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How Much Does It Cost to Own a Lykoi? 2024 Price Guide

Written by: Beth Crane

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

woman holding lykoi cat

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Lykoi? 2024 Price Guide

The Lykoi (commonly known as the werewolf or wolf cat) is a unique and relatively new addition to the feline world. These partially-hairless felines result from a natural, rather than man-made, gene mutation first identified in a wild group of cats in the US in 2010.1 Fascination with the Lykoi soon followed, and the breed attained championship status as a pedigree breed from The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2017 and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 2023.

These popular and unusual cats are in high demand, so they command a high price. But, despite their looks, they’re still cats that need all the care any cat needs. If you’re interested in adopting this remarkable feline, we’ll discuss how much a Lykoi costs to own. Depending on a source, you could get a Lykoi from $100–$3,000 with monthly costs ranging from $195–$800+ depending on your cat’s needs.

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Bringing Home a New Lykoi: One-Time Costs

Some items that your Lykoi needs before you bring them home will typically be one-time costs. First, let’s look at the expense of finding and purchasing your Lykoi.

Free

You’ll be hard-pressed to find one of these unusual pedigree cats available for free. They are rare and in high demand, but the genetic mutation that causes the Lykoi coat is random.

lykoi black werewolf cat
Image Credit: danilobiancalana, Shutterstock

Adoption

  • $100–$400

It’s unlikely to find Lykois in shelters, but possible. Even pedigree cat owners may need to give up their cats for many reasons, but be prepared for the possibility of paying a pricey adoption fee and competing with other potential adopters.

Breeder

  • $1,500–$3,000+

Breeders of these cats often charge $1,000 at a minimum due to their rarity, with some unique colors or unusual patterning going for $3,000+. The exact price will vary from area to area, and you may be able to purchase ex-breeder cats for less. However, the price of a pedigree Lykoi kitten will always likely be at least a thousand bucks, if not more! Finding a reputable breeder is also essential since “backyard” breeders typically don’t screen their cats for health conditions, and some keep their animals in substandard facilities.

lykoi cat
Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

Initial Setup and Supplies

  • $250–$450

Once you’ve found and purchased your wolf cat, you need to buy everything they’ll need over the course of their first few months staying with you. The costs of their first vet visits and treatments, food, bowls and collars, beds, and litter boxes seem endless, but they are important items that often last your cat a lifetime! You can, of course, aim for the cheaper end of the scale for most things, but items may need replacing more often if you do.

List of Lykoi Care Supplies and Costs

ID Tag and Collar $15
Spay/Neuter $30–$250
Bed $20–$50
Brush $10–$30
Microchip $45–$55
Teeth Cleaning $100–$400
Shampoo and Grooming $20–$40
Nail Clipper $7
Scratching Post $20–$150+
Litter Box $25
Litter Scoop $10
Toys $10–$30+
Carrier $40
Food and Water Bowls $10–$40

How Much Does a Lykoi Cost Per Month?

As responsible pet owners, there are certain things our cats will need to be happy and thrive in our care. Planning for the monthly expense (and budgeting for emergencies) can keep unexpected costs to a minimum while providing the best care possible for your wolf cat.

Health Care

  • $20–$100+ per month

Your Lykoi will need basic healthcare items, such as nail clippers and flea treatments, to keep them happy and healthy. Every cat needs to be checked by the vet at least once a year, so this process should be included in your budget in any circumstance. If your Lykoi has health problems requiring regular vet treatments, the monthly expenses will increase considerably.

Lykoi cat
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

Food

  • $30–$150 per month

The food you feed your Lykoi can vary greatly in quality depending on the type of food and ingredients. Any cat foods bought from the store should meet the minimum requirements set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to keep them healthy, so check the brand’s nutritional info before you buy.

Large bags of dry food from the store can cost as little as $30 per month, while tailored, personalized wet or raw food subscriptions can set you back $100 or more. Lykoi cats need the same protein, taurine, and other nutrients as other breeds.

Grooming

  • $10–$40 per month

Lykois need grooming, despite their patchy coats! Lykois have very soft hair that can get oily, so their skin, ears, and paws need regular cleaning to keep them oil-free and healthy. Bathing can help, but ear and skin care can be done without putting your pet in the bath. Most Lykois won’t need haircuts, but a trip to a professional groomer once a month can keep their skin and coat in top condition (if owners prefer that to grooming them themselves).

Medications and Vet Visits

  • $0–$300+ per month

The cost of medications and veterinary visits will vary significantly among individual cats. The Lykoi has no genetic predispositions to diseases, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to common cat health conditions. Skin problems, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, bladder problems, and dental issues are common ailments among felines, with some conditions (like diabetes) costing hundreds of dollars a month. The monthly health care costs for your Lykoi will vary depending on their health.

Pet Insurance

  • $0–$60 per month

Most insurance policies for cats are cheaper than those for dogs, and even breeds known for health problems can get affordable insurance. You can choose not to pay for any insurance for your Lykoi, but we’d recommend it since unexpected veterinary bills may cause you to dip into your savings.

lykoi cat sitting outdoor
Image Credit: danilobiancalana, Shutterstock

Environment Maintenance

  • $50–$100 per month

Lykois are known to be “dog-like” in their behavior. They’re energetic and curious, and scratching posts or cardboard scratchers must be available for your Lykoi to express natural scratching behavior (and to save your couch!). Litter boxes and litter can also vary in price, with discount litter boxes costing around $10 and automated cleaners costing up to $50 a month to maintain!

Litter Box $10–$50/month
Litter box liners $10/month
Deodorizing spray or granules $10/month
Cardboard Scratcher/Scratch post refills $20–$35/month
Litter $25–$40/month

Entertainment

  • $20–$50 per month

Your Lykoi will need plenty of stimulation and enrichment to keep them happy and prevent boredom, as they’re highly intelligent and active cats. You could buy them a couple of toys every few months to spread the cost or subscribe to a monthly subscription service that delivers new toys to your door. The price of toys and entertainment varies greatly, and some owners buy their cats the latest in kitty tech each month. Subscription boxes are a good middle ground and commonly cost around $25 per month.

cat paw dividerTotal Monthly Cost of Owning a Lykoi

  • $195–$800+ per month

The total monthly cost for your Lykoi is dependent on the individual and their needs. Some Lykoi will only need the bare minimum to be happy and healthy. On the other hand, some will have health requirements that need monthly prescriptions, will only play with a specific brand of toy, or will have expensive tastes in food!

It’s important to be prepared to pay higher costs; month-to-month, your Lykoi will have different needs, and the expenses will fluctuate. However, you can still budget loosely and plan ahead, which is why expenses such as pet insurance and subscriptions are good ways of saving money in the long run.

Lykoi werewolf cat
Image Credit: Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

Additional Costs to Factor In

Sometimes, even carefully crafted budgets will take a hit if unexpected costs come into play. Emergency medical treatment can, unfortunately, befall any pet. Even the destruction of furniture or accidental breakage of home items can occur with a curious kitten or feisty cat roaming around, and these additional costs should be considered when you’re financially planning for your Lykoi.

Owning a Lykoi on a Budget

By carefully selecting products and considering all the factors of your cat’s care, it is possible to keep your Lykoi happy and healthy without cutting corners.

Saving Money on Lykoi Care

Buying in Bulk

Buying food and litter in bulk is one of the best ways to save money on your Lykoi’s care. Dry food, wet food, and large bags of litter often cost less if you calculate the cost of delivery or transport compared to smaller bags, so you’ll save money overall. Just remember that your cat might change their opinion on the product halfway through the bag, which can cost more to replace!

Lykoi kitten
Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

Searching for Deals

You can find discounts on cat supplies, both in-store and online, such as on food, toys, and litter. These deals will only last for a while, but they can be a great way to save money on bulk items or items that’ll last, such as scratching posts or litter boxes.

Low-Cost Veterinarians

Some areas may offer lower-cost veterinary treatment for pet owners. Many clinics have low-cost (or even free) neutering and spaying procedures, so look to see if clinics provide it in your area.

Insurance

Insurance may be an extra monthly cost added to your Lykoi’s care, but it can save you hefty vet fees if you ever need to use it. Some owners like to save up an emergency fund without insurance, but you never know how much the vet treatments will cost. Insurance is also worth it if your cat develops an ongoing condition that requires monthly care.

Homemade and Secondhand

If you’ve owned a cat before or can purchase secondhand cat items, you can save on the cost of your Lykoi. Some products, such as food and water bowls or collars, should be bought new, but litter boxes and beds can be reused if they’re in good condition. You can also get crafty and make toys for your Lykoi, as most cat owners know the humble cardboard box can provide a cat with endless fun!

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Conclusion

The Lykoi is a rare and expensive cat to buy, but the monthly costs are comparable to those of other breeds. One-time expenses like food bowls, collars, litter boxes, and beds are worth paying more for better quality, but you can save on food and litter costs by buying in bulk where possible. Although caring for a Lykoi may seem expensive, you’ll pay much less monthly than you would for a large-breed or rare canine.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Jaroslaw Kurek, Shutterstock

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