Lykoi Cat Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, & Other Costs

The Lykoi cat is one of the most visually bizarre cat breeds you will run into besides the Sphynx. Known as the “wolf” or “werewolf” cat, the Lykoi is a unique breed that is affectionate and fun. You will want to know the latest Lykoi cat prices to get a furry new friend. 

These oddballs are still similar to your household cat. However, they do require a bit of extra care due to their high energy levels. If you don’t know how to set a budget, we can help!

When caring for cats, it’s important to set a budget so you know you can provide them with a good life. The Lykoi cat is no different. Below, we will help you craft a precise budget that includes Lykoi costs, supplies, medical care, and more. 

How Much Does a Lykoi Kitten Cost?

The cost of a Lykoi kitten depends on whether you adopted one or bought one from a breeder. Kitten mills, shelters, and rescues tend to have much lower prices than reputable breeders. 

Generally, a Lykoi will be anywhere from $75 to $350 from a rescue or a shelter. However, Lykoi cats are very rare to find in shelters. They are a newer cat breed bred under strict conditions to produce their unique semi-hairless look.

If you go the kitten mill route, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500. The problem with buying from a kitten mill is that they often aren’t ethical, and the Lykoi might inherit genetic defects.

Lastly, you can opt for a breeder in which the Lykoi kitten will cost $1,500 to $2,500. A breeder will be the most expensive, but it’s worth the investment because a reputable breeder will ensure that the Lykoi is bred ethically.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Lykoi Cat

The Lykoi is a relatively rare cat breed that hasn’t been around long. In fact, the breed has only existed since 2010 in the United States, which means that some factors may make a Lykoi kitten more expensive. We will explain these factors and if they are worth the extra cost.

Pedigree

Lykois were produced from a natural mutation of a domestic short-haired cat. The mutation isn’t easily controlled, so finding a Lykoi that is of high pedigree is difficult. Over the past decade, only a handful of breeders will attempt to breed this cat. In turn, this causes a high-pedigree Lykoi to be more expensive.

Coat Type

The standard, and most expensive, is Lykoi’s with a black roan coat. Other less popular and expensive coat types don’t exactly meet the breed standards. This includes the blue Lykoi and black tuxedos.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for a Lykoi Cat

As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure you get your pet health care on top of Lykoi cat prices. Seeing a veterinarian isn’t cheap, so it’s best to learn what upfront costs you will need for mandatory medical expenses. Consider the following recommendations if you don’t know what a Lykoi needs medically.

Cat Vaccinations

Some states require that you have your cat vaccinated, especially against rabies. While you can skip vaccinations, doing so will put your kitten at risk of harmful diseases. To prevent this, you must begin vaccinations at six weeks and continue until sixteen weeks of age. You can expect these vaccinations to cost anywhere from $115 to $210.

The main three you want your kitten to get are the feline panleukopenia virus (FVR/FHV-1), feline herpesvirus-1 (FCV), and feline calicivirus vaccines (FPV). The exam itself will also be $50 or more for the appointment.

Microchipping

If your cat gets lost, you can still claim it as yours if it is microchipped. Microchipping isn’t mandatory, but it doesn’t cost much and can save you the heartache of not knowing where your pet is. Plus, it ensures that shelters and pounds don’t take your cat in and instead contact you to come to get them.

Antibiotics

Lykoi has several medical issues that can occur due to their lack of fur. Often, their skin becomes dried out, which causes cracking. These small cracks can get infected and will require antibiotics to treat them. Additionally, Lykoi doesn’t have hair surrounding their large ears, which can also become infected.

UTI Treatment

Shorthair cats are more prone to UTIs and kidney damage. So, you’ll have to watch your Lykoi and its urination patterns. In general, UTIs are treatable but can cost anywhere from $150 to $200 to completely get rid of.

Skin Treatment

The skin on a Lykoi is very sensitive and will need constant care to prevent infections. To do this, you must buy ointments, sunscreen, and a safe moisturizer for cats. This will help prevent your Lykoi’s skin from drying out and cracking.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Lykoi Cat

Aside from Lykoi cat prices, you’ll also need to add supplies. Any kitten requires the bare necessities, including food and water bowls, a bed, a brush, nail clippers, and a carrier. However, if you want to ensure that your lovely Lykoi loves life, extras such as cat toys, treats, and a scratching post are ideal.

For the essentials, you can expect to pay around $610. However, most pet owners don’t just stop there. They want to get extras for their kittens, so I’d recommend that you add another $100 to your budget.

One specific cost for the Lykoi breed is that they are very active cats and need a high-protein food source. Cat foods generally are well-balanced, but a Lykoi needs more protein than the standard housecat. So, you will spend more on high-protein foods, treats, and extra toys for a Lykoi.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Lykoi Cat?

Cat insurance for a Lykoi will be more costly because they often require more care. An estimated cost will be anywhere from $30 to $60 monthly. Although, your local vet may not accept the lower-cost health insurance plan. So, you should be prepared to budget a minimum of $80 monthly for a Lykoi.

Do You Need Pet Insurance?

One of the aspects a pet owner overlooks is pet insurance. Cat insurance is something that every owner should have. However, it is not a mandatory requirement.

As a pet owner, you must be prepared to have enough money if a medical emergency happens. You should get insurance if you can’t afford a vet bill of $3,000 to $5,000. While insurance seems expensive monthly, it’s less expensive than a one-off emergency pet bill in a year.

Where Do You Get Pet Insurance Quotes?

Getting a pet insurance quote is very simple! Similar to human health insurance, you can browse pet insurance quotes online. Big-name sites such as Geico and Progressive offer a quote for free.

Total Lykoi Cat Prices

The Lykoi cat prices will be anywhere from $75 to $2,500. When adding medical expenses, you can expect $840 minimum and $1,010 if genetic conditions exist. Then, adding supplies can cost a minimum of $610.

As an estimate, you can expect the total price for first-year expenses to be $1,525 to $4,120. Of course, if there are medical emergencies or extra purchases, you should budget another $1,000. Hopefully, this has helped you put together a budget for your new Lykoi friend!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com