Munchkin cats are seriously cute. Their short legs, big eyes, and gentle demeanor make them perfect kitties for many cat moms and dads. If you want to get one for yourself, you may be wondering how much they cost.
Munchkin cat price ranges between $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the breeder, health status, and bloodline. Championship pedigree Munchkin cats will cost up to $3,500 since they are in higher demand. Other setup costs may set you back by about $300 on average.
In this post, we look at the total cost of getting a Munchkin cat. We start with the kitten and the factors that make some kittens more expensive. Finally, we look into the other costs of owning a Munchkin kitten.
How Much Does a Munchkin Kitten Cost?
You may be looking for a Munchkin kitten and are ready to get one. However, be ready for some sticker shock moments here!
Munchkin kittens may be one of the most expensive kittens you can get, and may have a comparable price to, say, a Maine Coon kitten.
A Munchkin kitten will usually set you back by around $1,500 to $3,000. The final pricing may depend on factors such as lineage, health conditions, and color. The breeder’s reputation can also affect the pricing.
If you decide to look for prime Munchkin kittens from championship-winning pedigree or lineage, be prepared to pay even more. These kittens can range from $3,000 and more.
These kitties are in high demand. This means breeders can ask and can get whatever price they want for them.
What Determines Munchkin Cat Price?
Many factors determine the final pricing of a Munchkin kitten. These factors include, but are not limited to:
Source
You can get your Munchkin kitten or cat from many sources. There are backyard breeders and licensed breeders to choose from. You can also adopt Munchkins from rescues and shelters, though they may be hard to find at these places because they get snapped up quickly!
Adopting is usually the cheapest, and you may even be able to get your Munchkins for free. You only need to pay for licensing and associated costs.
If you go the breeder route, expect to pay more. Licensed breeders will cost you more, as they will produce higher-quality kittens. Backyard breeders may be cheaper, but there may be many uncertainties. These kittens may cost more in the long run.
Breeder
There may be many Munchkin breeders around, but not all are the same. There are the unlicensed backyard breeders that produce Munchkins without much care. There are also the licensed breeders that produce Munchkins of a higher standard.
Then there are the top breeders. These breeders have a reputation for producing very high-quality kittens; some may even have championship-pedigree Munchkins. Their kittens will cost the most.
These kittens usually come with registration certificates from cat associations. This means you are getting a proper Munchkin with known parentage.
Health Status
A healthy Munchkin with proper veterinary care, health checks and vaccines will cost more. When you are looking for your new kitten, check for the following:
- Clean Bill of Health: Ensure the kitten has been checked over by a veterinarian and given a clean bill of health before purchase.
- Genetic Testing: Munchkin cats are known to be prone to retinal degeneration, an inherited genetic disease. Many reputable breeders will test their cats for this disease.
- Vaccination History: A healthy kitten should be properly vaccinated, with proper records. A responsible breeder should be able to provide one for you easily.
- Spaying And Neutering: This may be optional, but if your kitten is already spayed or neutered, you spare yourself the trouble. You pay for the convenience, as you do not need to arrange the procedure or worry about the aftercare.
The more of these the kittens have, the more expensive they will be. However, these are things you should pay for anyway. Paying for these costs upfront to get a healthy kitten will save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run.
Color
Certain Munchkin colors are simply in more demand than others. Similar to a Bengal cat, the whiter and more solid-colored the coat is, the more expensive they cost.
Buyers are particularly looking for solid snow white or black Munchkins. These usually fetch a higher price. Tabbies usually do not cost much, as they can be quite common.
Supply & Demand
Finally, the price of a Munchkin could be down to a simple supply and demand factor. For example, if there are few Munchkin cat breeders in your area then prices will likely be higher than in places where there are tons of breeders.
The fewer kittens there are to go around, the more people can charge for them. And of course, as their popularity increases, more and more people want to get one of these cuties for themselves which also drives up prices.
What Are the Other Costs of Owning a Munchkin Cat?
Aside from purchasing the Munchkin kitten itself, you also need to budget for many other things. These are the essentials to ensure you can provide a safe, healthy, and happ environment for your Munchkin.
- Microchipping ($5 to $30): A microchip helps hospitals or shelters to identify your cat if it gets lost.
- ID Tag & Collar ($5 to $20): If your Munchkin wanders out, your neighbors can identify the cat and return it to you if it has an ID tag on its collar.
- Carrier ($10 to $200): A cat carrier is like a child car seat. It helps you to carry your Munchkin around safely and securely. In fact, in some places, it is illegal to carry your cat in a car without it.
- Litter Box & Scoop ($25 – $75): Your Munchkin needs a place to… do its thing. This should be a one-time cost and something you want to invest in.
- Toys ($10 – $30): All cats love toys, and Munchkins are no different. Catnip-scented, feathers and bouncy springs are popular choices.
- Food & Water Bowls ($10 – $50): Although any dish of the right size will do in a pinch, you will likely want to have dedicated dishes for your kitty’s food and water.
- Grooming (Starts From $30): If your Munchkin is a longhaired breed, they may require professional grooming from time to time.Basic grooming usually includes combing, nail trimming, and a bath. Anything beyond that will cost more.
- Food and Litter ($50 – $100): These are the standard consumables you need to regularly top up for your cat. Invest a little more here, as your Munchkin would appreciate better food. You will also clean easier with good litter.
- Healthcare ($100 – $300 per year): Ensure to take your Munchkin to regular checkups to ensure it stays healthy. If your kitty needs additional healthcare procedures, you may need to fork out more than $300 annually.
Munchkins: Worthy Furballs Of Love
As much as Munchkins may give you sticker shock, you have to love them. Their short legs, big eyes, and gentle demeanor just melt everyone’s hearts. For your investment, a Munchkin kitten will provide you with years and companionship and fun.
As a result, many will be happy to part with a lot of money to own these furballs of love. Will you be the next?
If you are reading this, chances are you are researching Munchkins. In this case, check out our complete guide to Munchkins, where we explore the breed in complete detail.
