Most cat projects cost between $100 and $3,000 per cat, with a typical price near $500. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical cat cost
$100 – $3,000
per cat · typical $500
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Cat cost breakdown
- Adoption from shelter/rescue$50.00 – $300typical $150
- Purebred from breeder (pet quality)$500 – $1,500typical $900
- Show/rare breed$1,500 – $3,000typical $2,500
What Cat Breeds costs
Covers the purchase price of a cat from a breeder or adoption fee from a shelter. Purebred kittens from reputable breeders cost more due to bloodlines and health testing. Adoption fees are lower and include vaccinations and spay/neuter.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
Why do some cats cost thousands?
Rare breeds, champion bloodlines, and health testing increase prices. Breeders invest in vet care, genetic screening, and registration. Show-quality cats cost more than pet-quality.
What's included in the price?
Typically includes initial vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and sometimes spay/neuter. Adoption fees often cover these too. Some breeders provide a health guarantee or registration papers.
How can I save money?
Adopt from a shelter—fees are much lower and include medical care. Consider mixed breeds, which are often healthier. Avoid rare breeds. Check breed-specific rescues for lower costs.