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How Much Does a Scottish Fold Cost in 2023? Updated Price Guide

Scottish Folds are a very interesting breed. They are one of the rarest cats in the world. Not only do they have a very distinct appearance, but these cats also come in several different coat colors and patterns as well. Their name comes from the shape of their ears, which are folded downward instead of standing upright like with other breeds.

If you are interested in getting a Scottish Fold as your next pet, then you should know how much these little guys cost. In general, adopting a Scottish Fold can cost between $300-$500, and getting one from a breeder can cost as much as $3,000. Let’s find out more!

Click below to jump ahead:

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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 breed status and popularity. Certain colors can cost more than others as well, depending on 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.

cute Scottish fold kittens chinchilla one month old_Mikhail Kniazev_shutterstock
Image Credit: Mikhail Kniazev, Shutterstock

Free

It may be rather difficult to get a cat of this breed for free. This is because these cats are bred more by breeders than regular cat owners. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask around in your family, friend, or work circles to see if they have a Scottish Fold cat that has had a litter.

Remember that when doing this, you aren’t guaranteed the health status of the cat like you are with a reputable breeder. If you do manage to find one for free, make sure that you’re getting it from someone you trust, and ask to see the cat in person before committing to taking it.

Adoption

  • $300–$500

One of the best ways to get a Scottish Fold for a low cost is to try a local rescue organization. You can start with the local breed rescue organizations in your area or go online to see those in neighboring states. The amount that you will pay for the cat depends on its 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’re going to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,000 more for the cat. The cats can cost as much as $3,000! If the cat is a kitten, you can expect to pay on the higher end. As mentioned earlier, this cat is a rare breed, and with all things rare comes higher price tags.

Make sure you’re buying from a reputable breeder. A good breeder will allow you to visit their facility in person as well as provide health records for kittens and the parent cats. Avoid breeders that are selling Scottish Fold kittens for cheap prices, as it may be a sign of poor breeding practices and unhealthy kittens. Also, be aware of breeders that won’t let you visit and don’t provide health records for their kittens.

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Initial Setup and Supplies

To keep your kitten healthy and happy, you’ll need to feed them nutritious food that has been specifically designed for cats or purchase high-quality kibble from any local pet store or online retailer. You may also want to invest in a high-quality litter box that is easy to clean so that 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 potentially make several visits over the course of several weeks until the kitten is ready for adoption.

These visits may include getting updates on vaccinations and health checks as well as a home check and discussion with the breeder about feeding routine, training methods, and other kitty 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

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How Much Does a Scottish Fold Cost Per Month?

It can be difficult to determine what it costs to own a Scottish Fold cat on a monthly basis, since they vary widely in price based on a number of factors. The cost of food and veterinary care are both important considerations, but other factors such as the level of upkeep may also come into play and will vary depending on your cat’s health specifically. That said, it’s safe to say that the average cost per month will be somewhere between $80 and $200.

This is an average across the board. It takes into account 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. This is why it is so important to set a budget before you begin the adoption process.

orange scottish fold with striped bandana
Image Credit: Kajohnwat Srikulthanakij, Shutterstock

Health Care

  • $75–$11000/ year

Health care for your Scottish Fold will be about the same as it would for any other type of cat, as they have the same maintenance requirements as other breeds. Let’s take a closer look at other maintenance costs that they’ll require.

Food

  • $20–$40/ month

There are a few different maintenance costs you will need to consider when owning a Scottish Fold. The first is food. You should expect to spend around $20-$40 per month on food for your cat, but possibly more if you spring for the highest quality brand.

Grooming

  • $35/ year

A Scottish Fold owner needs to keep in mind that grooming is an important part of caring for these cats. They may be low maintenance, but you still need to groom them. You should brush their fur on a weekly basis.

This will keep them from getting painful knots in their fur. While brushing the fur of your cat is easy, you still need to buy the right grooming tools. You can expect to pay around $10-15 for a good brush. You should also expect to spend around $20 on a pair of clippers. You will need these when your cat’s fur grows out.

This won’t be an expense per month, but you may have to replace these tools occasionally throughout your pet’s life.

Medications and Vet Visits

  • $30–$120/month

The most important factor when it comes to care costs is the health of your future pet. You don’t want to bring home a sickly cat. This is why it’s imperative to make sure that you select a healthy cat from the start. You can do this by visiting a few different breeders before making your final decision and making sure that you see the cat’s health records.

A visit to the vet before you bring your new Scottish Fold home can also help you understand what you will need to do in order to keep your cat healthy. It takes very little effort to keep your cat healthy. You can expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $120 per month.

It just depends on the type of care that you need. Some of the most common things you can expect to pay for include heartworm medication, flea and tick medication, vaccines, and more.

scottish fold cat checked by vet
Image Credit: Irina Vasilevskaia, Shutterstock

Pet Insurance

  • $30/month

When you are buying a Scottish Fold, especially for a high price, you will also want to make sure to have a budget for pet insurance. If you don’t add this into your costs, you may be in for a shock down the road in the event that 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 in the event that your cat has an emergency. The average monthly cost for insurance for your Scottish Fold is around $30.

This is less than the average cost of most other breeds. This is because the Scottish Fold is a low-risk breed. If you are expecting a Scottish Fold, you can look for pet insurance options that offer lower rates for these breeds.

Environment Maintenance

  • $30–$50/month

Maintaining your cat’s environment, in other words, its litter box, also has monthly costs that will need to be considered. For example, you need to refresh the litter itself, the disposal bags, and any other ongoing costs associated with keeping the area clean and smelling fresh. This will vary but can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 a month.

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. These 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 it likes for entertainment. This will make living with them a lot easier, as bored cats can quickly turn a home into a disaster area.

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Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Scottish Fold

  • $150- $300/ month

The total monthly cost of owning your Scottish Fold may vary but can range anywhere from $150 to $300 a month. This means that you’ll definitely need to have a budget set up before you bring one home.

Scottish fold cat marble shadded tabby_Veronika Dolgaya_shutterstock
Image Credit: Veronika Dolgaya, Shutterstock

Additional Costs to Factor In

Like with owning any type of pet, you’ll always want to account for unexpected costs. In many cases, this will appear in the form of 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 of a food container on the counter, and come home to find your cat eating the food inside an open container on the counter, only to become ill from food poisoning later. It’s best to save for a rainy day with these cats and any others, in the event that you need emergency vet care. This is where having pet insurance can come in.

Owning a Scottish Fold on a Budget

The best way to save money on Scottish Fold care is to plan ahead. The earlier you plan, the more time you have to save. The first thing you should do is set a budget. It doesn’t matter if you plan to buy a cat or adopt one. You need to know how much money you can spend. This will help you to avoid any unexpected expenses later on.

Saving Money on Scottish Fold Care

Now that you know how much a Scottish Fold costs, you may be wondering how to own one without breaking the bank. There are a few things you can do to save money. The first thing you should do is buy an adult Scottish Fold from a rescue center, if possible. You can find these cats in adoption centers or online, and you can also visit a breeder and inquire about less expensive cats.

The next thing you can do to save money is get your cat fixed. Spaying and neutering will lower the risk of your cat getting diseases. It will also make it easier to keep the cat in your house. Also, consider buying your supplies in bulk to save on maintenance costs.

For example, if you buy your food in large containers, you can save a lot of money. The same goes for toys. You can also clip coupons or sign up for rewards programs at your local pet store. You never know what kind of deals you may find.

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Conclusion

Scottish Folds are one of the rarest breeds of cats in the world. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. If you’re interested in adopting a Scottish Fold, it’s important to contact rescue groups or shelters that rescue the Scottish Fold breed, and costs may vary by location and organization. And 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 being between $100 and $200 per month. You should also prepare for vet visits every year or two. They cost between $50 and $200 each time you see a veterinarian. When you’re ready to purchase one, you can expect to pay anything from $500 to $3,000 for a Scottish Fold.

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Featured Image Credit: hannadarzy, Shutterstock

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