My Messy Hunt for a Russian Blue Longhair Kitten
So, okay, I really wanted one of those fluffy gray cats, a Russian Blue Longhair. Looks like a little cloud, right? Figured I’d just find out the price. Famous last words, seriously. Started super simple – hopped on Google.
Typed in “russian blue longhair kitten cost”. Boom, results everywhere. Saw prices jumping all over the place – like $400 this place, $2500 that place. Got confused fast. No way a legit kitten costs just $400, felt super sketchy. My gut said nah.
Got smarter. Looked up actual, legit cat breeder groups. You know, those cat fancy associations? Found their websites.
- Checked the Russian Blue breed standard sections.
- Looked for their registered breeder directories, poked around there.
- Saw lots of talk about health testing and pedigree papers.
Learned real quick – no good breeder sells super cheap. Those $400 ads? Almost certainly scams or awful backyard breeders. Red flags everywhere.
Getting Real Numbers from Actual Breeders
Decided I needed real talk from real people. Started actually calling and emailing breeders from those association lists.
Here’s what went down:
- Emailed like 10 different breeders listed on club sites.
- Called up 3 others who had phone numbers listed.
- Asked straight out: “What’s your price for a pet-quality Russian Blue Longhair kitten?” Made sure they knew I wasn’t buying for showing or breeding, just a pet.
Took a few days, but replies started trickling in. Mostly nice folks! A few didn’t have kittens right away, some put me on a waitlist. The prices? Got way clearer.
The sticker shock moment: Every single reputable breeder quoted me between $1800 and $3200. My jaw kinda dropped. That’s a big range, right? So, dug into why:
- Low End ($1800-$2200): Kittens from newer breeders, maybe shorter pedigrees.
- Middle ($2200-$2600): Average range from established, experienced breeders.
- High End ($2800-$3200+): Breeders with big reputations, champions in the bloodline, extensive health testing docs.
All of them talked a lot about what was included:
- Health Guarantees: Like, first year covered? Necessary.
- Vaccinations & Worming: All up-to-date before pickup? Essential.
- Spay/Neuter Contract: Required for pet quality.
- Health Screening Records: Parents tested, papers shown? HUGE difference.
Learned that the upfront cost isn’t even half the story. You gotta budget for good food, vet visits, litter, scratching posts… stuff adds up fast.
What I Actually Found Out
After all the searching, calling, emailing, waiting? Here’s the brutal truth about getting a real Russian Blue Longhair:
- Forget anything under $1800 from a good breeder. Just don’t. Risk is way too high.
- $2000-$2500 is probably the sweet spot.
- $3000+ happens for top-tier breeders or super rare colors.
- If they rush you? Pushy about money? Avoid like the plague. Good breeders vet you.
- Waiting lists are LONG. Like, months, maybe a year. Be ready to wait.
Ended up putting a deposit down with a breeder charging $2400. Includes everything – shots, microchip, spay, solid health guarantee, parents tested clear. Still waiting though! Patience wasn’t my strong suit before this, honestly. Learned my lesson the hard way – finding a healthy, well-bred floof cloud is complicated and pricey. Worth it? Absolutely. But holy moly, do your homework. Skip the shady cheap deals.
