Nebelung Cat Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, & Other Costs

With a beautiful long grey coat, the Nebelung is a rare cat first introduced to the United States in the 1980s. This stunning cat breed is commonly confused for the Russian Blue cats, but the Nebelung is a breed of its own. If you want to own this silky smooth cat, you will need to know the latest Nebelung cat prices.

It’s exciting to think about introducing a new pet into your home. However, you’ll need to be financially prepared to own a Nebelung. Being a cat mom or dad requires budgeting to help cover the costs of the cat, supplies, and monthly expenses. 

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry! Being a potential Nebelung cat owner can be nerve-wracking, but we’ve crafted a guide to help you create a budget. The budget will cover the cost of the Nebelung cat, medical expenses, supplies, and any other costs you’d need to take care of the cat. So, let’s get into learning about Nebelung cat prices in 2024.

How Much Does a Nebelung Kitten Cost?

Since the Nebelung breed is newer to the U.S., their prices are somewhat higher than other breeds you’d find. Luckily, they aren’t as expensive as other imported cat breeds. Below are the two ways you can get a Nebelung cat.

Adoption

Adopting a Nebelung from a shelter generally costs between $75 to $150. You might be able to find a kitten at your local shelter, even if the Nebelung is a rare breed. However, your best bet is to find a Nebelung rescue, as they specialize in taking in that breed.

Nebelung Breeder

A breeder will be your best bet if you’re looking for a purebred Nebelung. They will be slightly more expensive than other common cat breeds. Nebelung breeders tend to price their kittens anywhere between $600 to $1,200. One place to look is The International Cat Association’s breeder list.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Nebelung Cat

Unlike other breeds, not many factors impact the overall cost. However, there are a few general factors that you can expect from any breed. This includes pedigree and linage. 

Pedigree

Pedigree refers to a cat having documentation of its ancestry. Breeders who record a cat’s ancestors going back multiple generations will charge more. The documents will include helpful information such as the ancestor’s breed, color, health, etc. 

Lineage

Lineage is another important factor, as the Nebelung is mainly confused with the Oriental longhair cat due to similar coat styles. Nebelungs have wide-set green eyes and also have a pure blue-gray coat. If other breeds are mixed with the cat, one result could be a patchy coat that isn’t up to TICA’s standard.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for a Nebelung Cat

If you want your Nebelung kitten to be healthy, then one of the things you’ll need to do is get your cat vaccinated. When buying from a breeder, kittens will start vaccinations at six weeks. However, there are other medical expenses you might want to consider for your new furry friend that will add to the total Nebelung cat prices. 

Vaccinations

Nebelung cats will need to get their first set of vaccinations at six weeks of age. After that, they must get the shots readministered until they reach sixteen weeks. In general, vaccinations such as the feline panleukopenia virus (FVR/FHV-1), feline herpesvirus-1 (FVC), and feline calicivirus vaccines (FPV) are administered. 

The price of each shot averages $25 to $75, depending on your local vet. However, you can expect to pay for shots around $115 to $210. You will also need to factor in the price of the vet visit and a first-time health check which can add another $100 to the bill.

Microchipping

Microchipping isn’t necessary but is always recommended. Animal control may pick it up if your Nebelung gets lost or wanders outside the house. When this happens, they will check for tags and microchips. If there are none, the cat will be sent to a shelter. However, animal control can contact you if your Nebelung has a microchip. 

This also guarantees if anyone else tries to steal your cat and take them to the vet, they can properly identify who owns it. So, it’s a worthwhile investment in the long run. Microchips cost $20 to $50, so it’s not a big expense either.

Renal Failure

Renal failure is another term for kidney failure. Nebelung cats are prone to renal failure, which poison, infections, blockages, dehydration, and trauma can cause. Cats diagnosed with renal failure only have three years to live. 

The initial cost for diagnosing renal failure is $200 to $750. Long-term treatments can range anywhere from $100 to $500 monthly. This includes the costs of medications and fluid therapy. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces extra hormones. These hormones lead to lethargy, weight gain, and more. Generally, cats don’t have issues until they reach eight years old. 

Treatment for hyperthyroidism can cost $600 to $900 annually. This includes lab tests, exams, and medications. If your cat needs surgery, it can cost between $1,800 to $2,500. In rare cases, multiple surgeries may be necessary.

Diabetes

Nebelungs are also prone to developing diabetes. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin. Insulin is responsible for regulating sugar glucose in the bloodstream. When diabetes goes untreated, it can become deadly.

Not only will cats need specialized foods, but they will also need medication. Insulin will cost $50 to $100 per month. However, some cats need up to $300 worth of insulin monthly. A veterinarian will also prescribe food costing $25 for a four-pound bag or $40 for 24 cans. 

Cost of Food and Supplies for Nebelung Cat

Another important factor for Nebelung cat prices includes calculating the cost of supplies. There are two types of purchases you can expect to make as a cat owner, which are one-time purchases and recurring ones. 

One-Time Purchases

One-time purchases include cat supplies such as a bed, crate, and litter box. As a cat owner, you may also want to invest in bowls, carriers, leashes, name tags, and more. These small one-time purchases can cost anywhere from $115 to $400.

Other extras may include cat toys, scratching posts, and clothes. It depends on what you want to buy for your cat. However, you can just stick to the essentials for a cheaper budget.

Recurring Purchases

Caring for your Nebelung cat requires that you make some essential monthly purchases. The main expenses include food, treats, and supplements. You may also want to purchase kitty litter monthly, as cats can go through a lot when they are house-trained.

Generally, you can expect cat food and treats to cost anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the brand. Higher-end cat foods cost up to $100 monthly, especially if prescribed or specialized foods. Treats can be inexpensive, but if you want to splurge, this can also add up quickly. 

In total, you can expect to spend around $150 monthly on cat food, litter, and treats. However, you can reduce costs if you skip buying high-quality or brand-name items.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Nebelung Cat?

While most cat owners think they can skip on pet insurance, purchasing a plan is recommended. Nebelungs are a newer breed of cat, which means they are more likely to have illnesses and diseases genetically. Nebelungs are more susceptible to illness, and insurance will be more costly.

On average, you can expect to pay on the higher end for Nebelung cats. It costs anywhere from $50 to $100 monthly. If the cat has preexisting conditions, you could pay even more.

Is Pet Insurance Required?

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to take care of your cat to the best of your abilities. Purchasing a cat costs a lot, but then you add supplies and medical expenses. Over time, these costs can add up, and most owners tend to cut costs by skipping health insurance payments.

While this looks like you’re saving money in the long run, it doesn’t. A one-off medical expense can cost a few thousand, and if you don’t have that cash sitting around, then you’ll find that you will need to put the pet down. So, it’s best to have monthly insurance as a $600 yearly charge is much cheaper than a one-off health expense.

Where to Find Cat Health Insurance?

Many owners also skip pet insurance because they aren’t sure where to get it. Your local veterinarian’s office will have brochures and plans listed at their office. Alternatively, you can look online, as websites such as Geico and Professive can give you a quote.

Total Nebelung Cat Prices

Adding up all expenses is important when calculating the total Nebelung cat prices. First, the cost of a kitten can range anywhere from $75 to $1,200. The medical expenses add another $300 for basics and $1,950 to $3,100 for extra treatments. Lastly, add supplies and essentials, which is $610.

In total, you can expect Nebelung cat prices to be $985 on the low end, which can inflate to $4,910 with added medical conditions. Of course, if you get a kitten from a reputable breeder, you can keep the medical expenses low and only buy the necessary supplies.