Bombay Cat Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and Other Costs

If you’re looking for a cuddly cat that loves giving you affection, then a Bombay cat is purrfect! The Bombay cat is closely related to the Burmese but has its own distinctive traits. Potential owners will want to know the latest Bombay cat prices, as they have changed as the breed has become more popular.

However, there is more to caring for a cat than the purchase price. As a Bombay cat owner, you will be responsible for supplies, medical care, and much more. Before you adopt the breed, it’s best to ensure you can afford its care.

Don’t worry if you’ve never experienced budgeting for owning a pet. Below, we’ve crafted a guide to help you set a budget based on Bombay cat needs. So, let’s get into it!

How Much Does a Bombay Kitten Cost?

The Bombay breed has been around since the late 1950s. Due to it being around for a long time and the fact that it doesn’t have that strict breeding standard, Bombay is an affordable cat breed. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $750.

Pet Adoption

One option potential cat owners have is to get their cat from a shelter or through a rescue. Pet adoption is often recommended for Bombay cats, as they are a more common breed. Adopting a Bombay cat can cost anywhere from $75 to $300.

Buying From a Breeder

On the other hand, you can also purchase a Bombay cat from a reputable breeder. The Bombay breed is more accessible than others to find in the United States, so you’ll find a few different breeders. A young Bombay kitten can cost anywhere from $500 to $750. We recommend checking out the Fanciers Breeder Referral List of breeders.

We can not stress enough how important it is to find a reputable breeder. If you are going to go this route, then you should stick to breeders that have good reviews. You don’t want to give your money to breeders who don’t check genetics, care about overall health, etc.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Bombay Cat

Bombay cats are more common than other breeds because, contrary to the name, they are from Louisville, KY. Due to this, it’s crucial to ensure that your cat is from a true bloodline and has good genetics. Often, many people mistake Bombay cats for Black cats, which have different lineages. 

Bloodline

The Bombay cat is a mix between the Sable Burmese and the Black American Shorthair. Due to this, it’s sometimes difficult to get an actual “black” cat look. The Bombay needs to have strong bloodlines to ensure that they are a true Bombay breed. So, a purebred with lineage and documentation may cost more.

Genetics

On the other hand, Bombay cats may have genetic health issues. Breeders who care about their cats ensure that the parents are health checked. You should avoid the breeder if there are no check-ups or health guarantees. A breeder will also charge more because they guarantee the kitten’s health.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for a Bombay Cat

Just as you have to plan out your own healthcare, you must do so for a cat. Budgeting for healthcare before getting a cat is always recommended. Upfront medical costs are often low, but some issues can pop up that can cost thousands of dollars. So, it’s best to be well-educated about Bombay cat health issues before you get one.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not mandatory but vital to your cat’s overall health. If your cat isn’t vaccinated at a young age, it will be susceptible to harmful and deadly diseases. 

If you’re buying from a breeder, then chances are they’ve already begun the process at six weeks of age. These vaccinations must be continued until they reach sixteen weeks of age.

Here are the vaccinations a kitten needs to get:

• Feline panleukopenia virus (FVR/FHV-1)
• Feline herpesvirus-1 (FCV)
• Feline calicivirus vaccines (FPV)

Pricing for these vaccinations will depend on your local vet. On average, you can expect to spend $25 to $50 per vaccine. So, you can budget for around $250 to be safe.

Craniofacial Defect

A craniofacial defect in a cat is where there is a mutation in a cat’s genes that causes the head or facial structure to be deformed. In most cases, Bombay cats are less likely to have this problem if they come from a reputable breeder who pays close attention to genetics. However, the gene is specific to Burmese cats and can sometimes be overlooked.

Treatment for craniofacial defects is through surgery. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $6,500. The surgery will help construct the cat’s face.

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

On the other hand, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the cat’s heart’s wall thickens. When it does this, the cat’s heart will become less effective. A cat can experience blood clots during this time, resulting in death if not adequately treated.

The initial diagnosis generally costs up to $500, but this will depend on your local vet. Complete treatment will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500. Medications will also be added to help manage your cat’s blood.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Bombay Cat

Another factor that you should budget for Bombay cat prices is cat supplies. Supplies can range from one-time purchases to monthly expenses. Being able to budget these can help ensure you can afford everything it needs to take care of a Bombay cat.

One-time Purchases

One-time purchases end up ranging anywhere from $115 to $400. The total price will depend on the quality and brand of the supplies you buy. For example, a standard kitty litter container can cost as little as $5. However, you can also purchase a $300 version with an automatic scoop. 

Essentials include mandatory items such as food and water bowls, name tag and collar, etc. These purchases are only necessary once or once every few years. In most cases, you won’t need to spend a lot and can even be frugal by purchasing used items.

Recurring Expenses

Recurring purchases for Bombay cat prices include items such as food, treats, and litter. Other expenses might include medications, supplements, and toys if your cat is destructive. In most cases, this budget will vary greatly depending on what type of items you are purchasing. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Bombay Cat?

Cat insurance differs slightly from other pet insurance, as it looks at a few factors before tagging on a monthly price. These factors include zip code, age, and breed. The insurance can range from $13 to $30 monthly, depending on these factors.

Do Bombay Cats Require Pet Insurance?

No cat breed requires pet insurance, but it comes in handy! The average pet owner can’t afford to fork out a few thousand dollars on treatment. So, paying for monthly coverage is often ideal.

For example, Bombay cat insurance at $30 monthly is only $360 annually. Now, compare this to the cost of one surgery. That could be $1,000 or more. So, pet insurance is definitely worth it.

Where Can I Get Bombay Cat Insurance?

When buying Bombay cat insurance, you must ensure your local veterinarian office accepts it. We see a lot of pet owners purchasing cat insurance online without first checking to see if it’s accepted in their local area. So, always ask what plans are accepted before purchasing any insurance plan.

You can find pet insurance quotes online at Geico or Progressive. These quotes can help you determine how much insurance might cost. Otherwise, you can ask your local vet to see their prices.

Total Bombay Cat Prices

The Bombay cat prices will range anywhere from $75 to $750. However, you have to also factor in medical costs, which will be $400 minimum and can cost upwards of $8,400 if there are any complications. On the other hand, you can expect supplies to be a minimum of $610.

So, as a total, you can expect to pay first-year expenses of $1,085 to $9,760. Of course, there is a high chance that if you purchase from a reputable breeder, the Bombay cat won’t have to get treatment for these illnesses. So, you can expect a lower price, such as $1,760.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Viktor Sergeevich/Shutterstock.com