How Much Does a British Shorthair Kitten Cost and Why the Price Varies

 When future cat parents start looking for a British Shorthair or Longhair kitten, one of the first questions is: “Why are prices so different?” You may see kittens offered for a few hundred, while others cost more than a few thousand. Let’s explore why.

✨ Price depends on several key factors:

1. Breeder vs. Backyard Seller

  • Registered catteries with pedigrees, health guarantees, and contracts invest in their cats’ wellbeing.
  • Random sellers often skip vaccinations, health checks, and proper care — which may look cheaper at first but can cost you more in vet bills later.

2. Health and Genetic Testing

  • Responsible breeders test their cats for PKD, HCM, blood group, genetic carriers.
  • This guarantees your kitten grows up healthy and you avoid heartbreaking problems.
  • Testing and veterinary care are expensive — and this is part of the kitten’s price.

3. Pedigree and Bloodlines

  • Kittens from champion parents or rare bloodlines (imported cats, rare colors) are usually more expensive.
  • This doesn’t just mean “documents,” but proof of origin, breed standards, and temperament.

4. Color and Coat Type

  • Some colors (like chocolate, cinnamon, colorpoint, longhair) are rarer and therefore may cost more.
  • Classic blue British Shorthairs are more common and often more affordable.

5. Raising with Care

  • In a good cattery, kittens are raised at home, with people, socialized, used to children and everyday life.
  • They receive quality food (BARF, balanced raw diet, premium dry food), clean conditions, and constant love.
  • This huge investment of time and money reflects in the kitten’s cost.

💡 So, how much does a kitten really cost?

🇪🇺 In Europe:

Pet class (loving homes, no breeding rights): €800 – €1,500

Breed/show class (rare colors, breeding rights, champion lines): €1,800 – €3,000+

🇺🇸 In the USA:

Pet class: $1,200 – $2,000

Breed/show class: $2,500 – $4,000+

🐱 Why choosing the cheapest option may cost more later

Saving money on the kitten’s price may mean:

  • Lack of vaccinations
  • No genetic testing
  • Poor socialization
  • Health risks

A kitten is a 15–20 year family member, so the real investment is in their health, temperament, and happiness.

👉 At CDiamonds Cattery we guarantee:

  • Healthy kittens with veterinary certificates
  • Pedigree and proof of origin
  • Loving upbringing at home
  • Support and advice even after your kitten goes to its new family

Because for us, every kitten is family. ❤️