Pedigree cats 34% more expensive than cross-breeds Owning a pedigree cat or dog can be considerably more expensive than owning a cross-breed, new research suggests.



A study has found that the owner of a pedigree dog will typically spend around £537 a year on them, compared to an average of £430 for cross-breed animals - a difference of 25 per cent.

When it comes to cats, there is an even larger difference of 34 per cent. While cross-breed cat owners spend around £319 each year on their animals, the owners of pedigree cats splash out £427.

One of the main reasons for this is the differing amount owners spend on vet fees, according to Sainsbury's Bank, which commissioned the research. Pedigree animals may incur higher vets' bills because certain breeds are prone to hereditary conditions, with more than 350 such conditions identified in pedigree dogs.

Steve Johnson, head of pet insurance, Sainsbury's Bank said: "Certain breeds, after generations of selective breeding, can be prone to various hereditary conditions which can require long term treatment.

"It's therefore best to insure a pedigree puppy or kitten as soon as you take it into your care and select a policy which provides adequate levels of long term cover."

Yet according to Debenhams Pet Insurance figures, just a quarter of pet owners currently have insurance for their animals.

© See Terms and Conditions