As soon as you have decided to get an American Shorthair, the next question you might have is how much does it cost? You might also be wondering about the other expenses incurred for its maintenance.
First off, an American Shorthair is not a cheap cat to own. From the point of sale down to its daily and annual upkeep, there are a lot of factors to consider to ensure that it lives healthy and happy.
This article will help you with all these considerations and more! I will even throw in some tips on how you can save money in the process. So keep on reading!
The Average Cost of an American Shorthair Kitten
The average price of an American Shorthair kitten is between $500 and $800. This cost is influenced by factors such as age, pedigree, location, and the breeder’s reputation. Moreover, American Shorthairs from champion bloodlines could even fetch higher prices of up to $3000.
Unsurprisingly, some American Shorthairs that have the lineage of the very first ancestors of the breed in the country acquire hefty price tags.
If you feel challenged with the price of the American Shorthair, the good news is that there are other ways for you to obtain this cat. One such way is through adoption, which will be discussed in the latter section of this guide.
Meanwhile, you can check this video to learn more about the American Shorthair:
Factors Affecting the Cost of an American Shorthair Kitten
The cost of an American Shorthair may vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, age, pedigree, and others. Understanding these aspects will help you gauge if the kitten you are buying is reasonably priced.
Below is a list of factors that drive the price of an American Shorthair kitten:
- Health Guarantees: Reputable breeders mostly provide a health certificate for every kitten they rehome. Taking hone an American Shorthair with a health guarantee may seem more costly but will protect you from the higher cost of medical expenses from having a sickly cat.
- Breeder’s Reputation: Breeders that made their name in producing healthy litters from champion pedigree would naturally put a higher price tag on their kittens. They also offer a lot of inclusions along with the purchase of the cat.
- Age: Like any other breed, kittens usually cost more than adult cats. Purchasing a kitten gives you the joy of experiencing your cat grow from being a cute kitten to being a loyal adult cat.
- Location: If you have chosen to get an American Shorthair from a breeder that is far from your current location, expect to shoulder the cost of shipping or delivery. The farther the location, the higher the cost.
- Registration: The registration of your American Shorthair is proof of its purity and pedigree. Breeders incorporate this into the price of the cat, making registered American Shorthair a bit more pricey. However, this is a necessary expense if you wish to be a breeder.
Other factors may also include color, appearance, and bloodline. This list could go on. However, always discern how far you would go in terms of your kitten’s price versus saving up for upkeep expenses.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an American Shorthair From a Rescue?
Adopting an American Shorthair only costs about $70 to $150, much less than buying one from a breeder by a wide margin. This price may also be driven by factors, such as the cat’s age, vaccines, or if it is spayed or neutered.
You may find an American Shorthair being offered for adoption from rescue organizations or animal shelters. These non-profit organizations do all necessary actions to keep the cat healthy before offering them for adoption.
They usually vaccinate, spay or neuter, and have their rescued cats checked up by a vet. Expect a higher value for adoption if these procedures are completed.
Initial Cost of American Shorthair Ownership
There are things to consider in taking an American Shorthair home to ensure its health and well-being. Part of your financial planning would be to allocate for these upkeep expenses.
Below is a list of things that should be provided for the American Shorthair for its overall welfare:
- Food and Treats: High-quality cat food is crucial for your American Shorthair to keep it healthy and well-nourished. Moreover, treats are also an effective tool in training your cats. Good quality and nutritional food and treats may cost you around $20 to $50.
- Food and Water Bowls: Choosing a sturdy food and water bowl of the right size for your cat is important. You need ones that would last a lifetime, yet your cat won’t have difficulty eating or drinking from. This may hold you back by $10 to $25.
- Litter Box: American Shorthairs are indoor pets that need a place for their potty. There are different types of litter boxes ranging between $20 and $160. Choose one that will make your cat comfortable in doing its thing.
- Litter Sand: Litter sand is essential in making your cat’s litter easier to clean while removing foul odor in your house. You can get this cat essential for $5 to $25.
- Collar and ID Tag: American Shorthairs love to walk around outside the house, so your cat needs to be identified in the unlikely instance that it might get lost. A well-designed or customized collar and ID Tag can cost you around $5 to $20.
- Cat Bed: American Shorthairs love to rest, have their own space, and most of all, sleep. They need a comfortable spot where they can enjoy themselves. A nice and soft cat bed for your American Shorthair can range between $15 and $30.
- Cat Carrier: A dependable cat carrier, priced at around $20 to $60, is needed when you bring your furry companion to the vet, mall, park, or even on long travels.
- Toys and Scratching Posts: Just like any cat, American Shorthairs love to play around and scratch your furniture. Therefore, toys should be provided to them to improve their mood. Scratching posts may cost you around $15 to $70.
- Grooming Essentials: Make sure to maintain the proper hygiene of your American Shorthair, especially its fur and claws. The items you will use to brush their coats, trim their nails, clean their ears, and give them a bath may hold you back by $25 to $35.
- Initial Vet Visits: Regular checkups are needed to keep your American Shorthair healthy through early detection of illnesses before they worsen. Prepare for around $100 to $250 when you visit your vet.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Vaccination is important to protect your cat against basic life-threatening illnesses, including rabies. These shots will cost you around $25 to $50.
- Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: American Shorthairs are also prone to parasite-related illnesses. These conditions may be dangerous and contagious, so it would be wise to set aside $30 to $100 for protection.
- Neutering or Spaying: Neutering or spaying is very effective in shielding your American Shorthair from the risk of breast cancer and urinary tract infections. This surgery can hold you back by around $200 to $500.
- Microchip: In case your American Shorthair gets lost, a microchip can be helpful in retrieving your dog since it has all the information of the owner. This may be implanted in your fur buddy for $40 to $60.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: To clean up after your American Shorthair’s mess, you need items such as poop bags, a scooper, and other essential tools. These other essential supplies can cost around $15 to $30.
Below is a summary of all the initial costs of owning an American Shorthair:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $20 – $50 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $25 |
| Litter Box | $20 – $160 |
| Litter Sand | $15 – $25 |
| Collar and ID Tag | $5 – $20 |
| Cat Bed | $15 – $30 |
| Cat Carrier | $20 – $60 |
| Toys and Scratching Post | $15 – $70 |
| Grooming Essentials | $25 – $35 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $250 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $25 – $50 |
| Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications | $30 – $100 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $200 – $500 |
| Microchip | $40 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
| Total Initial Cost | $555 – $1,465 |
Please note that most of the items on this list should be prepared and purchased before bringing your American Shorthair home.
Many on this list are also one-time purchases, like grooming essentials, cat beds, cat carriers, food and water bowls, and litter boxes. I highly recommend getting high-quality items so that they would last for a longer time.
Annual Cost of Owning an American Shorthair
Most pet owners consider their American Shorthairs not just as pets but as family members as well. Therefore, spending for them should be part of the annual budget too!
Normally, annual costs include expenses related to your cat’s health, hygiene, and maintenance.
Below is a summary of the annual budget you are going to need for your American Shorthair:
| Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
| Food and Treats | $200 – $500 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $25 |
| Litter Box | $20 – $160 |
| Litter Sand | $200 – $250 |
| Cat Bed | $20 – $30 |
| Cat Carrier | $20 – $60 |
| Toys and Scratching Post | $100 – $250 |
| Grooming Essentials | $100 – $200 |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $100 – $200 |
| Vaccinations | $50 – $130 |
| Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications | $60 – $150 |
| Pet Insurance | $360 – $600 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $30 – $50 |
| Yearly Total | $1,270 – $2,605 |
| Average Monthly Cost | $106 – $217 |
Many of these expenses, such as grooming essentials, routine health checkups, vaccinations, pet insurance, and medications, are measures to keep your pet safe and healthy.
These will eventually protect you from higher costs of emergency medical expenses should your pet get into an accident or incur any illnesses not detected early.
Other Potential Expenses
It can be hard to predict when you suddenly need to leave your cat in a pet daycare or when your cat unexpectedly needs emergency medical attention. It pays to be ready!
Below is a listing of other potential pet expenses for your American Shorthair:
- Pet Daycare: In case of a long travel or business trip, asking someone to look after your American Shorthair may be considered. Therefore, a pet daycare could be a convenient option. Services of pet daycares may cost you around $20 to $30 per day.
- Grooming Services: Grooming takes a lot of time and effort. Hence, considering a grooming service can be helpful in maintaining your American Shorthair’s hygiene. This may run you from $100 to $200.
- Emergency Check-ups: Health issues are inevitable. Hence, emergency visits to the vet must be assumed. Depending on the treatment and medications needed, this can hold you back by $1000 to $5000.
- Health Supplements: These are intakes needed for your pet’s immune system and are effective in reducing the risk of having more serious illnesses. It may cost $20 up to $200.
- Dental Costs: Oral healthcare for your cat is also something to consider. Their teeth and gums are connected to their overall health condition. Set aside $70 to $400 for dental services for your cat.
No matter the reason for your other expenses, it is always wise to have an emergency budget that you can use to keep your American Shorthair safe.
Places to Find American Shorthair Kittens for Sale and Adoption
American Shorthairs are one of the first breeds registered by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). As a popular breed, it is not difficult to look for an available kitten.
However, it is important to ensure that you get one from a reputable cattery. Avoid getting your American Shorthair from kitten farms or mills. These groups breed mostly for profit, and you may even end up with an unhealthy kitten.
Here is a list of trusted breeders of purebred American Shorthairs:
- Melody Garden American Shorthairs – Melody Garden has been breeding champion lineage American Shorthairs since 1991. They have already produced 30 champions and 15 grand champions under their program.
- Lynzkatz American Shorthairs – LynzKatz is a Pennsylvania-based breeder that has been producing healthy and happy American Shorthair kittens for more than 30 years. Many of their breeding stocks have been recognized with a distinguished merit award for producing champion offspring.
- Milla’s Kats – Milla’s Kats is based in California. Their parent cats are all registered with the CFA and The International Cat Registration (TICA). Aside from quality kittens, retired adults may also be available in this cattery for rehoming.
Moreover, for owners who are on a tight budget and prefer to adopt American Shorthairs, you may check the following sites:
- Petfinder – Petfinder is a user-friendly database with a network of about 11,000 animal shelters and rescue organizations where you can search for the best kitten for you. They have thousands of American Shorthairs waiting to be adopted.
- GoKitty! – The goal of this online pet platform is to match caring owners of cats with the kittens available. You can sort your search based on distance, price, gender, and age, making it easier to locate the right cat or kitten for you.
- Rescue Me! – To date, Rescue Me! has already rehomed 7,921 American Shorthairs to loving homes. The interface of this site shows how many of a specific breed are up for adoption in every state in the United States, making the search very convenient.
If you still haven’t found the right kitten for you at this point, you can further check this guide on finding free kittens near your area.
Money-Saving Tips for American Shorthair Owners
Having an American Shorthair can be costly because of the additional spending it brings to the household. However, there are practical ways to cut your expenses, allowing you to save a little more.
Below are a few money-saving tips for taking care of your American Shorthair:
- Make your own toys and scratching post. Instead of buying brand new toys from the pet shop, you can search online and learn how to create a DIY toy for your pet. For example, having a long stick and affixing a dangling fluffy ball at the end could work.
- Groom your cat at home. American Shorthairs are low-maintenance cats. You just need to comb their fur to smoothen it regularly. Instead of bringing them to commercial grooming services, you may buy tools such as claw nippers, toothbrushes, and other hygiene products so you can groom them at home.
- Keep your cat healthy and safe. Do not think that your cat’s basic needs, such as high-quality food, vitamins, and routine vet visits, are just luxuries. They are crucial for the health of your pet. Investing well in these will give your cat a high immunity from illnesses, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
- Make a do-it-yourself cat bed. Another do-it-yourself project you can do for your cat is its bed. You will only need a t-shirt, cotton cloth, and a box. There are a lot of tutorials online on how to make one.
Here is a video of how to make your own cat bed and save money:
Be resourceful and creative in knowing how to take care of your American Shorthair. Strike the right balance between being prudent yet not neglecting its everyday needs.
Final Thoughts
The American Shorthair is a cat breed many families wish to have due to its playful, friendly, and inclusive nature. This creates a huge demand for this breed that dictates how breeders price it.
As one of the first registered breeds in the United States, it is good to know that this breed is widely available in the market.
Whether you look for one from reputable breeders or adoption centers, you always have to consider that owning an American Shorthair entails financial planning not just at the onset but for its lifetime.
Even though this might potentially create a dent in your usual daily expenses, be creative in cutting costs without sacrificing your American Shorthair’s quality of life.
Hopefully, this article has given you a deeper understanding of the costs and upkeep expenses related to owning an American Shorthair. Are you now ready to take home one? Let us know in the comments!
