Find your next cat
Inquisitive and independent, cats are one of the UK’s favourite domestic pets. Each breed presents its own set of unique demands, making it important for you to choose the right one for your household. With MoneySuperMarket’s in-depth guide, you can learn more about the costs, behaviours and surprises that the UK’s top breeds have to offer.
MoneySuperMarket data, correct as of November 2017
Things to consider before you buy
Although cats display many similar characteristics, there are subtle differences between breeds that are important to factor into your decision:
- Energy. While Persians prefer to relax in style, Bengals are live-wires who are always looking to play. Make sure that you’re comfortable with the energy level your new cat is going to bring to your household.
- Child-friendliness. Some cats, like Birmans, were bred specifically for their tolerant, easy-going nature, making them perfect playmates for youngsters. Other breeds are much more aloof.
- Grooming. While this isn’t as significant an issue as it is with dogs, grooming should still come into your decision when choosing which breed of cat to get. Persians – with their long, flowing coats – require more maintenance than Siamese cats, for example.
Which breeds are most expensive?
Sphynx cats are by far the UK’s most expensive breed, with average costs of just under £680. Because this type of cat can develop health problems if bred incorrectly, there are a wide variety of expenses throughout the breeding process, which increases the amount that you can expect to pay.
MoneySuperMarket data, correct as of November 2017
Moggies are the UK’s most affordable cat. Since they’re mixed breeds, they’re much more common and therefore far less expensive than pedigree breeds.
MoneySuperMarket data, correct as of November 2017
What’s the most affordable breed in my location?
Moggies are the most affordable breed in many areas of the country, although there are some notable regional variations when it comes to cost. They are most affordable in Northern Ireland – costing just £55 – while Moggies in Scotland cost almost double that amount. In the North West, the short-haired variant of Moggies, the Domestic Shorthair, is the least expensive breed.
MoneySuperMarket data, correct as of November 2017
How much will I have to pay for cat insurance?
Another important cost to consider is cat insurance. The five most expensive breeds to insure are:
No. | Breed | Annual Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
1 | Sphynx | £330 |
2 | Oriental | £320 |
3 | Siamese Chocolate Point | £287 |
4 | Siamese Seal Point | £282 |
5 | Exotic Shorthair | £258 |
While the five least expensive breeds are:
No. | Breed | Annual Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
1 | Domestic Shorthair | £106 |
2 | British Shorthair | £143 |
3 | Ragdoll | £156 |
4 | Bengal | £157 |
5 | Moggie | £180 |
MoneySuperMarket data, correct as of November 2017
However, it’s important to remember that breed isn’t the only thing that influences the cost of your insurance. While age and health is important, it’s also good to remember that your premiums can vary from place to place because of different vet costs. This means that Londoners will generally pay more for annual pet insurance premiums than people from Northern Ireland or Scotland, for example.
Which types of cats go missing most often
DirectLine Group data, correct as of August 2017
One of the perils of having an in-demand breed of cat is that their high selling-costs can make them an attractive prospect for thieves. The four breeds which are most often reported stolen are Bengal, Domestic Shorthair, Russian Blue and Siamese cats. If you’re thinking about getting a pedigree breed, this may be something to consider, particularly when it comes to your cat’s safety.