How Much Does a Lykoi Cat Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

The price of a Lykoi cat is pretty high, given how rare it is. Even though this breed looks like it came straight out of a horror movie, it has gathered quite a large fan base, hence, the increase in demand.

If you’re a Lykoi cat enthusiast and you’re eyeing to buy one of these “werewolf-like” kitties, it would pay to read this article detailing the initial, annual, and additional expenses of tending to this cat.

I have also included some money-saving tips and places where you can find this unique cat, so better read this guide until the end!

The Average Cost of a Lykoi Cat

The cost of Lykoi kittens typically ranges between $1,000 and $3,500. This estimated price could even go higher depending on several factors, but primarily because of their rarity. 

Since the Lykoi cat is still a new and young breed, only a few dedicated breeders offer this rare feline species. And with less competition, breeders tend to raise their prices.

Also, before coming up with the purchasing price, breeders factor in a lot of things.

For instance, some breeders include the cost of registration, kitten health records, lineage, and shipping fee in their kitten package, which is why their Lykois are expensive.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Lykoi Kitten

Compared to other cat breeds, Lykois indeed have a hefty price tag. To understand how breeders come up with the cost of their Lykoi kittens, let me share with you some factors that affect the price of these exotic-looking felines.

Here are five factors that commonly affect the price of Lykoi kittens aside from rarity:

• Age: Like other pet cats, Lykoi kittens are always way more expensive than seniors. Most owners prefer adopting kittens as pets because they want to witness their growth and development. Hence, the higher demand and cost. On another note, kittens are also less prone to health issues, unlike adult cats. Of course, the healthier the cat is, the more expensive it is.
• Lineage: Lykoi cats that descended from champion bloodlines are more valued in the feline community. Since their parents excel in the show ring, it is also expected that they will have the best health condition and conformation. The assurance that your Lykoi comes from a high-quality line dictates the price.
• Color: These werewolf cats can come in any color. However, the only standard color recognized in the show ring permitted by The International Cat Association (TICA) is black roan. Hence, Lykoi cats with this coat pigmentation are more expensive. 
• Registration: The Lykoi breed was acknowledged as an official breed in 2018. Thus, reputable breeders were able to register their kittens. Lykoi cats with complete registry documents from TICA or The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) are more expensive compared to unregistered cats.
• Health Guarantee: The price of Lykoi cats is also influenced by the type of health guarantee a breeder offers. Some breeders provide a three-year guarantee, while some only cover a year. These guarantees serve as your insurance if ever the kitten you bought is ill.

Nonetheless, the leading reason these wolf cats are expensive is their rarity. It is estimated that there are only a few hundred standard Lykois around the world. 

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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Lykoi Cat From a Rescue?

Typically, a rescued Lykoi cat only costs around $100 to $350 from rescue centers or local shelters. This cost includes the expenses covered by the organization in rehabilitating and maintaining the cats under their care.

The good thing, though, is that most of the cats in rescue centers are already vaccinated and neutered/spayed. They have also received preventive medications for parasites and infections. 

The only downside of adopting a Lykoi is that it’s rare to see them in shelters. You also need to compete against other people who want to adopt this feline. 

Initial Cost of Lykoi Cat Ownership

Usually, you may take home your Lykoi kitten once it turns 12 weeks old. However, you need to acquire the starting supplies before welcoming your kitty to its new home. 

These supplies are intended mainly for pet cat maintenance and welfare. 

To help you prepare, this section lists the primary supplies you need to purchase before welcoming your kitty, as well as their average costs.

Here are the initial costs you need to be mindful of in owning a Lykoi cat:

• Food and Treats: Lykoi cats can eat the standard kibbles intended for domesticated felines. However, you should choose a brand that contains a large amount of protein to sustain your energy. You should also provide them with nutritious treats to make them happier and more active. Expect to cash out around $20 to $50 for good quality cat food and treats.
• Food and Water Bowls: Food and water dishes keep your cat’s meal clean and mess-free. It also helps with the correct portioning of food and ensures that your cat consumes enough water. You can easily find durable and easy-to-clean food bowls online that cost around $10 to $25.
• Litter Box: A litter box, also called a potty, sandbox, or cat box, is a urine and feces collection box for your Lykoi. This will save you time cleaning and prevent unwanted odor when your cat pees and poops inside your home. Litter box prices range between $20 and $50
• Litter Sand: Lykoi cats only pee and poop on the sand to bury their scent. It’s their instinct. Thus, you should also buy litter sand that goes hand in hand with the litter box. This essential may be actual sand or recycled material, but typically, a pack costs $15 to $25.
• Collar and ID Tag: These items are essential for the identification of your Lykoi pet. In case it wanders too far, you need not worry that it might be mistaken for a stray cat. Tags and collars will likely set you back $5 to $20. 
• Cat Bed: To keep your Lykoi cat comfortable and relaxed when it rests, you should buy a cat bed that is soft and spacious. For your convenience, I also suggest that you choose a cat bed that is easy to clean and wash. Top-quality cat beds are available for $15 to $30.
• Cat Carrier: It is impossible to travel with your cat without a carrier. Hence, this item is a necessary purchase. If you want one that is portable, you can opt for foldable carriers with mesh windows and zipper openings. A good cat carrier will run you $20 to $60.
• Toys and Scratching Post: Keeping your cat entertained and happy is part of your duty as a responsible owner. You should buy your cat either a ball, a mouse toy, or a fish plushy. Also, as its instinct kicks in, your Lykoi cat will surely scratch your sofa and curtains unless you buy it a scratching post. Cute toys and a sturdy scratching post cost around $15 to $70. 
• Grooming Essentials: Lykoi cats do not require frequent grooming. The only grooming essentials you will need are cat shampoos, brushes, dental care items, and nail clippers. These will cost you around $25 to $35. 
• Initial Vet Visits: Right after you take home your Lykoi, you should bring it to the vet for an initial checkup. This will ensure that they don’t have any illnesses, including autism, that the breeder did not disclose. Expect to pay $100 to $250.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: Kittens are given the core feline shots to protect them against common cat illnesses such as rabies and feline leukemia. The core shots are often shouldered by the breeder, but the succeeding shots are on you. Vaccination will likely cost around $60 to $100.
• Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: Protecting your kitten from harmful parasites should be one of your priorities. Hence, providing them with preventive medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms is essential. Expect to pay 430 to $100. 
• Neutering or Spaying: Usually, Lykoi cats from reputable breeders are already spayed or neutered unless intended for breeding purposes. However, if they aren’t, you will need to pay $200 to $500 for this surgical procedure. These will ensure that your cat won’t show aggressive behaviors related to sexual maturity.
• Microchip: A microchip is helpful in identifying your Lykoi cat in case it gets lost. This grain-sized chip is inserted in your cat’s shoulder blades so it can be easily scanned when needed. Microchipping usually costs $40 to $60.
• Miscellaneous Supplies: Aside from the items listed above, you may also see yourself purchasing some miscellaneous supplies such as paw wax, accessories, and poop bags. Set aside $15 to $30 for this. 

Below is a summary of the initial expenses of owning a Lykoi cat:

If it isn’t your first time owning a cat, chances are you already have some of these items at home, which could help you cut costs. But if you don’t, there are still ways to save money which I’ll share later in this article.

Learn more about the price of a Lykoi cat in this video:

Annual Cost of Owning a Lykoi Cat

Aside from the initial supplies, you should also prepare your pocket for the year-round cost of owning a Lykoi cat. 

These expenses may include replenishing food and other supplies, vet checkups, preventive care, and pet insurance. 

Here are the specific expenses that you should expect for the first year of owning a Lykoi Cat:

On top of the basic necessities, you should take your Lykoi cat at least twice a year for routine vet checks, which may include health screening and examination. 

This is necessary to diagnose your cat if it shows signs of cancer, tumors, heartworm, and other parasitic infections. Expect to cash out $100 to $200 for vet visits. 

Moreover, you should also avail of pet insurance for your Lykoi. Remember that no one knows when accidents will happen. If your cat has insurance, you won’t have to touch your hard-earned savings for medical bills.

Pet insurance for Lykoi cats ranges from $360 to $600 annually.

Other Potential Expenses

Aside from the items and necessities discussed earlier, you also need to anticipate the potential expenses you might encounter throughout your cat-owning journey.

Some of these items are optional; hence you can opt to avail of them or not.

Here are four potential expenses in owning a Lykoi cat: 

• Cat Grooming: If you are not confident with your grooming skills, you might want to take your Lykoi cat to a pet salon where it can be bathed and get its nails trimmed. On average, cat grooming services cost around $50 to $60, but before settling for a salon, check out several places and compare prices.
• Cat Boarding: If you are going out of town, you can take your Lykoi feline to a trusted cat boarding facility to get adequate care when you are away. Typically, cat boarding services cost $30 to $50 per day. If you aren’t comfortable leaving your cat along with other felines, you can also hire a pet sitter for pretty much the same fee.
• Emergency Treatments: Your Lykoi might experience an injury or illness that needs urgent medical attention. Some of these emergencies include urinary tract blockage, aortic thrombo-embolism, and breathing difficulties. Depending on the condition, you’ll spend around $300 to $1,000 on medical bills. 
• Pet Accessories: Pet clothes, hat and bow ties, and other accessories are nice-to-haves for your Lykoi. If you have extra money to spare, you can purchase these items from Amazon for cheap. It would only cost you $20 to $30 for these items.

Most of these expenses are optional, except for emergency treatments. If you have a few bucks to spare, go ahead and shop for these items. After all, if your Lykoi is well taken care of, you will also be satisfied and happy.

Places to Find Lykoi Kittens for Sale and Adoption

You should carefully choose where you’ll get your Lykoi because the number of irresponsible breeders keeps rising day by day.

Checking the breeder’s background, history, customer feedback, and processes is essential before doing any transactions. 

Here are some of the most reputable breeders where you could find top-quality Lykoi kittens for sale: 

• Beeblebrox Sphynx and Lykoi – This breeder has been breeding Sphynx and Lykois since 2008. Currently, Beeblebrox cattery produces black roan, white, and blue Lykoi kittens. Their Lykois cost between $2,500 and $3,500 depending on the color, with three years of health guarantee. 
• Atreyukatz Cattery – All of the Lykois bred by this breeder are TICA registered. They prioritize the health of their cats, so expect that you’ll get a litter that is free from any congenital illnesses. You can visit their Facebook and Instagram pages as they are very active on these platforms.
• Grey Moon Lykoi – This is a registered TICA and CFA cattery based in Southern California. All of their Lykoi kittens are priced at $3,500, and their kitten package includes pedigree registration, neuter/spay, vaccination, as well as a one-year health guarantee. Check out their Instagram page since they are more active on that platform.

Since the Lykoi is expensive, you might want to consider checking some rescues for this breed. This is nobler and also more practical.

Here are some reputable rescues where you can find Lykoi cats for adoption:

• Feline Victory Rescue (FVR) – FVR is dedicated to rehabilitating and rescuing homeless cats on the East Coast. They do not have a fixed facility, but you might find a Lykoi cat in their care occasionally as they take in almost any breed. 
• Happy Cats Sanctuary – This non-profit organization takes in abandoned and surrendered cats, including Lykois. They are 100% volunteer-run and work with foster homes and facilities that are not open to the public. Their adoption fee ranges between $50 and $200. 
• Kitten Rescue Los Angeles – Founded in 1997, Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles is now one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the United States. Since their inception, they have already rescued more than 21,000 cats, including Lykois.

Here is a tip — Before applying for adoption to a rescue center, make sure that you read their policies and guidelines.

Most rescues follow a strict set of rules. If you tick all the boxes they require for an applicant, your chance of getting approved will skyrocket. 

RELATED: 11 Ways to Find Free Kittens in Your Area for Adoption (2023)

Money-Saving Tips for Lykoi Cat Owners

The price of owning a Lykoi cat could really rip off someone’s pocket.

If you are still determined to take home a Lykoi cat amidst the anticipated hefty expenses, let me give you some money-saving tips that can help you cut the cost a bit.

• Buy cat supplies in bulk. Some pet stores offer promos for their cat supplies. Most of the time, you’ll get a discount when you buy in bulk from their store. 
• Try making cat toys and scratch posts at home. There are a lot of YouTube tutorials about DIY cat toys using household materials. You could save a few dollars if you learn how to create toys and accessories for your cat. 
• Get pet insurance. Just a reiteration, no one knows when emergencies will happen. Having pet insurance saves you from stress and worries during emergencies. You have the assurance that your cat will receive treatment even if you don’t have cash at hand. 
• Groom your Lykoi at home. Lykois are not demanding in terms of grooming. In fact, they only need to bathe when they get filthy. Try to learn basic cat grooming, such as nail clipping, brushing, and bathing, so you won’t have to pay for grooming services anymore.
• Ask advice from professionals. Breeders and fanciers surely know a lot of ways how to save money while owning a Lykoi. You can ask them about stores that offer cheap yet quality products. You might as well ask for recommendations for credible vet clinics as well. 

On top of all these, keep your Lykoi cat healthy by monitoring its eating habits, nutrition, and lifestyle. A healthy cat means fewer vet and medical bills. 

Final Thoughts

The price of a Lykoi cat is already expensive on its own. If you add the initial, annual, and extra expenses, the total costs can really put you off. 

Nevertheless, if you are determined to own an intelligent, playful, affectionate cat, and you are willing to spend a considerably large sum of money for its welfare, then nothing should hold you back from getting a Lykoi.

I am sure that as you spend your time with your Lykoi, you’ll see that it is worth every penny. 

Is the Lykoi cat well worth its expensive price? Let us know in the comments!