A conscientious pet owner knows the investment of owning a cat. Cats aren’t like a pair of shoes you buy at the store and return if they don’t fit. You can’t toss them out like an old t-shirt you’ve outgrown. For this reason, among many others, people purchase certain breeds. Lovers of purebred cats argue that buying a pedigreed feline gives you a better idea of what you’re signing up for to ensure you can provide all your cat’s needs—emotionally, physically, and monetarily.
Being a cat owner includes a financial commitment some people aren’t prepared to make. Cats of all ages require veterinary and nutritional care: neuter or spay surgery, yearly vaccinations, and unexpected medical care for injuries and ailments. For pedigreed cats, expect to pay top dollar to bring them home. Plus, you’ll need to consider the costs of everything your cat needs once they make it home: food, toys, grooming tools, and more.
Although any cat can bring good vibes to your home, you may have your heart set on a Birman. And that’s completely understandable. These cuties look like fluffy, toasted marshmallows and are known to be super affectionate and sweet. These physical and personality traits make Birman cats desirable, which shows in their breeder costs. Let’s jump in and discuss the price of a Birman cat, factors that impact cost, and other expenses associated with bringing one of these furballs into your home.
How Much Is A Birman Kitten?
As with any pedigreed breed, buying a Birman kitten will cost you. These felines are rare, meaning you’re unlikely to find one at a shelter. The International Cat Association (TICA) currently has three registered Birman breeders in the United States, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) includes six Birman catteries on its online breeder listing. Comparatively, TICA lists 500+ Maine Coon breeders, and CFA lists 48 different Maine Coon catteries.
Birman kittens can cost anywhere from $600 to $3,000. Remember that since Birman cats are challenging to come by, you may need to have your cat shipped to you, which will likely be an extra fee.
If your heart is set on a Birman, but the price tag is too steep, dedicated pedigree rescues—like the National Birman Fanciers Rescue—are an excellent place to look. You may also be able to get a retired breeding or show cat. Adopting a Birman or a Birman mix will cost up to $600.
Factors That Affect The Price Of Birman Cats
As mentioned, the price of a pedigreed cat can vary based on rarity, but many other factors affect the price of a kitten. If you’re willing to pay the fee for a pedigreed cat, this is not the time to pick the lowest price tag. A lower price on a kitten may indicate poor breeding or an unhealthy cat, affecting your vet costs in the long run. Other factors that affect the pricing of kittens include:
- Bloodline: Cats with a proven champion bloodline will cost more than a standard cat. This is a huge selling point for breeders, so the cattery will likely mention the cat’s bloodline to indicate the offspring are of high quality.
- Breeder Quality: A quality breeder won’t cut corners when producing healthy cats, which will increase your price tag. Reputable breeders have a history of producing well-adjusted cats and typically charge more than inexperienced breeders.
- Sex: Female cats are often more expensive than males because they can breed offspring.
- Coat: Birman cats are available in four colorpoint colors, as well as tabby, tortie, and parti-color. Depending on what’s popular at the moment, a blue point Birman may be more expensive than a seal point Birman.
- Location & Time Of Year: As there are few breeders of Birman, you’ll likely have to pay for shipping costs. More kittens are generally available in spring, so buying a Birman in the colder months may cost more.
Initial Supplies And Setup For Birman Cats
Besides purchasing your cat, you must plan for other initial costs. This includes the cost of cat supplies and veterinary care. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), you should expect to pay around $455 in initial costs for your cat:
| Spay/Neuter | $150 |
| Vet Exam and Shots | $175 |
| Microchip | $20 |
| Collar/Leash/Harness | $15 |
| Litterbox | $20 |
| Scratching Post | $15 |
| Carrier | $40 |
| Grooming Tools | $20 |
Consider this a good base number, but you’ll likely spend more. Prices for veterinary care will vary on location. Add in a cat bed, food and water bowls, litter, a litter scoop and mat, toys, and a pet license (required in some cities/states), and make room for fluctuation in vet costs, which will put a reasonable estimate for initial costs at $550 to $850.
How Much Do Birman Cats Cost Per Month?
Your pet’s three greatest monthly costs will be food, litter, and medical care. These prices will vary just as with initial setup costs, but this should give you an idea of how much to budget for your Birman cat each month.
Food
The cost of feeding any cat will change with age. Kittens eat more than adults, and senior cats often need a special diet to manage health conditions. Prices of cat food vary dramatically—along with the quality of the food—and you have a choice between raw, canned food, dry kibble, and homemade meals. Like all cats, Birman thrive on a high-quality diet. You can get cat food from $15 to $100 monthly; some top-of-the-line varieties will cost even more. When considering quality pet food for your Birman, a reasonable estimate is $50 to $70 monthly.
Litter
Litter and litter box care make up a significant cost in caring for a housecat like the Birman. Depending on the number of cats in your home, you may need several litter boxes and even more litter to fill them. The type of litter you get—clay, pine, corn, walnut shell—will also affect your total cost. Expect to pay $25 to $50 monthly for cat litter and other supplies, such as litter box liners, pee pads, and waste bags.
Medical Care & Insurance
Your monthly costs in this category will vary, especially as your cat ages and require extra vet visits and medications. Cats typically visit the vet twice yearly, with a routine visit costing as little as $50 and reaching $250 or more. According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, cat owners annual expenses included $178 in routine vet visits and $201 in surgical vet visits. Budgeting emergency medical costs is challenging, so cat owners should consider pet insurance.
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reported in 2022 that the average monthly premium for accident and illness pet insurance for cats was $32.25. While it may seem like an unnecessary monthly fee, pet insurance could save you big bucks if your cat gets sick or injured.
Additional Costs To Consider
Grooming
Grooming is an optional cost for Birman cats. While this breed requires less grooming than other long-haired varieties, you may wish to have your Birman professionally groomed. According to the World Animal Foundation (WAF), a trip to the groomer will cost $50 to $100.
Toys, Treats, and More
Now to the fun part—spoiling your cat with lots of toys and treats. As any cat parent knows, it’s easy to go overboard when shopping for your cat. One of the best ways to keep on a budget is by subscribing to a monthly cat toy service. Cat subscription boxes to consider include:
- Meowbox: $25.95 monthly or every other month gets you a themed box with five items. Past packages include Napaw Valley Wine Tour—featuring catnip toys shaped like a charcuterie board, grapevine, and wine cork—and Ice Cream Pawlor, a box with goodies including an ice cream wand toy and turkey + goji berry soft chews.
- KitNipBox: Monthly boxes range from $14.99 to $32.99 and include everything from catnip toys and treats to health and hygiene products. KitNipBox will send alternatives for cats with food sensitivities for any food or treats you can’t eat.
- BoxCat: Pay $23 monthly for treats, toys, and gear or $34 monthly for treats, toys, and large items—like beds and scratching posts. Treats are handmade by BoxCat, and other items include catnip toys, wands, smart toys, CBD oil, skincare, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Birman Or Ragdoll Better?
If you’re considering buying a Birman cat, you’ve likely also thought of another white fluffball—the Ragdoll. These cats share many similarities; deciding which suits your lifestyle and budget is up to you. Our comparison of the Birman cat vs. Ragdoll cat covers everything you need to know about these two breeds, including cost, appearance, temperament, and activity level.
How Rare Is A Birman Cat?
Birman cats are rare, and you’ll need to put your name on a waiting list with a reputable breeder or rescue if you want to bring one of these kitties into your home.
Final Thoughts
When purchasing a Birman, it is essential to understand that breeder costs reflect the care for growing a healthy cat. A healthy, show-quality cat will average $1000, with champion bloodlines reaching up to $3000. Regardless of pedigree, all cats require veterinary care, quality food, clean water, and regular entertainment for a healthy and happy life.
