How Much Does It Cost to Own a Khao Manee? (One-Time Costs & FAQs)

The Khao Manee, also called Diamond Eye, is a relatively rare cat breed that developed in Thailand hundreds of years ago. These pure white cats can have stunning blue or gold eyes, and sometimes, one can have a mixture of the two. They are intelligent, playful, and very talkative, chatty cats. This naturally occurring breed wasn’t found in the US until 1999, and if you want to add one to your family, expect to pay for one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. If you are buying from a breeder, you can expect to pay in the range of $7,000–$11,000.

Even though these cats are expensive doesn’t mean your cost to own one will be. In this article, we’ll break down costs according to one-time costs and monthly costs to give you an idea of what it takes financially.

Bringing Home a New Khao Manee: One-Time Costs

Before you bring your Khao Manee home, you will need to purchase a few necessitates. These are usually one-time costs, but some items will need to be replaced over time. You will need to purchase a litter box, food and water bowls, a scratching post, a bed, a collar, an ID tag, a brush, and nail trimmers. Note that if you’re not comfortable trimming your Khao Manee’s nails, your veterinarian can do this for you.

Free

It is highly unlikely you will find a free Khao Manee. Since these cats are rare and a relatively new cat breed to the US, it’s doubtful you’ll find one in an animal shelter, much less someone giving them away.

Adoption

• $2,500–$11,000

You may get lucky and find someone who needs to rehome their Khao Manee for whatever reason. In that case, you may be able to purchase one for much cheaper. Apart from that scenario, it’s difficult to find these cats in adoption programs or cat sanctuaries where they would be much cheaper, as they normally come from breeders exclusively. However, it’s not impossible to find one through a cattery.

Breeder

• $7,000–$11,000

The Khao Manee is considered one of the most expensive cat breeds to buy, and you can expect to shell out between $7,000 and $11,000 when buying from a breeder. Needless to say, these pure-white cats are not cheap, but their awesome personalities are worth the expense if it fits into your budget.

Given the enormous expense, ensure you purchase your Khao Manee from a reputable breeder. The breeder should be very knowledgeable of the breed and be able to answer any questions. You should be allowed to see the parents and the location where they keep the cats. Also, ensure you obtain a health certificate from the breeder.

Initial Setup and Supplies

• $160–$450

Most supplies and the initial set are one-time costs, but not all. Nonetheless, be prepared for these expenses when you decide to add a Khao Manee cat to your household. Below, you will find estimates of the necessities, but keep in mind that the costs will vary depending on the item. For example, a covered litter box will cost more than a litter box pan.

List of Khao Manee Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Khao Manee Cost Per Month?

• $30–$250 per month

The recurring cost of owning a Khao Manee cat averages roughly $30 to $250 per month. Such costs involve cat food, litter, monthly flea, tick, and heartworm medication, and any toys and treats you may spoil your Khao Manee with. These cats love to play, and you may need to purchase more toys than you think.

Health Care

• $50–$250 per month

Routine health care for a Khao Manee can run from $50 to $250 per month. These costs typically include monthly flea, tick, and heartworm medications that need to be administered every month. Health care is most likely the most expensive aspect of owning a cat; however, you normally only have a bigger annual expense for yearly checkups and vaccines.

Food

• $10–$50 per month 

Cat food comes in a variety of forms, such as wet, dry kibble, raw food, food toppings, and premium food. High-quality cat food will cost you a bit more, but the expense is worth it in the long run. Providing high-quality cat food keeps your Khao Manee healthy, which means fewer veterinary bills down the road. You can possibly save money by combining wet and dry food, as dry kibble tends to be less expensive.

Grooming

• $30–$70 per month

The national average for cat grooming ranges anywhere from $30 to $70, depending on your location and the services requested. Cats do a pretty good job grooming themselves, but it’s good to have them professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. However, the Khao Manee has a soft, easy coat, and you can usually brush them once a week. On the other hand, a professional groomer will give a bath, trim the coat and nails, and also brush the teeth and clean the ears, all of which are chores you may not want to do yourself.

Medications and Vet Visits

• $50–$60 per month

Medications and vet visit costs vary depending on your region, but they average roughly $50 to $60 per month. The medication aspect will depend on what medications your cat is on—as your Khao Manee ages, medication expenses could rise depending on its health. You probably will not have a monthly vet visit expense; however, the average vet visits for cats run in the same range ($50 to $60 per visit).

Pet Insurance

• $11–$30 per month

When it comes to pet insurance, cats are cheaper to insure than dogs. Today, many pet insurance companies exist, and your options are plenty. The typical cost to insure your Khao Manee should average from $11 to $30, depending on the company you choose. Keep in mind that the younger your Khao Manee is, the cheaper the pet insurance.

Environment Maintenance

• $20–$30 per month

When owning a Khao Manee or any other cat breed, for that matter, you will have environmental maintenance costs that include litter box liners, deodorizing sprays, and cardboard scratchers. These are typically monthly costs to be aware of to add to your monthly cat expenses. As a cat owner, it’s vital to keep the environment clean for your kitty to prevent health issues, especially the litter box. You can also buy these items in bulk to save money.

Entertainment

• $15–$40 per month

The Khao Manee is a playful and intelligent cat, and you’ll find yourself buying plenty of toys and games for your kitty. Since the Khao Manee is playful, you may want to consider a monthly subscription to a cat toy box. Subscription cat toy boxes can consist of high-quality toys, all-natural treats, and even catnip. If you can’t swing a monthly cat toy subscription, you can focus on purchasing interactive toys and wand teasers for much cheaper.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Khao Manee

• $50–$250 per month

The total cost of owning a Khao Manee varies greatly depending on your location and if you purchase pet insurance. Other factors play a role as well, such as the overall health of your Khao Manee. Feeding your kitty high-quality cat food plays a vital role in keeping your kitty healthy, which will cut down on vet expenses. One cost you don’t want to skip out on is flea, tick, and heartworm medications, which will be a recurring monthly expense. Remember, providing your cat with high-quality food, keeping the litter box clean, and taking your kitty for yearly checkups will keep your cat healthy, happy, and safe.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Everyone needs a vacation, and you may need to board your Khao Manee if you plan to be gone for more than 2 to 3 days unless you have a family member or friend who can pop in at least once a day to ensure your Khao Manee has fresh food and water and a clean litter box.

Emergencies can happen, and you must be prepared for the unexpected. Your Khao Mane can suddenly take ill, requiring an emergency vet room expense, which can be costly. Dental cleanings may be something your Khao Manee may need at some point; however, you can help keep its teeth clean by providing dental treats often, which adds to your monthly expense, but not by much. Keeping your kitty’s teeth clean will help keep the need for a dental cleaning at bay, which is also costly.

Owning a Khao Manee on a Budget

One of the biggest expenses you will spend on a Khao Manee is acquiring one in the first place (remember the $7,000 to $11,000 price tag!). However, buying a Khao Manee is a one-time expense. After you bring your Khao Manee home, you can find inexpensive toys to keep your kitty entertained. Don’t let the cost of buying a Khao Manee deter you from adding one to your family. You don’t have to buy a monthly cat toy subscription box, and you can feed high-quality food by mixing wet and dry kibble together; dry kibble is less expensive and lasts longer. Buy supplies in bulk to save money, such as deodorizing sprays and cat litter.

Saving Money on Khao Manee Care

As we’ve mentioned, you can save money in various areas when owning a Khao Manee, such as purchasing inexpensive toys and buying necessities in bulk. Keep up with yearly checkups to ensure your kitty is healthy and to prevent an illness before the illness gets out of hand and becomes costly. If you don’t want to keep buying toys, invest in a quality scratching post. Scratching posts are excellent ways to keep the active Khao Manee busy and mentally stimulated.

Conclusion

When owning a Khao Manee, you can expect an expensive one-time cost just to acquire the kitty; however, owning a Khao Manee doesn’t have to break the bank to keep it healthy and happy. Your initial setup and supply costs should average from $160 to $450, which are usually one-time costs as well. If you’re on a budget, opt for a less expensive cat bed, carrier, and litter box—just because you go cheaper does not necessarily diminish the quality. Ensure you keep your Khao Manee on flea, tick, and heartworm medication, and add these expenses to your monthly budget. You’re not required to purchase pet insurance, although pet insurance is a lovely option for accidents and illnesses, which can save you money in the long run.

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Featured Image Credit: Bram Alamsyah Tjahjadi, Shutterstock