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

British Shorthair Kittens from Criative Diamonds

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.