midge - When I bought Quasar, we called, and spoke with, several breeders. None of these persons had prices on their website. We ended up paying $500 for him not because of the price tag but because his breeder was very conscientious, offered a health guarantee, provided neuter & first 2 sets of vaccines, screened all breeding animals for HCM annually (and could prove it), and offered much in the way of advice and then, after purchase, support for a totally NOVICE Bengal cat owner. As time has gone on, I have realized that she was definitely the right choice of breeder.
In any event, I know from the costs associated with her business and the value of the cares my kitten had been given prior to purchase, that she is most certainly not making money. Anything she may have made on my boy was certainly taken up not only in the aforementioned costs peculiar to my boy but in the maintenance of her breeding stock, facilities, and vet bills/losses associated with difficult births etc.
I don't think any of the prices quoted you was exorbitant, especially if the breeders were doing everything they ought to provide a quality environment for toms, queens, and kittens.
I sure hope, also, that on top of the 500 pound price tag you are prepared to spend at least that much in the first year on cat expenses. I would hate to see the poor waif allowed to fail in your home and end up in a rescue kennel because you are not prepared or able to afford it's care.
Good luck with your new acquisition, if you are prepared for the challenge.
_________________ ~ Kyenta
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