Prices and Value

I receive many inquiries every week, and a significant portion of them start with a very short question:“What is your price? And what is included in that price?”

These questions show that many people—understandably—assume that kittens are largely the same everywhere, and that the only difference between breeders is the price.This post is meant to calmly and clearly explain how I work, what my prices represent, and why I do not compete on price.

I speak only for myself and my cattery. I cannot and will not speak for other breeders.

Where the real costs begin

Expenses for a kitten do not start at birth.They start with acquiring the breeding cats, equipping the cattery, and creating an environment in which cats can live fully and healthily.

High-quality breeding cats are not inexpensive.Some of my cats were born in my cattery, but others were purchased from top breeders abroad. For example, my stud cat Svetozar came from Italy. His cost—including transportation with a dedicated courier—was approximately $10,000.

I do not ship my cats as cargo.Each cat travels in the airplane cabin, accompanied by a person, under constant supervision, stress-free, with proper food and care. This alone eliminates one of the main risks to long-term health and temperament.

Living conditions

My cats live freely throughout our two-story home, fully adapted to the needs of a cattery.We built and equipped a dedicated cat veranda, which provides year-round access to fresh air—including in winter.

Maine Coons are a breed developed from wild cats that lived in harsh conditions. Without space and fresh air, it is impossible to achieve proper physique, coat quality, and overall health.

This also means significant changes to our lifestyle.We no longer use the veranda for our own leisure, cannot host guests or parties, and my husband and I cannot travel together, because the animals cannot be left unattended.This is not a hobby—it is a full-time responsibility, requiring continuous physical work and attention.

When kittens are born, the mother and babies spend their first weeks in my bedroom. I sleep lightly to respond immediately if a kitten or the mother needs help. It is inconvenient, but this is life as a responsible breeder.

Nutrition

Prices for everyday items have risen, but this has not affected the quality of food for my cats.

Their diet includes:

• high-quality commercial food,

• fresh meat from farms,

• home-prepared meals.

We invested in professional equipment, including an industrial meat grinder, to prepare balanced meals.It is impossible to raise healthy, large Maine Coons solely on dry or canned food.

I feed kittens meals that support:

• bone and muscle growth,

• digestive health,

• long-term immune system development.

This approach requires time, knowledge, labor, and ongoing costs—but the result is visible in the kittens’ health and development.

It is also important to note: cats eat every day, not just when there are kittens.A breeder only earns when kittens are born, but expenses are constant.

Cost increases and price adjustments

Over the last two years, the cost of:

• food,

• litter,

• cleaning supplies,

• veterinary care

has increased 2–3 times.

We have raised prices gradually:

• first by 12%,

• then by 7%.

In total, the price of a classic kitten has increased by around 20% compared to two years ago.Kittens with blue eyes or polydactyls are slightly more expensive.

Thus, our prices have increased 20–30%, while actual expenses have risen approximately 200%.At the current rate, we are barely managing, and without further adjustment, we will not be able to sustain this.

In theory, kitten prices should increase in line with costs. However, many breeders keep prices low to ensure sales, often reducing expenses, primarily on nutrition and care.

Unfortunately, the market currently does not favor responsible breeders. After hearing the price, many clients compare numbers and go to cheaper breeders, not realizing that a low price today often means high veterinary bills tomorrow.

Who this is for

If your goal is the lowest possible price, I am not the breeder for you.If your goal is to acquire a physically healthy, properly raised kitten, then you are in the right place.

Price increases in percentages

• $2,500 → $2,800 = +12%

• $2,800 → $3,000 = +7%

• $3,000 → $3,500 = +16.7%

Total increases:

• $2,500 → $3,000 = +20%

• $2,500 → $3,500 = +40%

• $2,500 → $4,000 = +60%

• $2,500 → $4,500 = +80%

Expenses for breeders over the last two years have increased by approximately 200%.

Cherry on top

Here is an example from my correspondence yesterday:

• Client: “Hi there! Someone I work with gave one of your kittens a home and you were recommended to me. I would be looking to give 2 kittens a home. Do you have any available for rehoming right now?”

• Me: “Yes,” (I showed the kittens, described them and the cattery, and stated the price)

• Client: Thank you for reaching out but that Is more than what I was looking to spend. Good luck in finding them homes. They are very cute!

• Me: What is your budget for 2 kittens?

• Client: $500