Buying a Munchkin cat from a breeder can cost between $1500-$2000. However, it’s important to know that there are other costs associated with pet ownership. In this article, we’ll learn more about the breed and get a better idea of the costs attached to owning a Munchkin.
Characteristics of a Munchkin
Adult weight: Male - 6 to 9 lbs., Female – 5 to 8 lbs.
Adult height: 7 – 9 in.
Origin – United Kingdom
Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years
Munchkins are a very interesting cat breed known for their distinctive short legs, first discovered by a vet in the 1940s. 30 years later, a U.S. cat breeder discovered a short-legged cat that led to subsequent litters of the same. This breed was named after the Munchkin characters in The Wizard of Oz. You can also call them a ‘Sausage cat’. Their genetic mutation makes them a family member of dwarf cats. While you may think that their short legs could cause skeletal issues, they really don’t. The only limiting factor they cause is the inability to jump as high as other cats.
Munchkin cats come in both long and short-haired versions. The short hair variety has a medium plush coat while the long hair variety has silky semi-long hair. Behavior-wise, these cats are curious, intelligent, friendly, and playful breeds, and are happy to nap or workout at any time.
Fun fact – The Guinness World Record holder for the shortest-statured living cat in the world is a 5.25-inch Munchkin cat named Lilieput from Napa, California.
What is the Price of a Munchkin?
Munchkin cats have gained massive popularity because of their unique, short legs and their loving and intelligent natures. Unsurprisingly, their unique appearance means that Muchkin cats can be expensive to purchase. According to Dividend Earner and Rates, here are the average costs of kitten ownership in Canada.
Adoption or Buying: $1500 – $4500
If you purchase your Munchkin from a reputable breeder, you may be looking at a cost of $1500-$4500. The range is wide because several factors influence the price of a Munchkin kitchen. These factors include –
Breeder – Breeders with more experience will usually charge more because they breed their litters to enhance and avoid specific traits.
Show quality – If your kitten comes from a line of champion show cats, they may demand a higher premium.
Coat – Munchkin cats come in a large variety of coat colors including; white, black, red, brown, blue, cream, lavender, tabby, bicolor, calico, pointed, mink, tuxedo, or tortoiseshell. The more rare the coat color of a kitten, the more expensive they will be to purchase.
Age – Typically, purchasing a kitten is much more expensive than purchasing an adult cat.
There is another way to bring a Munchkin cat into your family – adoption from a rescue shelter. There are various shelters in the states where lost and abandoned cats are cared for until they can find new homes. Adoption fees can range from $40 - $300. Adoption fees usually cover the initial costs incurred for their care while at the shelter. If you adopt an adult cat, then there is a possibility that the adoption fees might be even lower. If you do choose to adopt your cat, take a look at our cat adoption checklist. This will help you as you prepare to bring home your new cat.
Monthly Costs for a Munchkin Kitten
Diets: $15-$40
A basic Munchkin diet would include meat and a small amount of fruits or vegetables. On average, you can expect to spend about $15-$40 per month on high-quality dry cat food. Wet food and treats can add to this monthly expense, so take this into account.
Grooming: $20-$70
These cats need regular grooming to help maintain their coats and overall health. Their short legs can make it difficult for them to self-clean. The short-haired Munchkin would need brushing once a week, while the long-haired ones should be brushed more frequently to help remove debris or dead hair. Nail clipping and teeth cleaning from time to time are needed. Basic grooming supplies that include brushes, combs, nail clippers, and shampoos may cost you between $20-$70.
Medical Costs: $100-$300
Cats need routine check-ups and preventive care to stay healthy. A vet visit for an annual exam, dental check-up, and conversations about your cat's diet or behavior may cost you around $50 - $250 per visit, depending on the veterinarian. Flea and tick prevention is recommended and could cost an additional $30-$50 per month.
One-Time Costs for a Munchkin
Initial Costs: $450-$600
There are a few supplies you should have ready before you bring your cat home. These include; a bed, crate, collar and ID tag, food and water bowls, litter box and bags, litter scooper, cat toys, scratching posts, and a first aid kit. These can cost you around $400-$500.
Microchipping: $60-$80
At Spot, we encourage pet parents get all their pets microchipped. On average, the cost of implantation along with registration could be in the range of $60-$80.
Vaccines: $150-$200
If you’re getting your cat from a reputable breeder, there is a high chance that the initial vaccines would be taken care of already. A pack of basic core vaccines for kittens including rabies, FeLV, FHV-1, feline caliciviruses, and feline panleukopenia virus can cost you around $150-$200. Some lifestyle vaccines are optional and include feline chlamydiosis, Bordetella, and FIP can cost you $25-$30 per dose. Booster doses will be required as your kitten gets older.
Miscellaneous: $100-$150
Cat walking, cat sitting, trips, park visits, etc. are some other expenses that may come your way. You should keep around $100-$150 per year aside for these expenses.
Lifetime Munchkin Cost
With an average lifespan of 13 years, we can estimate that the lifetime cost of owning a Munchkin cat is about $22,500-$30,000.
Conclusion
Munchkins, the dwarves of the cat world, are a very interesting and adorable cat breed. They will turn the heads of anyone they meet. If you’re planning to bring this little ball of fur home, go ahead!
Happy parenting to you and lots of love to your cat or cat-to-be!
“How Much Does It Cost...” Dividend Earner, https://dividendearner.com/cost-of-owning-a-cat-in-canada, n.d.
“The Cost of Owning a Pet in Canada,” Rates, https://rates.ca/resources/the-cost-of-owning-a-pet-in-canada, n.d.
