Munchkin cats are the absolute favorites on social media, but do you know how much a Munchkin cat costs? In this age where people want cute pets, Munchkins are definitely fan favorites! But can you afford to own one?
If you’re curious to know all things about Munchkin cat price, stick around to learn more! In this guide, we’ll talk about the average Munchkin cat price, recurring expenses, initial expenses, and more,
We’ll also touch on the different places where you can find Munchkin kittens for sale. Plus, we have everything summarized in tables for your convenience. Let’s start!
The Average Cost of a Munchkin Cat
A Munchkin kitten from a reputable breeder will run you between $700 and $1,100, depending on many factors. If you want one with a rare coat color or one from a champion bloodline, expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000. Despite their high price tag, Munchkin cats are quite a low-maintenance breed.
If you think the price of a Munchkin is way too much, wait until you see the cost of a Toyger cat, Lykoi cat, or Savannah cat. Cat lovers would testify that these cat breeds are far more expensive!
In fact, the Munchkin cat price is average compared to other cat breeds. For instance, the cost of the Munchkin breed falls within the price ranges of the Persian cat and the Ragdoll.
On the far end, an expensive Munchkin kitten may cost as much as a Bengal. Needless to say, the Munchkin cat price is not too bad if you compare it to a different cat breed.
In addition, you can even get a Munchkin kitten for cheaper from backyard breeders; however, it is not recommended to do so. As much as possible, only get a Munchkin from a reputable source.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Munchkin Kitten
There are many factors affecting the Munchkin cat price. For instance, a Munchkin litter born from a champion lineage may cost tenfold more than normal Munchkin cats.
Likewise, Munchkin cat prices may also differ based on age, gender, coat color, and more. It is important to learn all these factors so that you know if you are getting a fair price for a Munchkin cat.
Here is a list of factors that affect the price of a Munchkin cat:
Length of Legs: The short legs of the Munchkin breed give it its trademark look. For Munchkins, the shorter the legs, the higher the price. If you’re someone who’s looking for a cat with very short legs, expect to pay a hefty amount.
Gender: Female Munchkin cats are more in demand than males because they can be used as breeding stock. Hence, expect a higher price tag for female Munchkins. Likewise, the female Munchkin is often more expensive because they tend to have a more beautiful coat.
Breeder’s Reputation: Well-established breeders spend thousands of dollars and hours perfecting their craft. That said, you should expect to pay a premium if you choose to get your Munchkin from a professional breeder.
Genetic Testing: Genetic tests are some of the things that drive up the Munchkin cat price. These expensive medical procedures ensure that a potential cat owner will receive a high-quality Munchkin cat.
Coat: Munchkin cats with rare coats are always more expensive than the common ones. Don’t be surprised if you come across incredibly expensive cinnamon or chocolate Munchkin cats. Likewise, long-haired Munchkins may also cost more than ones with short hair.
Shipping and Delivery Fees: Another thing that will add up to your Munchkin cat cost is shipping or delivery fees. Usually, the animal shelter or cattery where you will get your new Munchkin cat will charge you for this extra cost.
These are only a few of the factors that affect the Munchkin cat cost. Aside from these, you may also incur additional costs if you’re getting a Munchkin with breed papers.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Munchkin Cat From a Rescue?
If you don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars on buying a Munchkin cat, try adopting one instead. Usually, the adoption fee for a Munchkin cat ranges from $50 to $400 only. This is a bargain compared to the actual cat price!
The adoption fee for Munchkin kittens covers their housing, food, medical, and other needs while they are in the shelter. As long as you get your Munchkin from a reputable rescue, you’ll surely bring home a healthy kitty.
In some rare instances, you can even score a Munchkin cat for absolutely free! Many cat lovers give their Munchkin kittens away, especially if they are the result of accidental mating.
Initial Cost of Munchkin Cat Ownership
For many people, Munchkin kittens cost quite a lot. However, if you look at the bigger picture, you’ll realize that these cats cost about the same as other cats. For instance, the initial cost of Munchkin cats is comparable to other breeds.
To give you a reference, here are some of the initial expenses associated with owning a Munchkin cat:
Food and Treats: Your Munchkin will need healthy food and treats. You can feed your Munchkin with homemade food and treats, but you must consult a vet first to ensure that your cat is getting the right nutrition. Expect to shell out $20 to $50 for the first batch of cat food and treats.
Food and Water Bowls: Using water and food bowls to feed your cat will help you in portioning the amount of food it eats. Also, they will be able to drink as much water as they need without making your whole floor soaked. High-quality food and water bowls cost $10 to $25.
Litter Box: A litter box is an essential item if you’re getting a Munchkin cat. This will ensure that your kitty has a place to do its business. For $20 to $160, you can already purchase a decent-quality one. Just keep in mind that the size affects the price.
Litter Sand: Your Munchkin will also need litter sand in its day-to-day life. For Munchkins, fine litter sand is recommended. This will run you around $15 to $25 initially. However, bear in mind that this is a recurring expense, so you need to buy a pack once every few weeks.
Collar and ID Tag: A collar and ID tag are some of the first things to buy if you’re getting a Munchkin. Not only will these distinguish your cat from other pets, but they will also come in handy in case your cat wanders off. Collars and ID tags range in price from $5 to $20.
Cat Bed: Munchkins sleep twice as much as their cat owners! This is the reason why they need a cozy bed where they can get plenty of rest. You can buy high-quality beds for as low as $15 to $30, depending on size.
Cat Carrier: Some of us can’t really live without our pets, so we bring them wherever we go. Cat carriers that cost around $20 to $60 are extremely wise purchases. This is especially true if you bring your cat to a professional groomer or during vet checkups.
Toys and Scratching Post: Munchkin cats, just like other breeds, have a natural tendency to scratch. Hence, you need to provide your kitty with a scratching post. Munchkin cats also love playing, so get some toys, too! Expect to spend $15 to $70 for these.
Grooming Essentials: You also need to purchase some grooming essentials for your cat’s regular grooming needs. For occasional brushing and bathing, your Munchkin will need a few things. A kit with cat shampoo, hairbrush, nail clippers, and wipes will run you between $25 and $35.
Initial Vet Visits: For your cat’s first year with you, you need to bring it to the vet a few times. For these, expect to shell out $100 to $250. This is on top of the price of vaccinations and other costs.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Usually, Munchkin kittens acquired from a private breeder or rescues have already received the first round of vaccines. However, for the following booster shots, the cat owner will need to shoulder the cost. For these, expect to pay $25 to $50.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: Preventive medications are essential for all healthy cats. This will prevent them from parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Discuss worm preventive medications with your cat’s vet, and be ready to pay around $30 to $100.
Neutering or Spaying: The male and female Munchkin cats can undergo spaying or neutering. These procedures help prevent sex-related health issues like breast tumors, uterine infections, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer. You should prepare $200 to $500 for these.
Microchip: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) considers microchipping the best identification method for pet cats. Most cat owners microchip their pets to help identify them should they get lost. Microchipping a Munchkin will set you back $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Apart from the above-mentioned items, you may want to set aside $15 to $30 for other miscellaneous supplies. These supplies can range from cat accessories to clothes and other knick knacks.
Most of the items above are one-time expenses, especially if you buy high-quality versions of them. However, things like medications, litter sand, food, and treats will need to be repurchased once in a while.
Annual Cost of Owning a Munchkin
Now that you know the upfront cost of a Munchkin cat and the initial expenses associated with it, it’s time to ask the question: how much does a Munchkin cost on a yearly basis? A quick estimate would be $1,270 to $2,605.
While these figures may look daunting, you’d be surprised to learn that this is standard for most cat breeds and even other pets! Other breeds like the Scottish Fold cost roughly the same.
Below are some of the recurring expenses of owning a Munchkin alongside the yearly costs:
Looking at the yearly expenses can be stressful, especially for a first-time Munchkin cat owner. Fortunately, there are ways to save money, which we will talk about in a later section.
For now, it is important to ask yourself if you can afford to spend thousands of dollars yearly for this specific breed.
Keep in mind that Munchkin cats have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This equates to a total of $15,240 to $39,075 for your cat’s entire life!
You may have also noticed that a large chunk of your yearly expenses for a Munchkin goes to pet insurance. While it can be tempting to skip this, it is not recommended to do so.
If you want to cut down on recurring expenses, you can try preparing your cat’s food at home.
Watch this video to learn how to make raw cat food for your Munchkin cat:
How to Make RAW CAT FOOD (RECIPE) – Homemade Cat Food for Healthy Cats<a href="https://youtu.be/EyYQZ-9HvEQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FEyYQZ-9HvEQ%2F0.jpg" alt="How to Make RAW CAT FOOD (RECIPE) – Homemade Cat Food for Healthy Cats" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Other Potential Expenses
Owning a pet is full of surprises; however, it is also full of surprise expenses! Regardless if you have a Munchkin cat or a few friendly dogs as pets, you’ll surely encounter some unexpected expenses.
To get you started, here are some potential expenses that may add up to the Munchkin cat price:
Cat Grooming Services: Not all cat parents are willing to groom their Munchkin, especially if it has long hair. Likewise, some Munchkin cats can have loose hair from time to time. With this in mind, Munchkin kittens will need professional groomers from time to time. This will run you around $50 per session.
Emergency Treatments: Dealing with pet emergencies is emotionally distressing. The exact cost of emergency treatment is hard to predict. Usually, the amount will depend on your Munchkin cat’s health condition but typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000.
Pet Deposit: If you live in an apartment, you would need to coordinate with your landlord about bringing a cat with you. Some landlords charge a pet deposit fee to cover potential damages done by your cat. Pet deposit fees usually cost $10 to $50 monthly.
Pet Daycare or Pet Sitter: There are times that you would need someone to look after your Munchkin cat. This is when you’re out of town for a few days or on vacation. Fortunately, there are many pet daycares and pet sitters out there. Their services will run you around $20 to $50 per night.
Dental Care: Many cat owners do not consider dental care a necessity for their kitties. However, if you want to prevent periodontal illness and other dental issues, you should occasionally bring your cat to the vet for thorough cleaning. This procedure often costs $150 to $500 per session.
More often than not, you can skip out on the expenses on this list, depending on your situation. However, it doesn’t hurt to know about them so that you will have an idea about the usual price ranges.
Places to Find Munchkin Kitten for Sale and Adoption
Looking for the best Munchkin cat breeder requires extensive research and patience. Don’t worry; Munchkins are popular cats, so you’ll surely see the cat of your dreams in no time, regardless if you choose to adopt or buy.
To help with your search, try contacting some of the reputable breeders listed below to find a Munchkin cat for sale:
Littlebeans Munchkins – Littlebeans Munchkins is a private breeder based in Pennsylvania. They have been producing TICA-registered Munchkins since 2004. This breeder offers both short-legged and long-legged Munchkin kittens.
Bluebonnet Munchkins and Minuets – Bluebonnet Munchkins and Minuets is a breeder that aims to produce high-quality Munchkin cats. They are located in Lott Marion, Texas, and they sell dams, sires, and Munchkin kittens. You can reach them through their site or via Facebook.
Picket Fence Munchkin – This Munchkin breeder focuses on the temperament, health, and beauty of their kittens. Browse through the listings on their website to see how much their Munchkin kittens cost. They have a lot of cute Munchkin kittens with blue eyes!
If you want to dial down on the high Munchkin cat price, here are some Munchkin rescues and shelters to consider:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – ASPCA is a nationwide organization that aims to prevent animal cruelty. Aside from that, they also rescue and rehabilitate abandoned cats, such as Munchkin cats. If you adopt a cat from ASPCA, you will surely get one with good health!
13th Street Cat Rescue – This no-kill rescue group is based in San Jose, California. They aim to rescue and rehome unwanted street cats all over California as well as in nearby states. Drop by their website to see if they have Munchkin cats for adoption.
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue – Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue has been operating for more than 21 years now. They are a non-profit organization that has been providing a home for surrendered and rescued cats, including Munchkin cats. Reach out to them to see if they have Munchkin kittens under their care.
Whether you buy or adopt a Munchkin cat, you will need to have the patience to wait for the approval of the breeder or rescue volunteer.
Money-Saving Tips for Munchkin Cat Owners
We all want the best for our pets; however, our finances can be limiting at times. Thankfully, there are many ways to cut down on your Munchkin-related expenses. The best part is that you can do all of these while still keeping your cat healthy!
Below are money-saving tips you can follow should you decide to get a Munchkin cat:
Get pet insurance. Like most cats, Munchkins can develop many health issues. That said, getting pet insurance coverage for your cat can help you cut down on potential medical expenses. Some pet insurance policies even include free health checks.
Buy cat food in bulk. Buying cat food in bulk is one of the best ways to save some cash. Be sure to keep an eye out for the best deals. You may also want to grab the discount codes and coupons offered by some stores. Just make sure that your Munchkin loves the cat food you’re buying.
Cook homemade cat food. Homemade cat meals are usually more affordable, albeit requiring more effort to prepare. If you truly want to save some money, it is wise to cook homemade cat food for your Munchkin. However, make sure to get the vet’s opinion on the ingredients.
Keep your Munchkin cat indoors. Keeping your cat indoors is one of the best money-saving tips for all cat parents. By doing so, you can protect your feline friend from outdoor danger or contagious diseases. As for boredom, you can solve that by providing lots of indoor cat entertainment.
Make some of your own cat scratchers. Cat toys are inexpensive, but free is always better than inexpensive. You can do this by making your own cat scratcher from cheap yet durable materials. You can refer to this guide on how to make DIY scratching posts.
These money-saving tips will not save you thousands of dollars at once; however, the few bucks you save by implementing these will surely pile up in no time!
Final Thoughts
Munchkin cats can be quite expensive. However, depending on how much you want one, these kitties can be worth every penny to you. If you want a cute, loving cat, then the Munchkin will surely be worth your hard-earned cash.
That said, if you are not yet financially prepared, you should postpone getting a Munchkin for now. Keep in mind that owning a cat comes with a lot of financial responsibility and unexpected expenses.
All things considered, Munchkin cat prices are pretty average. You can surely afford one as long as you are wise with your spending.
Having read this guide, will you be getting a Munchkin cat soon? Let us know your thoughts about the cost of owning a Munchkin cat in the comments below!
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