American Shorthair vs Maltese Vet Costs
American Shorthair owners spend $350-$900/yr at the vet. Maltese: $420-$1,050/yr. That's a $110/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
$1,900
American Shorthair costs less
Maltese
$6,800-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | American Shorthair | Maltese | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $625/yr | $735/yr | American Shorthair |
| Annual Range | $350-$900 | $420-$1,050 | - |
| Preventive Care | $280/yr | $300/yr | American Shorthair |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $300/yr | $380/yr | American Shorthair |
| Pet Insurance | $25-$52/mo | $32-$65/mo | American Shorthair |
| Spay/Neuter | $150-$380 | $150-$350 | American Shorthair |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $5,500-$13,500 | $6,800-$16,000 | 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
Maltese Health Risks
moderate risk · small, 4-7 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Dental disease (90%+) $300-$900
- Patellar luxation (15-20%) $1,500-$4,000
- Hypoglycemia (puppies mostly) $100-$800
- Portosystemic shunt (3-5%) $3,000-$8,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
American Shorthair
- Dental cleaning $250-$700
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$450
- Wellness exam + vaccines $110-$260
Maltese
- Dental cleaning + extractions $380-$850
- Bile acids test (liver) $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $130-$270
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.
Maltese
$32-$65/mo ($384-$780/yr)
moderate 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.