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The Lykoi cat (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.
Bringing Home a New Lykoi Cat: One-Time Costs
Some items that your Lykoi needs before you bring them home are typically 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.
Adoption
- $100–$400
It’s unlikely to find Lykois in shelters, but it’s 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+
Lykoi breeders often charge $1,000 at a minimum due to their rarity, and some unique colors or unusual patterning cost $3,000+. The exact price varies 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 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.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $250–$450
Once you’ve found and purchased your wolf cat, you need to buy everything they’ll need for 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 essential! You can, of course, aim for the cheaper end of the scale for most products, but they 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 Cat Cost Per Month?
As responsible pet owners, there are supplies and services our cats need to be happy and thrive in our care. Planning for the monthly expenses (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 essential healthcare items, such as nail clippers and flea treatments, to keep them happy and healthy. Every cat must be checked by the vet at least once a year, which should be included in your budget. If your Lykoi has health problems requiring regular vet treatments, the monthly expenses will increase considerably.
Food
- $30–$150 per month
The food you feed your Lykoi can vary significantly in quality depending on the type of food and ingredients. The cat food 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 cost $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 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.
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, as highly intelligent and active cats, need plenty of stimulation and enrichment to keep them happy and prevent boredom. 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 cost around $25 per month.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Lykoi Cat
- $195–$800+ per month
The total monthly cost for your Lykoi depends on the individual and their needs. Some Lykoi need only the bare minimum to be happy and healthy. On the other hand, some have health requirements that require monthly prescriptions, play with only a specific brand of toy, or have expensive tastes in food!
It’s important to be prepared to pay higher costs; your Lykoi will have different needs month to month, 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.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Sometimes, even carefully crafted budgets will take a hit if unexpected costs come into play. Emergency medical issues can, unfortunately, befall any pet. Even the destruction of furniture or accidental breakage of valuables 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
1. 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!
2. 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.
3. Low-Cost Veterinarians
Some areas may offer lower-cost veterinary treatment for pet owners. Many clinics provide low-cost (or even free) neutering and spaying procedures, so check to see if they offer them in your area.
4. 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 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.
5. Homemade and Secondhand
If you’ve owned a cat before or can purchase secondhand 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!
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 cat may seem expensive, you’ll pay much less monthly than you would for a large-breed or rare canine.
Featured Image Credit: Cicafotos, Shutterstock
