The hairless Bambino cats can be a good option for anyone looking for a Sphynx or similar cat breed. The hairless breed was bred from Sphynx and Munchkin stock to give them a sociable nature, with small legs and an energetic temperament. Finding out how much these cats cost can be difficult, with mixed responses online leaving you unsure who to believe.
To help you find out the cost of a Bambino cat in Australia, we have outlined the price of them when purchased from a breeder or adoption shelter and the additional costs you should consider before bringing a cat into your home.
A Bambino cat can cost between $100 and $3,000 depending on the breeder you choose if the cat is purchased from an adoption shelter, and their age. Typically, you will see lower prices, like the bottom of the price range, from adoption shelters, which are focused on finding a new home for their cats and kittens. Breeders will charge more for their cats and kittens, especially if they have been bred with purebred Sphynx and Munchkin cats.
Some breeders will offer low prices for their Bambino cats, but we recommend avoiding these. Typically, a breeder with a price that seems too good to be true is an unregistered breeder and will not offer the same care for their cats as registered breeders. Unregistered breeders have no obligation to follow the strict code of ethics that registered breeders do, which can cause an increase in genetic conditions and poorly cared for cats. Despite the attractive price, we recommend avoiding them and purchasing your cat through a breeder or adoption shelter that prioritises your cat’s health.
Buying a Bambino cat from a breeder in Australia can cost between $2,000 and $3,000, depending on their age and the breeder you choose. As a Bambino cat is a hybrid breed, you will not find any purebred cats for sale, but you might find those with purebred parents or ancestors, which can increase their cost. Cats bred with purebred ancestors are believed to have a lower risk of health conditions, which can increase their cost and the demand for them.
Younger cats and kittens from breeders will sit closer to the top of the price range due to their popularity. The high cost also accounts for the care they have received before coming to your home, including vaccinations and vet appointments.
Bambini cats from an adoption shelter are significantly cheaper, costing between $100 and $500 depending on the location of the shelter and the age of the cat. Kittens will be more expensive, while older cats will sit closer to the bottom of the price range. When you purchase a Bambino cat from an adoption shelter, they won’t have the same information about their lineage as breeders, but they will provide you with information about the cat’s temperament, personality, and health conditions.
Adoption shelters work hard to match cats to the right family, so alongside learning about the cat, they want to learn about you. You can expect to answer questions about your home, lifestyle, and other pets you have to see if the Bambino cat would thrive in your home.
A few factors can impact the cost of a Bambino cat in Australia, like their age and the breeder’s reputation. Understanding how these impact the cost can help you narrow your search and find the perfect cat for your home without needing to break the bank. The main factors you need to be aware of are detailed below:
Although Bambino cats are not purebred, their lineage can still play a role in their price. Some breeders, especially those who have used purebred Munchin and Sphynx cats to breed their Bambinos, will charge a premium for this, citing that their cats have come from purebred lines. Breeding purebred cats is believed to reduce the risk of health conditions for your cat, save you on vet bills and improve the cat’s quality of life. As Bambinos are susceptible to some health conditions, people are willing to pay a higher price to help reduce this risk.
When a breeder claims their cat comes from purebred lines, ask for authentication. Any reputable breeder will be happy to provide you with proof and information about any genetic testing performed on the cats they breed.
The breeder’s reputation heavily influences the cost of your Bambino, with more reputable breeders charging more for their cats and kittens. A well-regarded breeder will be popular and will have plenty of demand for their cats, allowing them to raise their prices. The high prices of a reputable breeder can also reflect the care they have provided for their cats and kittens.
Breeding cats can be expensive, especially if you are caring for them properly and providing them with vaccinations and regular vet appointments. This is often reflected in the price of breeders, especially when their kittens need round-the-clock care.
How old a cat is also impacts the price. Kittens are more popular and are sold at a higher price by both breeders and adoption shelters. Their high price is partly due to their popularity and partly the care required to raise a kitten before they are ready to join your home.
Older cats are often sold at a lower price and can be a great addition to any home looking to avoid high costs. Despite their age, older Bambino cats still have plenty of love and affection to give and will offer as much happiness as younger cats and kittens.
After you have purchased your Bambino, you need to consider the cost of the essentials that they need. Your Bambino will need high-quality bedding, feeding bowls, collars, and other essentials to ensure they are comfortable and safe in your home. The cost of these essentials varies from $5 to $360 per item, quickly racking up to a few hundred dollars. The cost does vary depending on the brand you choose and the material used, but you should ensure that you have the budget to provide these items and replace them as your cat grows or they break.
We have outlined the essential items you need to purchase and their costs below:
Cat crate: can cost between $39 and $150, depending on the brand and size of the crate. Check the measurements before ordering to ensure that you have plenty of room for your cat.
Cat bed: can cost between $13 and $200 depending on the brand, the thickness and the material of the bed. You want to ensure the bed is plush enough to keep you comfortable and offer plenty of space for them.
Feeding bowl: can cost between $10 and $50 depending on the size and brand of the bowl. Specialist bowls to slow down the speed of your cat’s food will also add to the cost of the bowl.
Collar/lead: can cost from $5 to $35 depending on the type and material of the lead and collar.
Car harness: can cost between $5 and $50 depending on the size and brand. You need to ensure that you provide the right size to keep your cat secure.
Cat treats: can cost between $5 and $10 a week depending on the brand and how many treats your cat eats a week.
Litter tray: can cost between $300 to $360 a year depending on how often your cat uses the litter tray or if they toilet outside.
Clippers, combs, and brushes: can cost between $5 and $20 per item, depending on the brand and material.
You also need to consider the maintenance costs for your Bambino, including feeding them, regular vet appointments, and grooming costs. These costs can vary from $10 to $700 depending on the brand of food you choose, the price of your vets, and how often your cat is groomed. These costs can mount up over a year and must be maintained to ensure that your Bambino is healthy. Below, we have outlined all of the costs you need to consider.
Bambino cats will cost around $12 to $20 a month to feed. Their small size means they don’t need too much food, making them some of the cheapest cats to feed. The cost does vary depending on the type of food you feed them and the brand, but you don’t need to spend too much on their food.
You should ensure that the food you provide them is high quality, and veterinarian recommended to ensure it provides them with all the nutrients they need to remain healthy. Checking the ingredients list on any food you buy them will ensure that you are providing suitable food for your cat.
Based on an adult Bambino weighing between 2 to 4 kg, you can expect the following costs to feed them:
Veterinary care for your Bambino will vary from $30 to $700 per item, depending on the vet you choose, how often your Bambino needs preventative care, and the pet insurance that you choose. The costs we have outlined below only consider the preventative care your cat will need, like vaccinations and parasite treatment. Bambino cats are prone to health conditions that can be expensive to treat and should be considered as part of your budget. Investing in comprehensive pet insurance can help to reduce these costs and ensure your cat gets the care it needs.
Below, we have outlined the preventative care costs you need to consider before purchasing a Bambino cat.
Annual vet checkups: can cost between $80 and $150, depending on the price of your vet. The cost can increase if any follow-up appointments or treatments are needed.
Vaccinations: can cost between $80 and $150 depending on the size of your cat and the prices your vet sets. The price can vary depending on the size of your cat, with larger cats seeing a higher price.
Worming and parasite treatment: can cost around $200 a year to provide coverage for your cat. The cost can increase if treatment is to remove parasites, so it’s best to follow up regular preventative treatments.
Dental cleaning: can cost between $300 and $700 depending on the level of cleaning required and if your cat needs to be sedated for the treatment.
Pet insurance: can cost between $30 and $100 a month depending on the level of cover you choose, your cat’s health, and their age.
Grooming a Bambino cat will cost between $10 and $30, depending on the groomer you choose and if you choose to groom your cat at home. Your Bambino will need regular baths at home to care for their skin, using high-quality shampoos and conditioners. You can pay a groomer to do this, or you can do so yourself. It can take some patience and practice for your cat to warm up to being bathed at home, but doing so can save you money.
Groomers will also place additional charges on services like clipping your cat’s nails, and there might be fees if your cat arrives with fleas, so be sure to maintain their preventative medicines.
Bambino cats are intelligent and highly responsive to training, making them easier to train than other cats. You can expect to pay anywhere from $99 to $2,800 to train your Bambino. The price varies depending on the trainer you choose, the type of training course on offer, and how many sessions you have. You can opt for quick, short training sessions to longer courses that help you to train a variety of cats. Consider what you want from your training before moving forward and booking.
Bambino cats can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you should be put off from buying one. You can choose to adopt one at a lower cost or consider purchasing an older cat. You must ensure that you have the money to provide for your cat, providing them with the love and maintenance they need.
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