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How Much Do Tuxedo Cats Cost? 2024 Price Guide

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

tuxedo-cat

How Much Do Tuxedo Cats Cost? 2024 Price Guide

A Tuxedo cat is not a specific feline breed. It is a coat pattern that makes the pet look like it’s wearing a Tuxedo with a brilliant white shirt. As such, the cost of Tuxies can vary widely depending on the breed and pedigree of the pet you choose. Generally, you can spend anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000.

The bicolor pattern (piebald) arises in numerous breeds, including American Shorthair, Persian cat, British Shorthair, Turkish Van, Manx cat, Maine Coon, etc. Although it’s not particularly rare, its high demand can drive up the initial expense of purchase or adoption.

There are tough financial decisions you must make before bringing home a Tuxedo cat. In this post, we will demystify the initial and ongoing costs of pet ownership to help you set your budget accordingly.

Dive right in!

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Bringing Home a New Tuxedo Cat: One-Time Costs

The initial cost of a Tuxedo cat will largely depend on the breed you desire. For instance, a Tuxedo Maine Coon kitten can cost as high as $2,300, with kittens from high breeding lines costing well over $3,000. The Norwegian Forest Cat fetches a mid-ranging price, and a kitten will cost you roughly $1,500. If you are on the budget, you could settle for a Scottish fold and pay between $500 and $750.

Tuxies have no definitive price because of the numerous factors that breeders consider. Even Tuxies from the same litter can vary in price based on their coloring and the details of their coat patterns. The cost of a cat can also be influenced by the effort and expenses a breeder puts into ensuring it has specific characteristics.

Tuxedo catsitting in a chair
Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker, Shutterstock

Free

Finding a Tuxedo cat at no cost is uncommon, although it’s not unheard of. Maybe a friend has a litter of kittens and would not mind giving you one. You may also be lucky to find a good neighbor willing to give away their Tuxedo cat for free to a responsible owner.

But let’s face it; the chances of getting a Tuxie without spending a dime are slim. Even free adoption events seldom have Tuxedo kittens, and you may have to settle for an older cat, perhaps one with a myriad of health problems.

Adoption

  • $110—$225

Adopting a Tuxie from a shelter is a more practical alternative to scouting your neighborhood for a free cat. Adoption fees range between $110 and $225, depending on the organization you adopt from. The cost can even be higher based on the age and breed of the cat you want.

Other aspects that can influence adoption costs include the wellness services a cat has already received. They may include vaccination, spaying/ neutering, and microchipping.

Pet adoption centers have hundreds of wonderful cats in need of loving homes. It’s always a good idea to check local animal shelters before consulting a breeder. Unfortunately, you probably have a fairly low chance of finding a Tuxie waiting to be adopted.

Tuxedo cat
Image Credit: Liao Zhiwo Henry, Shutterstock

Breeder

  • $1,000—$3,000

The average price of a Tuxedo cat from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $2,000. However, prices can go as high as $3,000 depending on a feline’s age, breed, and ancestry. Moreover, the initial cost of buying a Tuxie from a breeder will depend on numerous other factors, including whether you want a mixed breed or purebred cat.

It is also common for breeders to classify cats into pet-quality and show-quality categories. Although both make excellent pets, show-quality Tuxies, especially from rare or popular breeds, fetch over $3,000.

Among the main perks of getting your Tuxie from a breeder is that such experts intentionally breed their cats. This makes it easier to gather accurate information about the breed, health, and temperament of the cat you will bring home.

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Initial Setup and Supplies

  • $720—$3,000+

Setting a Tuxie up can be expensive, and you must shell out some extra dough to make your cat feel at home. There is quite a long list of items you must buy, from important stuff like cat litter and food bowls to optional purchases like a window perch.

Item/ Service Price
Cat collar $5–$30
Spaying or neutering $270–$540
Initial vet exam & vaccinations $215–$540
Microchipping $80–$110
Teeth Cleaning $430–$645
Bedding $25–$50
Grooming supplies $10–$60
Litter box $15–$750
Food $15–$75
Treats $10–$50
Toys $15–$80
Cat carrier $20–$145
Food & water bowls $15–$145
tuxedo domestic shorthair cat with large dilated pupils
Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

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How Much Does a Tuxedo Cat Cost Per Month?

  • $193–$847 per month

After settling the one-time expenses of setting up your Tuxie in your home, the monthly expense of caring for your cat will drastically drop. Here is a more detailed breakdown of where the money goes.

Health Care

  • $104–$512 per month

If you drop by your vet for flea and tick treatments, expect to spend between $140 and $185

Image Credit: Liao Zhiwo Henry, Shutterstock

Food

  • $45–$75 per month

The cost of keeping your cat’s belly full can vary widely depending on your chosen kibble brand. Large feline breeds also have more nutritional needs than smaller ones.

Generally, you can expect to spend between $40 and $60 for a four-pound bag of premium-quality kibbles. The cost of treats ranges between $5 and $15.

Grooming

  • $0–$100 per visit

Sometimes, trips to a professional groomer are inevitable. The cost for a single appointment ranges between $40 and $100, depending on the service package you need.

Tuxedo Ragdoll cat in the garden
Image By: Donna la, Shutterstock

Medications and Vet Visits

  • $50–$300 per month

Vet visits can dramatically increase the overall cost of owning a Tuxedo cat. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about unplanned expenses if you have a generally healthy cat. The cost of vet visits and medications ranges between $50 and $300, depending on the services you need.

Pet Insurance

  • $9–$37 per month

Pet insurance can be as high or as low as your budget allows. The average cost of coverage per month is $9 to $37. Your spending will depend on your insurance provider, your Tuxedo cat’s breed, and the coverage plan that best suits your needs.

You cannot afford to underestimate the importance of having pet insurance. Coverage gives you peace of mind in the face of unexpected illness or injury. As mentioned earlier, vet bills can negatively impact your finances and drive your monthly budget upward by several thousand dollars.

Environment Maintenance

  • $38–$255 per month

One Tuxedo cat typically uses roughly 20 pounds of litter monthly. If you opt for silica gel-based litter, expect to spend between $10 and $25 monthly. Clay litter is cheaper and will cost between $3 and $6 monthly.

It is vital to encompass other expenses you may deem necessary, like deodorizing sprays/granules and odor-eliminating cleaners. Depending on your chosen brands, you could spend between $15 and $30. You’ll also need to invest in a scratcher to stop your furry friend from ruining your furniture.

Item Price
Cat litter $3 to $25
Deodorizing spray or granules $15 to $30
Scratching post/cat tree $20 to $200

Entertainment

  • $15–$80 per month

If your Tuxedo cat stays indoors, enhancing its environment and providing a reasonable array of entertainment sources is crucial. For instance, you should provide hiding and perching options to keep your pet climbing and jumping like it was outdoors.

Moreover, your cat needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation to thrive. For instance, you can encourage your Tuxie to hunt by investing in toys that emulate the natural hunting sequence. String toys and ping pong balls can keep it entertained for hours as it locates its “prey,” stalks it, and pounces on it.

Depending on your budget and preferences, cat toys cost $15–$80. Fortunately, quality items last longer, meaning you don’t have to spend on new ones monthly.

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Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Tuxedo Cat

  • $193–$847 per month

Your brand preferences and the individual needs of your Tuxie will play a significant role in dictating your monthly expenditure. If you settle for high-end brands of only the basics that your cat needs, the total monthly cost of pet ownership can go as high as $230.

Tuxedo-Ragamuffin-Cat
Image By: Kill_Baal, Shutterstock

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Additional Costs to Factor In

  • $100–$550

Life happens. As a responsible pet parent, you must take care of your pet whether you are sick or need to travel. The amount you will spend will highly depend on the services you need.

If you need to travel with your cat, flying it as cargo will cost you roughly $200 one way. Moving it to a boarding facility is cheaper and will cost around $25 per night. If you opt for a pet sitter instead, expect to pay between $30 and $50 per night.

Although you will not encounter unexpected monthly costs, it is best to set aside a reasonable budget for your furry companion. This will ensure it is happy and healthy irrespective of life’s twists and turns.

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Owning a Tuxedo Cat on a Budget

Owning a Tuxie doesn’t have to be tough on your wallet. There are numerous effective ways to cut costs without impacting the health and happiness of your furry friend.

First, you should begin by protecting your pet’s health. The surest way to accomplish this is to provide a balanced diet and plenty of drinking water. Also, get into a healthy feeding routine to avoid common medical concerns caused by obesity. You can also avoid dental work costs by brushing your cat’s teeth every other day and investing in plenty of dental treats.

And, of course, you can save money on numerous items by buying in bulk. Toys, food, and cat litter cost way less when you make a bulk purchase.

tuxedo cat
Image By: laurenhudgins, Pixabay

Saving Money on a Tuxedo Cat’s Care

Unfortunately, keeping up with the expenses of owning a Tuxedo cat can sound like more than you bargained for. However, a little creativity can go a long way in ensuring your pet parenting costs remain within your budget without jeopardizing your cat’s health or happiness.

Healthcare expenses can quickly take a toll on your finances. The best way to go around them is to focus on preventative care. Regular checkups and vaccinations can save you thousands of dollars in the long haul by protecting your cat from expensive to-treat diseases.

For instance, heartworm preventative medication costs $5 to $15 monthly. Heartworm disease is not treatable in cats and can cost you a pretty penny to manage it. So, what if your budget doesn’t allow getting preventative care from regular vet hospitals?

You can save money by scheduling low-cost vaccinations in animal shelters. Such centers also provide desexing services at considerably lower rates. You can also ask your vet to recommend affordable pet insurance policies that cover preventative care.

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Final Thoughts

Tuxedo cats have irresistible feline charms. Although adopting or purchasing one has numerous great rewards, it is crucial to know the initial and ongoing costs you will incur.

Generally, pet care is not cheap irrespective of the feline breed you choose. The annual cost of owning a relatively healthy Tuxedo cat can range between $340 and $1,250, depending on whether you have an indoor or outdoor pet. The lifetime cost of cat ownership can quickly sum up to several thousand dollars.

We hope the above information can help you set an appropriate budget or decide if you are truly ready to bring home a Tuxie. In truth, any amount you spend is just a small price to pay for unconditional love.


Featured Image Credit: Esin Deniz, Shutterstock

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