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Scottish Folds are a very interesting breed and are one of the rarest cats in the world. Not only do they have a distinct appearance, but they also come in several coat colors and patterns. Their name comes from the shape of their ears, which are folded downward instead of standing upright.
If you want a Scottish Fold as your next pet, you probably wonder how much they cost. In general, adopting a Scottish Fold can cost between $300 and $500, and getting one from a breeder can cost as much as $3,000. Let’s find out more!
Bringing Home a New Scottish Fold: One-Time Costs
Owning a Scottish Fold cat is an expensive commitment. If you purchase your cat from a breeder, you’re looking at 10 to 15 years of care, vet bills, and food. Purebred cats cost more, in general, due to their breed status and popularity.
Some colors cost more than others as well, depending on the rarity. The cost also varies depending on how many cats are available and how much each one sells for, but expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on your Scottish Fold kitten.
Free
It will be challenging to get a Scottish Fold for free. However, asking your family, friends, or colleagues to see if they have a Scottish Fold that has had a litter doesn’t hurt.
Remember that you won’t know the cat’s health status. If you find one for free, ensure you’re getting them from someone you trust, and ask to see the cat in person before adopting them.
Adoption
- $300–$500
One of the best ways to save money on a Scottish Fold is to try a local rescue organization. You can start with your area’s rescue organizations or examine rescues in neighboring states online. The amount you will pay for the cat depends on age, gender, and overall health, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 for these cats if you’re lucky enough to find one.
Breeder
- $500–$3,000
If you buy a Scottish Fold from a breeder, you’ll pay up to $3,000! If the cat is a kitten, you can expect to pay more. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable breeder. A good breeder will allow you to visit their facility and provide health records for kittens and the parent cats.
Avoid breeders selling Scottish Fold kittens for low prices, as it may be a sign of poor breeding practices and unhealthy kittens. Also, be aware of breeders who won’t let you visit and don’t provide health records for their kittens.
Initial Setup and Supplies
To keep your kitten healthy and happy, you’ll need to feed them nutritious food. You may also want to invest in a high-quality litter box that is easy to clean so your cat doesn’t have to roam the house looking for a place to do their business.
If you decide to get an adult cat from a breeder or rescue group rather than a backyard breeder, be prepared to wait for one to become available. Most breeders of rare cats have long waiting lists.
However, you can contact them for updates on vaccinations and health checks and discuss the feeding routine, training methods, and other lifestyle concerns.
Let’s look at more supplies that you may need:
List of Scottish Folds Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $15–$20 |
| Spay/Neuter | $200–$500 |
| X-Ray Cost | $100–$270 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $250–$500 |
| Microchip | $45–$60 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $50–$300 |
| Bed | $35 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $10 |
| Brush (optional) | $10 |
| Litter Box | $15 |
| Litter Scoop | $10 |
| Scratching Posts & Toys | $40 |
| Carrier | $40 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $20 |
How Much Does a Scottish Fold Cost Per Month?
Determining the monthly cost of owning a Scottish Fold cat can be challenging since prices vary widely based on several factors. Food and veterinary care are both important considerations, but other factors, such as maintenance costs, may also come into play and vary depending on your cat’s health.
However, the average monthly cost will be between $80 and $200. This is an average across the board. It considers the costs of medical care, grooming, feeding, and much more. Keep in mind that $100 per month is just an average. Some owners spend much less, while others spend more.
That is why setting a budget before you begin the adoption process is so important.
Health Care
- $75–$1,000/year
Health care for your Scottish Fold will cost more than with other types of cats. They are prone to some fairly serious health issues, which may cause an increase in medical bills. That is not to say that a Scottish Fold will suffer from health issues, but they are more likely to than many other breeds due to genetic mutations.
Food
- $20–$40/month
When owning a Scottish Fold, you must consider a few maintenance costs. The first is food. You should expect to spend $20–$40 monthly on food for your cat, but you’ll possibly pay more if you spring for the highest-quality brand.
Grooming
- $35/year
Scottish Fold owners must remember that grooming is integral to caring for them. Although they may be low-maintenance pets, you should brush their fur at least once a week but preferably more often.
This will keep them from getting painful knots in their fur. While brushing your cat’s fur is easy, you must buy the right grooming tools. You can expect to pay around $10–$15 for a good brush. This won’t be a monthly expense, but you may have to replace the brush occasionally throughout your pet’s life.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $30–$120/month
The most important factor in care costs is your pet’s health. You don’t want to bring home a sickly cat, and it’s imperative to select a healthy cat from the start. You can do this by visiting a few breeders before making your final decision and ensuring you see the cat’s health records.
Visiting the vet before you bring your new Scottish Fold home can also help you understand what you must do to keep them healthy. It takes minimal effort to keep your cat healthy. You can expect to pay between $30 and $120 monthly.
The most common expenses you can expect include heartworm medication, flea and tick medication, and vaccines.
Pet Insurance
- $30/month
When buying a Scottish Fold, especially for a high price, you will also want to have a budget for pet insurance. If you don’t purchase a reliable policy, you may be in for a shock if your pet needs emergency vet care.
Pet insurance is something that every cat owner should have. It is a small monthly investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run, especially if your cat has an emergency. The average monthly cost for insurance for your Scottish Fold is around $30.
That is less than the average cost of most other breeds. However, it is ideal to examine several insurance providers to find the best monthly rate and premium.
Environment Maintenance
- $30–$50/month
Maintaining your cat’s environment, including the litter box, also has monthly costs that must be considered. For example, you must refresh the litter and disposal bags and consider other ongoing costs of keeping the area clean and smelling fresh. These will vary but can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 monthly.
Example (for cats):
| Litter box liners | $15/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $30/month |
| Cardboard scratcher | $12/month |
Entertainment
- $100/year
You should also expect to spend around $100 every year on toys. The toys can help you keep your cat entertained while you’re at work. They can also help you get to know your cat better and what they like for entertainment. This will make living with them much easier, as bored cats can quickly turn a home into a disaster area.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Scottish Fold
- $150–$300/month
The total monthly cost of owning your Scottish Fold varies but can range from $150 to $300. You’ll need to set up a budget before you bring one home.
Additional Costs to Factor In
In many cases, unexpected costs can include unforeseen health issues, illnesses, or accidents. For example, you may find your cat wandering around in the backyard, eating flowers from a poisonous plant.
Or, you may accidentally leave the top off a food container on the counter and come home to find your cat eating hazardous ingredients. It’s best to save money for unexpected expenses in the event that you need emergency vet care. That is where having pet insurance can help.
Owning a Scottish Fold on a Budget
The best way to save money on Scottish Fold care is to plan ahead. The first thing you should do is set a budget. Whether you plan to buy a cat or adopt one doesn’t matter. You need to know how much money you can spend. This will help you avoid any unexpected expenses later on.
Saving Money on Scottish Fold Care
Now that you know how much a Scottish Fold costs, you may wonder how to own one without breaking the bank. There are a few things you can do to save money. First, you can buy an adult Scottish Fold from a rescue center. You can find adult Scottish folds in adoption centers or online, and you can also visit a breeder and inquire about less expensive cats.
You can also get your cat spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering will lower your cat’s risk of contracting diseases. Also, consider buying your supplies in bulk to save on maintenance costs.
For example, buying food in large containers can save a lot of money. The same goes for toys. You can clip coupons or sign up for rewards programs at your local pet store. You never know what kind of deals you may find.
Conclusion
Scottish Folds are one of the rarest breeds of cats in the world. You can visit rescue groups or shelters if you want to adopt a Scottish Fold. If you find a reputable breeder, you can save money by paying a lower price for coat colors and patterns that aren’t as rare or buying an adult cat vs. a kitten.
You should expect to spend about $1,000 per year on supplies for your cat, with the average cost between $100 and $200 monthly. You should also prepare for vet visits every year. They cost between $50 and $200 each time you see a veterinarian. When you’re ready to purchase one, you can expect to pay up to $3,000 for a Scottish Fold.
See also:
- How Much Does a Tortoiseshell Cat Cost? Updated Price Guide
- Are Scottish Fold Cats Affectionate? Facts & FAQ
Featured IImage Credit: Ivanova Ksenia, Shutterstock
