American Shorthair vs Australian Cattle Dog Vet Costs
American Shorthair owners spend $350-$900/yr at the vet. Australian Cattle Dog: $350-$800/yr. That's a $50/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
American Shorthair
$5,500-$13,500
lifetime vet costs (15 yrs)
low health risk
Lifetime Gap
$500
Australian Cattle Dog costs less
Australian Cattle Dog
$5,500-$12,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
low health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | American Shorthair | Australian Cattle Dog | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $625/yr | $575/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Annual Range | $350-$900 | $350-$800 | - |
| Preventive Care | $280/yr | $290/yr | American Shorthair |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $300/yr | $270/yr | Australian Cattle Dog |
| Pet Insurance | $25-$52/mo | $28-$55/mo | American Shorthair |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$380 | $175-$400 | American Shorthair |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$13,500 | $5,500-$12,500 | Australian Cattle Dog |
American Shorthair Health Risks
low risk · medium, 8-15 lbs · 15-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year average
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (10-12%) $500-$5,000
- Obesity (30-40%) $100-$500
- Dental disease (60%+) $250-$800
Australian Cattle Dog Health Risks
low risk · medium, 35-50 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (5-8%) $200-$500
- Deafness (in merle coat dogs) (5-8%) $100-$200
- Hip dysplasia (5-8%) $1,500-$6,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
American Shorthair
- Dental cleaning $250-$700
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$450
- Wellness exam + vaccines $110-$260
Australian Cattle Dog
- Eye exam (CERF) $50-$150
- Dental cleaning $280-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$260
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
American Shorthair
$25-$52/mo ($300-$624/yr)
low risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Australian Cattle Dog
$28-$55/mo ($336-$660/yr)
low risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.