time cost of $30.

The cost of cat food ranges depending on what you choose.

Your breeder should provide you with recommendations and give you enough food to transition. Most cats do best on wet food, but this is also the most expensive. Whether you’re feeding wet or dry, a high protein option with meat as the first ingredient costs anywhere from $20 to $50.

Other supplies to pick up beforehand include:

• Cat toys – $10 to $7
• Cat tree – $20 to $100 (depending on size)
• Cat bed – $20+
• Brush – $10
• Treats – $10+

Some of these turn into recurring costs, but your initial purchase can last you a few months if you buy in bulk.

Initial Health Costs

When you get a cat from a shelter or a breeder, you should not need to invest as much in your cat’s health.

While introducing your new Russian Blue Cat to your veterinarian is a good idea, there is a difference between an assessment and a full blown exam.

Initial health costs range from $50 to $300 to include:

• Bloodwork
• Urinalysis
• Fecal test
• Vaccines

If your cat or kitten is not fixed yet then a responsible owner is on the hook for another $75 to $200 for a spay or neuter.

Pet insurance can help offset these costs, but it comes with a monthly commitment. The right insurance policy will pay off in the end by covering wellness visits, emergency expenses, and any health conditions that develop throughout your cat’s life.

Recurring Russian Blue Cat Cost

Owning a cat is not a one-time investment, and you’ll need to keep up with payment for:

• Food – $20 to $50 per month
• Pet Insurance – $15 to $30 per month
• Litter – $20 to $30 per month
• Enrichment – $20 per month (easily done with a subscription box)
• Medication (depends on need)

You can cut down on these costs by buying in bulk or making your own toys and enrichment scenarios.

Random Russian Blue Cat Costs

Other costs to consider for your Russian Blue Cat include emergency situations, behavioral training, and pet sitters.

You’re never sure when you’ll need to address an emergency health concern or a behavioral issue that pops up.

Cat insurance helps quite a bit with emergency vet visits, and some policies may cover behavioral assessments and medication. A cat trainer will help you address any concerns you have regarding behavior, but they aren’t cheap.

You’re also likely to go on vacation at least once in your cat’s life. Unless you’re planning on taking them with you (which poses several risks), a good pet sitter can cost $30+ per night.

Our Final Thoughts

Russian Blue Cats are well worth the investment, but no cat comes free. Understanding the costs of finding and taking care of a Russian Blue Cat helps you best plan for the future and ensures you’re ready to take on the responsibility.

While it’s easy to decide, understand that the cat will never stop costing you money. Prepare to love them for the rest of their life, and know that they will pay you back in companionship.

Suggested reading: Are Russian Blue Cats Hypoallergenic?

Love Cats?

Then you will enjoy our other content. Have a look at these popular articles on our website.