American Shorthair vs Border Collie Vet Costs
American Shorthair owners spend $350-$900/yr at the vet. Border Collie: $420-$950/yr. That's a $60/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
$750
American Shorthair costs less
Border Collie
$6,500-$14,000
lifetime vet costs (13 yrs)
low health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | American Shorthair | Border Collie | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $625/yr | $685/yr | American Shorthair |
| Annual Range | $350-$900 | $420-$950 | - |
| Preventive Care | $280/yr | $320/yr | American Shorthair |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $300/yr | $280/yr | Border Collie |
| Pet Insurance | $25-$52/mo | $30-$55/mo | American Shorthair |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$380 | $200-$450 | American Shorthair |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$13,500 | $6,500-$14,000 | American Shorthair |
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
Border Collie Health Risks
low risk · medium, 30-55 lbs · 13-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year average
- Hip dysplasia (5-8%) $1,500-$6,000
- Collie eye anomaly (5-10%) $100-$400
- Epilepsy (3-5%) $500-$2,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
American Shorthair
- Dental cleaning $250-$700
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$450
- Wellness exam + vaccines $110-$260
Border Collie
- Eye exam (CERF/OFA) $50-$150
- Hip screening $200-$400
- Dental cleaning $300-$650
- Wellness exam + vaccines $150-$300
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.
Border Collie
$30-$55/mo ($360-$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.