Aside from Ragdoll or Maine Coon cats, Sphynx cats are one of the most popular cat breeds around. Their lack of a normal fur coat makes them perfect for those who love cats but hate cat hair.
However, they can be expensive. So just how much does a Sphynx cat cost?
In this post, we look at how much a Sphynx cat costs. We also delve deeper into the factors that may determine the final pricing of a Sphynx cat and other associated costs to own one.
What Is The Price of A Sphynx Cat?
Sphynx cats are one of the most expensive cat breeds around, with prices rivaling breeds such as the Maine Coon or Munchkin. If you are looking for one of these kitties, be ready to pay a lot.
A purebred Sphynx may set you back between $2,000 to $5,000. Now that’s a lot! Sphynxes could cost more than $5,000 if they come from a reputable breeder or have excellent lineages, such as having parents that are show champions.
You may be able to find a Sphynx that costs below $2,000, but here you are entering a rather grey area in the market. The lower prices may indicate possible issues with the cat, such as health problems.
Lower-priced Sphynxes may also come from backyard breeders that may not know what they are doing or have low hygiene and nutrition standards. Be careful with these – as the sayin goes, you get what you pay for!
What Determines Sphynx Cat Price?
Many other factors could determine the final pricing of a Sphynx cat. These include source, breeder, health status, and color. Market demand could also swing prices.
Source
You can get your Sphynx kitten from many sources. The most common route is to purchase one through a breeder. You can also adopt a Sphynx kitten or a cat from an animal shelter or cat rescue.
If you go with the adoption route, the cost will be lower than if you buy from a breeder. Shelters and rescues typically charge you a small fee for processing or to cover procedures like spaying and neutering, but the total costs are generally much less expensive than going through a breeder.
Aside from the cost, the upside of adoption is that you give an unwanted cat a new home. The downside, however, is that there usually aren’t many Sphynx cats to be found at animal shelters and you will have few options to pick from.
Breeder
If you go with buying from a breeder, you will have much to choose from. As a start, you can go low-cost and scout for Sphynxes from backyard breeders. However, the breeder’s standards may not be high, and the kitten may have issues you cannot see just from looking at them.
You can always go to a registered breeder if you prefer more assurance on the kitten. These breeders have higher standards, which means the kitten is usually well fed and cared for. These breeders also keep the kitten healthy with vet checks and vaccinations prior to selling.
Finally, if you want nothing but the best, there are superstar, ultra-reputable breeders. These breeders usually have championship pedigree Sphynxes and spare nothing for their kittens. These breeders are quite selective who they sell to, so be prepared to pay a lot for a kitten from here, perhaps even more than $5,000.
Health Status
A healthy kitten with good health records will fetch a higher price compared to a kitten that doesn’t. This is because getting proper health records in the first place means veterinary care, which costs the breeder money. A reputable breeder will always provide you with copies of the kitten’s health records.
- Vaccination Record: A good breeder will ensure the kitten is well vaccinated and has a record of that. If there is no record to prove any vaccination, assume the kitten is not vaccinated yet.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic test helps to confirm the absence of genetic conditions such as feline Hereditary Myopathy. Genetic testing provides peace of mind that the cat will remain healthy long into the future, but it costs money to get it done.
- Spaying or Neutering: If the kitten comes to you already spayed or neutered, it should cost more. This is because the breeder needs to recoup the spending to have the procedure done to the kitten.
- Health Check: Finally, a good Sphynx kitten should come with a clean bill of health, confirmed by a vet. If not, ask for the breeder for a vet check before buying the kitten.
Color
Sphynx kittens can also fetch different prices, depending on their color. Certain solid colors, such as solid black, and certain color patterns may be rarer or more sought after. Kittens with these in-demand colors will be more expensive.
Supply And Demand
Supply and demand also may cause prices to go up and down. The standard economics rules apply here: prices go high when the supply is low and also when the demand goes up.
Demand may spike from many factors, such as popular culture. When the movie 101 Dalmatians came out, for example, the demand for Dalmatian dogs spiked, triggering a price hike.
All it takes is a simple feature in popular movies or a celebrity seen owning one to trigger the demand.
What Are The Other Costs Of Owning A Sphynx Cat?
If you plan to get a Sphynx kitten, know that you also need to budget for many associated costs. Aside from buying the kitten, you also need to spend some money to ensure you can provide a the proper environment for your kitten. These items add significantly to your Sphynx cat price.
These associated costs include, but are not limited to:
- Microchipping ($5 to $30): Spend some money, and get a microchip implanted in your kitten. It helps hospitals or shelters to identify your cat if it gets lost.
- ID Tag & Collar ($5 to $20): Consider ID tags in addition to a microchip. This way, even your neighbor can quickly identify the cat and return it to you if it wanders out.
- Cat Carrier ($10 to $200): Cat carriers help you move your cat safely from place to place, such as from your home to the vet. In some places, carrying your cat in a car without it is illegal. A good cat carrier is an essential item that you will need to safely bring your new kitten home.
- Litter Box & Scoop ($25 – $75): Cats must have somewhere to “go”. A litter box and a scoop help provide your cat a safe and comfortable toilet.
- Toys ($10 – $30): Kittens love to play, and toys will be required! Plastic spring coils, fur mice, and feather toys are popular with most cats.
- Food & Water Bowls ($10 – $50): Your cat needs a proper bowl for food and water.
- Grooming (Starts From $30): Sphynxes have very short, fine coats, meaning they are they don’t need brushing. They do, however, require regular bathing to keep their skin clean and healthy. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, consider visiting groomers to give your cat a bath and nail trimming.
- Food and Litter ($50 – $100): Feed your Sphynx well, and you will have a happy little cat. Good, high-quality litter also makes cleaning easier and prevents your house from having that ‘cat’ smell.
- Healthcare ($100 – $300 per year): Do not skimp on this. Ensure your cat gets proper healthcare so it lives a long, healthy life.
A Special Breed For A Special Price
Truth be told, Sphynx cats with their hairless bodies and wrinkled faces are not everyone’s cup of tea. But those who love them, love them. In fact, they do not see issues in paying thousands of dollars to own one.
As owners of Sphynx cats ourselves, we wholeheartedly encourage cat lovers to consider getting one or more of these lovely, unique felines. Will you be the next lucky owner of a Sphynx?
If you are reading this, chances are you are researching Sphynxes. In this case, check out our complete Sphynx cat breed information and care guide, where we explore the breed in great detail.