How Much Does a Lykoi Cat Cost? (Price Guide 2022)

Introduction

Lykoi cats are a designer breed that you can guarantee will continue to grow in popularity. These kitties look like a creature straight out of a horror movie—which is both adorable and frightening at the same time.

It’s no wonder these felines are called “werewolf cats.” But exactly how much do they cost, what is it like to own them, and what kind of expenses do they cause? No worries, we have answers to all those questions and more. So let’s crunch the numbers.

Bringing Home a New Lykoi Cat: One-Time Costs

Since the breed is still relatively new and rare, you might have a little issue finding a Lykoi cat.

Free

The likelihood that you will find a genuine Lykoi cat for free is slim to none. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Since their coat is the product of a genetic anomaly, it’s possible to find a Lykoi in any old litter of regular barn cats.

Adoption

In rare cases, it is possible to find a cat at a local shelter or rescue that is a Lykoi. However, it won’t be highly likely, and you might have to compete with other potential owners or travel.

Breeder

The starting point for Lykois starts at $1,500 and can go up considerably from there. Since this is a new breed, you might find that locating a breeder can be rare. You might even have to travel—which can tack on extra fees for fuel.

Initial Setup and Supplies

You have to just love all those one-time costs that rack up initial bills. But if you don’t already own a cat, you might have to spend a little more right off the rip. After you get your kitten home, they will need vetting, supplies, and food readily available.

List of Lykoi Cat Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Lykoi Cat Cost Per Month?

Before you commit to a Lykoi, you probably want to know what kind of costs you can expect to incur as a cat owner. Lucky for you, it’s not much different from owning any traditional house cat. So, once you get past the selling point, it should level out from there.

Health Care

Nutrition and health care are fundamental aspects of cat-owning. Your kitty will need a suitable diet that meets all nutritional profiles.

They will also need to get any prescriptions or checkups based on their individual health. Some cats encounter more issues than others, which could cause higher monthly bills.

Food

The Lykoi breed has no specific nutritional requirements that set them apart from other cats. However, they need a high-quality dry kibble or wet food diet that is high in protein.

You can also try homemade or raw food diets but always check with your veterinarian to make sure the recipes are suitable. Malnutrition may result, which can add on extra vet fees.

Grooming

The Lykoi coat sure is unique—and is honestly one of the first things that probably drew you to the breed. These cats have a genetic mutation that causes patchy hair loss—but it is totally harmless.

So, the Lykoi can go to a professional groomer once every four to six weeks. Of course, costs differ from business to business, as well as which pampering package you select for your kitty.

Because the Lykoi has such a thin, manageable coat, you might even be able to skip a few months—or never go at all. Again, this is a personal choice that you make for the best interest of your furry friend.

Medications and Vet Visits

Health care can vary from cat to cat, so it’s not too certain exactly how much your cat will see the vet. However, if your cat needs any checkups or prescription refills, you might have to show up at the vet once a month—or more or less often.

However, this breed is pretty sturdy—so you might actually have no recurring monthly expense here. Still, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected.

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Pet Insurance

Pet insurance companies are offering many options to pet owners, and the options are usually a bit more affordable for cat owners than dog owners. You can tailor policies to cover certain areas of medical coverage in order to work out the plan that works best for your situation. By getting a few quotes, you can start to decide if insurance for your Lykoi makes sense.

Environment Maintenance

Like all pets, Lykois require monthly expenses to get you through. You will need to refill litter boxes and control odor, too. You also have to make sure they have objects like cat scratching posts to channel good clawing behavior.

Entertainment

Every cat loves goodies. Your playful Lykoi will benefit significantly from having something fun to do. Of course, the amount you need to spend depends on the destructive tendencies of your particular cat.

However, some cats don’t really enjoy playing with their toys. They much prefer lazing about in a window of the house—undisturbed. So, if that is the case, it will actually save you money on products.

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Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Lykoi Cat

The total cost varies so much when it comes to overall cat care. That is because no two felines are alike—each posing their own set of unique needs or health-related treatments.

Your Lykoi may fall on the low-end of the spectrum in terms of recurring costs—but it’s not always a guarantee. As an owner, you have to prepare for the unexpected.

Also, monthly costs will fluctuate, depending on what your cat needs in that particular span of time. They might have an injury or illness that requires costly treatment, but then all goes back to normal again.

Sometimes, medications and other treatments tack on extra expenses that will last their lifetime. That is why so many pet owners opt for insurance plans to help them cover costs that they might not anticipate.

Additional Costs to Factor In

There are always things that you might not see coming. For example, maybe you have to leave in a hurry and have no one to care for your cat. Or, they might have destroyed a lovely piece of furniture. Let’s keep potential costs in mind, too.

Pet Sitting/Boarding

Sometimes you have to leave and there’s no one to care for your animals. Since pet-owning is commonplace these days, many private sitters and boarding facilities take on the role of caring for your cat while you’re away.

Pet sitting tends to be more expensive, but your cat is also getting personalized one-on-one care without leaving their home. Boarding offers all the basics of care through a company where your cat will stay.

Ultimately, it will depend on your preference and budget.

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Household Damage

We’ve all had to shoo our beloved kitties away from our couches and wall trim. If you have issues with a particularly destructive cat, the price you pay will keep climbing.

Feline Training

Do you think you can get through to your cat? Believe it or not, cat training professionals work with felines to promote healthy manners and overall good behavior.

The total cost for training ranges quite a bit depending on frequency, complexity, and trainer rates.

Owning a Lykoi Cat On a Budget

There are no cutting corners when you own an animal. However, there are ways to reduce the costs associated with keeping them healthy and sound.

Saving Money on Lykoi Cat Care

Low-Cost Vetting

Thanks to many organizations, there are tons of low-cost vetting options for pet parents. Mobile clinics, shelters, rescues, and other facilities offer vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, and preventive treatments at a fraction of traditional vet prices.

DIY Cat Supplies

Thanks to awesome sites like Pinterest, creative minds flood the internet with tons of DIY projects that are free or cheap to make. It saves a ton on entertainment and environmental supplies like toys, bedding, and clothing.

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Auto-Ship Options

Subscriptions for food and toys might not offer substantial savings when you opt for it, but a few bucks add up over time. If you buy the same cat food or product on repeat, you can have it sent directly to you without having to take time to repurchase.

Conclusion

So, after the initial purchase, which is up to $2,500 per kitten—you have to look at both one-time and recurring costs. One-time costs should range from $250 to $430—but might even be cheaper if you already have some supplies on hand.

Monthly bills can range from $50 to a whopping $1,950 or more, depending on what is going on with your cat. However, pet insurance is a terrific way to cover the bases of things you might not be able to afford at a later date—so it’s worth looking into!

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Featured Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock