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A Tuxedo cat is not a specific breed. It is a coat pattern that makes them look like they’re wearing a Tuxedo with a brilliant white shirt. The cost of Tuxies can vary widely depending on the breed and pedigree. Generally, you can spend anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000.
The bicolor pattern (piebald) appears 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 strict financial decisions you must make before bringing home a Tuxedo cat. In this post, we’ll examine the initial and ongoing costs of pet ownership to help you set your budget accordingly.
Dive right in!
Bringing Home a New Tuxedo Cat: One-Time Costs
The initial cost of a Tuxedo cat will largely depend on the breed. For instance, a Tuxedo Maine Coon kitten can cost as much as $2,300, with kittens from championship lines costing well over $3,000. The Norwegian Forest Cat fetches a mid-ranging price, and a kitten will cost you roughly $1,500.
Tuxies have no definitive price because of the numerous factors that breeders consider. Even those from the same litter can vary in price based on their coloring and the details of their coat patterns. A cat’s cost can also be influenced by the effort and expenses a breeder puts into ensuring they have specific characteristics.
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.
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 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, such as vaccination, spaying/ neutering, and microchipping. Pet adoption centers have hundreds of beautiful 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 relatively low chance of finding a Tuxie waiting to be adopted.
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 they 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.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $720—$3,000+
Setting a Tuxie up can be expensive, and you must purchase essential supplies to make your cat feel at home. There is quite a long list of items you must buy, from important items 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 |
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
Food
- $45–$75 per month
The cost of keeping your cat’s belly full can vary widely depending on the brand. Large felines also need more food than smaller ones. You don’t have to buy the most expensive brand to keep your cat healthy, but it’s best to ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Like most felines, Tuxedo cats are relatively inexpensive to feed compared to other pets. You’ll likely spend $45 to $75 monthly for cat food.
Grooming
- $0–$100 per visit
Sometimes, trips to a professional groomer are inevitable. Depending on the service package you need, the cost for a single appointment ranges between $40 and $100.
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
- $25–$37 per month
Pet insurance can be as high or as low as your budget allows. The average cost of coverage per month is $25 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 illnesses or injuries. 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 purchase silica gel-based litter, expect to spend between $25 and $45 monthly. Clay litter is cheaper and will cost between $15 and $25 monthly.
It is vital to encompass other expenses you may deem necessary, like deodorizing sprays/granules and odor-eliminating cleaners. Depending on the brand, 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 | $15 to $45 |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $15 to $30 |
| Scratching post/cat tree | $20 to $200 |
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Entertainment
- $15–$80 per month
If your Tuxedo cat stays indoors, enhancing their 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.
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 them entertained for hours as they stalk their “prey” and pounce 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.
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 that only provide the basics your cat needs, the total monthly cost can go as high as $230.
Additional Costs to Factor In
- $100–$550
As a responsible pet parent, you must take care of your pet whether you are sick or need to travel. The amount you spend will depend on the services you need. If you need to travel with your cat, keeping them in the cargo hold will cost you roughly $200 one way. However, using 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.
Owning a Tuxedo Cat on a Budget
Owning a Tuxedo doesn’t have to be expensive. There are numerous ways to cut costs without impacting the health and happiness of your furry friend. First, you should begin by supporting 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 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 less when you make a bulk purchase.
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 avoid 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 procedures.
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. You can save money by scheduling appointments at low-cost vaccination centers. You can also ask your vet to recommend affordable pet insurance policies that cover preventative care.
Final Thoughts
Tuxedo cats have irresistible feline charms. Although adopting or purchasing one has numerous rewards, knowing the initial and ongoing costs you will incur is crucial.
Generally, pet care is not cheap, regardless 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 add up to several thousand dollars.
We hope the previous information can help you set an appropriate budget or decide if you are ready to bring a Tuxedo cat home. In truth, any amount you spend is just a small price for unconditional love.
Featured Image Credit: Esin Deniz, Shutterstock
2 Responses
I have five tuxedo kittens black and white, the leopard print, brindle black and gold, and black and white brindle. I'm trying to find good homes for them because I'm terminally ill and not able to keep them. The mother Kitty was killed in an accident and we bottle fed and love them and raise them they are now on soft and hard food mix they're three and a half months old great personalities and I would keep them but with my illness I need to find them good homes. I'd appreciate any help you can help me with to find them good homes.
Dear Sherrie,
thank you for your message and sorry for a bit of a late reply. We are terribly sorry to hear about your illness. It is admirable that even in the time like this, the well-being of your kittens is still on your mind. Unfortunately, we are not able to give you any specific advice on this matter, however you can read our article about this and perhaps you will find some good advice there:
– How to Responsibly Rehome a Cat: 9 Considerations & Tips – https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-to-rehome-a-cat/
Just copy and paste the URL into your browser.
We wish you all the luck and strength and hope that you will be successful in finding your kittens a great home.