Peterbald cats are highly affectionate, vocal, and loyal. They are a relatively new breed discovered in the 1990s in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where part of their name originated.
Their coats are either very short, fuzzy, or hairless, which is where the “bald” part of the name comes from. They have triangular-shaped heads and oversized ears, which sets up their distinctive look. Sometimes confused with the Sphynx cat, the Peterbald makes an excellent companion. But how much do they cost to own?
Peterbalds are expensive, and the cost of getting one from a breeder can start at $1700. Read on to learn more!
Bringing Home a New Peterbald Cat: One-Time Costs
As with any pet, you will have one-time costs to factor in. Apart from the initial cost to acquire the cat (which we’ll get into later), you’ll need a litter box, food and water bowls, bedding, and a cat carrier. Below, we’ll break the costs down so you can understand your financial responsibilities while owning a Peterbald cat.
Free
Peterbald cats are considered somewhat rare, given they’ve only been around for a few decades. They are one of the most expensive breeds in the world1—so with that said, you probably would not get lucky enough to find one for free. However, check with your local animal shelters often, as some cats end up without homes for various reasons, regardless of breed or rarity.
Adoption
- $500–$2,500+
Adopting from a rescue will cost less than buying from a breeder, but you can still expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 plus, depending on your location. If you’re set on getting a purebred Peterbald, ensure your cat comes with papers verifying their status. Regardless, however, you’ll be giving a kitty a well-deserved home.
Breeder
- $1,700–$3,000
Buying a Peterbald cat from a breeder is expensive, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,700 and up; some cost as much as $4,000. Considering the high cost of one of the fascinating felines, ensure you buy from a reputable breeder who can provide health records.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $50–$100
Your new Peterbald companion will need supplies and an initial setup consisting of a litter box, food and water dishes, a bed, high-quality cat food, and an ID tag and collar. If you’ve owned cats before, you may still have supplies you can use instead of buying new ones.
List of Peterbald Cat Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $15–$20 |
| Spay/Neuter | $70–$500 |
| X-Ray Cost | $100–$250 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $250–$500 |
| Microchip | $45–$55 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $50–$300 |
| Bed/Tank/Cage | $10–$50 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $5–$20 |
| Brush (optional) | $8 |
| Litter Box | $8–$25 |
| Litter Scoop | $10 |
| Toys | $30 (average for variety) |
| Carrier | $20–$50 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 |
How Much Does a Peterbald Cat Cost Per Month?
- $100–$300 per month
The Peterbald cat requires a little more care than the average kitty. They have ferocious appetites and require multiple small meals daily of high-protein and low-carb cat food. You’ll also need to factor in monthly preventative medication and cat litter. Overall, they are low-maintenance pets.
Health Care
- $100–$400+ per month
It’s difficult to pinpoint how much you’ll spend monthly on routine health care for the Peterbald, but due to their higher calorie requirements, you may spend more on cat food per month compared to the average cat. They have a faster metabolism due to having little or no hair, making it imperative to feed appropriately balanced nutrition.
Peterbalds are susceptible to sunburn in the summertime due to their coats, so it’s vital to apply sunscreen when planning outdoor activities with your Peterbald.
Food
- $50–$100 per month
When it comes to feeding the Peterbald cat, you’ll need to feed a few small meals throughout the day. Ensure you serve canned food and high-quality dry food without artificial flavors or preservatives. It’s best to serve high-protein formulas with low carbs.
Don’t forget healthy treats! However, don’t overdo it—treats should only account for 10% of their daily diet.
Grooming
- $30–$70 per month
Even though the Peterbald cat has little-to-no hair, their skin must be cleaned to stay healthy. While daily brushing is not required, they need monthly baths because their skin gets oily and greasy, which can cause issues.
Check and clean their ears regularly for wax buildup since they’re more susceptible to infections due to the lack of fur. You can do this monthly after a bath by wiping the ears with a soft cloth or a vet-approved wet wipe. Also, they need their teeth brushed a few times a week and their nails trimmed every month.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $50–$200 per month
As long as your Peterbald cat is healthy, you will not have monthly vet bills. Typically, your Peterbald will only require regular vet checkups once or twice a year. Any breed can develop a disease, but the Peterbald is surprisingly a healthy cat. However, since they are a relatively new breed, there isn’t much history to pinpoint if they are prone to certain diseases.
It’s best to check with your veterinarian about flea and tick medications, as some over-the-counter medications may be harmful.
Pet Insurance
- $30–$100 per month
Pet insurance varies according to the type of coverage you select and the pet insurance company rates. You have customizable options with most pet insurance companies to fit your budget, such as choosing the deductible, annual payout percentage, and type of plan (accident-only or accident and illness). You typically can add yearly preventative coverage for an additional monthly fee.
Tip: The younger your cat is, the less your monthly premium will be.
Environment Maintenance
- $10–$50 per month
As with any cat, you’ll have monthly environmental maintenance costs, including litter box liners, deodorizing sprays, a cardboard scratcher, etc. Your Peterbald cat will require mental and physical stimulation, and your kitty will appreciate having a scratching post or cardboard scratchers in the home. Cardboard scratchers will need to be replaced monthly.
The litter box will have monthly environmental requirements to keep it fresh and germ-free, which we’ve outlined below.
| Litter box liners | $7/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $10/month |
| Cardboard Scratcher | $12/month |
Entertainment
- $10–$50 per month
Peterbald cats love to be entertained. They are highly intelligent and are capable of learning tricks. However, your Peterbald cat will enjoy having toys around to play with. An excellent way to provide entertainment is to invest in a monthly subscription to a cat toy box that’s conveniently delivered right to your front door.
You can customize the box to accommodate your cat’s particular needs, such as providing a mixture of toys, treats, and catnip. You can also choose a bi-monthly subscription with some companies if that better suits your needs.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Peterbald Cat
- $100–$300 per month
As a Peterbald cat owner, you will spend slightly more on cat food than the average cat due to the nutritional requirements we’ve discussed. Keeping toys around is important for physical and mental health.
Additional Costs to Factor In
There may be times when you have to travel, and you can’t take your kitty with you. In that case, hiring a pet sitter is ideal. The Peterbald does not do well being left alone for long periods, and if you can’t take your cat with you, we suggest hiring a pet sitter who can come to your home and spend quality time with your Peterbald.
Injuries and illnesses can happen without warning, and you must be prepared for the unexpected.
Owning a Peterbald Cat on a Budget
Becoming a pet owner or even contemplating being a pet owner requires the finances to care for your pet properly. However, you don’t have to buy the most expensive items or toys. For example, you can buy fancy automatic self-cleaning litter boxes, but most cats are happy with simple designs as long as they’re clean.
Although you can find quality, affordable toys or make your own, we do not recommend skimping on high-quality cat food. Keeping your Peterbald healthy is vital and will prevent expensive vet bills.
Saving Money on Peterbald Cat Care
You can always look for coupons and deals regarding food and toys, and some companies will send you coupons after you give them your email address.
You can also sign up for a membership at your local pet store. Many offer weekly or monthly deals on items, and some provide free products depending on the number of purchases you make. For example, you may get one free bag of food after your 10th purchase.
Instead of taking your Peterbald to the groomer, you can clean their skin, trim their nails, and brush their teeth at home.
Conclusion
As with any cat, you’ll have monthly costs to consider. Remember that Peterbalds have huge appetites, and you’ll spend a little more on high-quality cat food than the average cat. Cat toys, cat litter, toys, scratching posts, and treats will also be monthly expenses to factor in.
Peterbald cats are fun to own and will become a loyal family companion, but you must care for them properly. You don’t have to buy pet insurance, but it may help in case your kitty gets injured or sick unexpectedly. Ultimately, being a Peterbald cat owner involves hours of countless fun and companionship.
Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
