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Munchkin cats are adorable! They have a very different look to the traditional domestic cat! Have you thought about adopting a Munchkin cat? If so, then you’re in for a real treat with these lovely kitties! But do you know how much it costs to adopt one of these beautiful cats? If not, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together information about the Munchkin cat and how much it costs to adopt one of these fur babies.
What is a Munchkin Cat?
The Munchkin cat is a domestic cat breed that’s famous for their short legs! Yes, you read that correctly. These cats have short legs. Some say they resemble Corgis or Dachshunds in that way. However, these cats are all kitty!
Short-legged cats have been noted all through history. It turns out the short legs are a natural genetic mutation. However, the so-called “mother” of the Munchkin cat breed lived in the 1980s. This cat’s name was Blackberry, and she had short legs. Her male kittens also had short legs. The cats were bred with other domestic cats, resulting in more short-legged cats! The Munchkin breed was born!
The Munchkin cat breed is now part of a breed development program by the International Cat Association. They set up a committee to monitor the breeding of Munchkin cats. The breed was first recognized by the International Cat Association in 2003.
Munchkin cats don’t let their shorter legs slow them down a bit. These kitties are fast, full of energy, and love to have fun. They’re also very affectionate with their pet parents.
These cats have a very different look—they’re small, low to ground, and have legs that are 3 inches shorter than other cats’. However, the rest of the cat’s body is very similar to other cat breeds. Munchkin cats usually weigh between 6 to 9 lbs. Because of their resemblance to the Dachshund, some people call these adorable kitties “sausage cats” or “wiener cats.”
It’s said these small cats keep their kittenish temperament even into adulthood. They love to play and run around the house. Even so, these kitties also love to snuggle with their pet parents and families. These kitties are also very intelligent, social, and confident felines.
One interesting note about Munchkin cats is that they have a tendency to hoard things. They love to hide their favorite things to play with later. So, if you find a sock missing or some jewelry, then you can start by checking with your Munchkin cat!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Munchkin Cat?
Well, that’s not an easy question to answer. There are several factors that can affect the price of a Munchkin cat. However, we found that adopting a Munchkin cat from a breeder is between $500 to $1500. If you’d like a show cat, then expect to pay from $2000 and more.
On the other hand, if you’d like to adopt a Munchkin cat from a rescue, then you may pay between $100 to $300. These cats need and deserve a fur-ever home of their own, with loving pet parents. Rescue organizations charge adoption fees to cover the costs of caring for the animals in their care. They must pay for housing, food, and medical care for these special little felines (and the other pets) in their care.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhy are Breeders More Expensive Than a Rescue?
Reputable breeders tend to be more expensive. That’s because they have many costs involved with breeding these wonderful cats. Along with breeding costs, breeders must also pay for medical care (vaccinations, microchipping, and more), cat food, housing, and more. And when you adopt from a reputable breeder, the cat is usually healthier. They may have also been trained and socialized.
Not only will your fur baby be healthier, but you may also be able to meet the cat’s parents. All you have to do is ask the breeder if you can meet the parents. Meeting the cat’s parents gives you an idea of the personality, temperament, and appearance of the pair’s kittens.
There are also other factors that may affect the adoption fee of a Munchkin from a reputable breeder, including:
Gender: females usually cost more than males because they can be used for breeding.
Bloodlines/pedigree: cats from excellent bloodlines are usually more expensive.
Coat color: this can also affect the price of a Munchkin cat. It seems that many pet parents prefer lighter colors to darker colors on Munchkin cats.
Limited registered: these are cats that aren’t allowed to breed. They may cost between $300 to $500. If you’re not interested in breeding Munchkin cats, then this may be an option that’s a good fit for you.
Fully registered: these are cats that are allowed for breeding. Those coming from lesser-known breed farms will cost more and are meant to be pets. On the other hand, Munchkin cats bred by reputable breeders cost more and are raised for breeding or participating in cat competitions.
Other Costs Associated with Munchkin Cats
The adoption fee is only the first cost you must cover when adopting a Munchkin cat. There are other costs you’ll also need to consider. We’ve put together a list of items you’ll need when your fur baby first comes home. It’s best to buy these in advance and have everything set up and ready when your Munchkin cat comes to her new home!
Here’s what you’ll need for your fur baby:
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $20 (or more)
- Cat carrier: $40
- Toys: $20
- Litter scoop: $10
- Litter box: $25 to $40
- Brush: $10
- Cat bed: $20 to $40
- Cat food: $40 to $60 per month
- Grooming: $25 to $50 (Munchkins usually require more grooming than other cats)
- Medical care: $10 to $20 per month (this may be more if your cat has health issues)
In addition, you may need to speak with your vet about having your cat spayed or neutered. Your fur baby may also need to be microchipped, depending on the requirements in your area.
Summing It Up
As you can see, the costs of adopting a Munchkin cat can vary. However, one thing is sure; these are adorable cats! They make excellent, loving companions, too.
So, if you can afford to adopt and care for a Munchkin cat, then this may be the right cat for you!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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