How Much Does a Bambino Cost in 2024?

Characteristics of a Bambino

The Bambino – a mix of Sphinx and Munchkin; kept the most identifiable features of both breeds. They can be hairless or have very short coats, and have distinctly short legs. Their enormous eyes, humongous ears, and unique patterning all help to make them distinguishable.

Recognized by the ‘Rare and Exotic Feline Registry’, the Bambino is an experimental breed that was registered in 2005. ‘Baby’ the English translation of the Italian word ‘Bambino’ was chosen because of the kitten-like appearance bambinos have throughout their lives.

Controversies have arisen concerning this breed, primarily due to the inherent risks associated with breeding recessive mutations for the hairless gene and dominant mutations for dwarfed limbs. This combination poses a significant risk factor for the well-being of these kittens. Without the expertise of an experienced breeder, the breeding process can have disastrous consequences for their health.

What is the price of a Bambino Cat? 

Several factors can influence the price of a Bambino Cat. These can include the cat’s age, breeder’s reputation, cat’s bloodline, coat color, and location to some extent. We'll break down the monthly costs of caring for your kitten once they are home.

Buying: $2000 – $3000  

The Bambino is a rare and exotic cat breed. The average price of a Bambino kitten can range between $2000-$3000 if you choose to get your kitten from a breeder.¹

If you want to bring home a Bambino but want to avoid the high cost, you can look into adopting a Banbino instead. Hundreds of shelters house adoptable cats, call a few in your area and ask if they have a Bambino you can meet. Keep in mind that these cats are rare, so it may take time before a shelter near you receives one. If you can find a Bambino up for adoption, adoption fees typically range between $100-$500 making adoption a much more affordable option than purchasing your new pet from a breeder.¹ Check out our cat adoption checklist or read these tips on adopting a cat as you prepare to bring home your new pet.

Monthly costs for a Bambino

Diet: $12-$20

Due to their small size, Bambinos require a modest amount of food. However, it is advisable to provide high-quality, veterinarian-recommended cat food to meet their dietary needs and help ensure their overall health. The cost typically falls between $12 to $20, depending on the brand and type of food you choose.

Grooming: $10-$30

Contrary to the instinct that a hairless cat might need minimal grooming, these felines require the same, if not more, grooming compared to other cats. Their lack of fur means they need regular baths with high-quality shampoos and conditioners to compensate for the absence of natural oils.¹ Anticipate spending approximately $10 to $30 a month on grooming products. Learn how to bathe a cat.

Medical Costs: $200-$300

During the initial year, you'll need to schedule 3-4 vet visits for routine check-ups, tests, and examinations to evaluate their overall health. These visits typically accumulate to a total cost of around $200 to $300.

Beyond routine check-ups, hairless cats may be susceptible to various conditions and diseases throughout their lifetime. They are prone to bacterial skin conditions and infections due to their lack of hair and skin folds. Additionally, some prevalent medical issues include Lordosis, Pectus excavatum, and Hereditary myopathy.² The potential expenses for treating these conditions could include -

Insurance: $30-$100

Pet insurance is recommended for cats and dogs of all ages as it helps cover the cost of unexpected veterinary expenses. Starting at about 2 months old, pets can be covered for the treatment of accidents and illnesses and pet parents can receive cash back on eligible bills. On average, pet insurance for a Bambino can range from $30 to $70 per month for basic coverage, and up to $100 or more per month for comprehensive coverage. Learn more about what pet insurance covers and what pet insurance does not cover.

One-time costs for a Bambino

Initial Costs: $300-$400

Before bringing an exotic cat into your home, it's important to purchase all of the essential pet supplies. These can include:

Overall, you can expect to spend between $300 - $400 on the initial purchase of supplies for your pet. Keep in mind that certain expenses may be recurring, such as the cost of litter, toys, or litter liners.

Microchipping: $50-$70

Microchipping increases the chances of finding a lost cat. If your breeder has not already had the kitten microchipped, it'll cost around $50 to have the chip implanted and another $20 for the registration. Most cats adopted from a shelter will already be implanted with a microchip, just remember to register the chip with a database.

Vaccines: $100-$150

All cats should have the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against three feline illnesses: distemper, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus. Apart from these, vaccines for rabies and feline leukemia are also important to decrease the risk of premature death. Optional vaccines like chlamydia and bordetella can be administered depending on the lifestyle.³ The costs for all of these would be as follows –

Miscellaneous

There are always going to be some additional expenses that cannot be timed. E.g., training, cat sitting, traveling, etc. You can budget for around $300-$350 in a year aside for these depending on the choices you make.

Lifetime Bambino Cost

The monthly expenses for a Bambino cat typically range between $100 and $150. As the cat ages, some costs may decrease while others may increase; for example, insurance premiums may rise while routine vet visits may decrease. This results in annual costs estimated at around $1200 to $1800. Projecting to the upper end of the average lifespan of 16 years, the total cost is approximately $19,200 to $28,800. When adding one-time costs and the adoption fee, the overall expenditure is anticipated to be around $25,000 to $30,000, representing the expected lifetime cost of caring for your Bambino cat.

Conclusion

The Bambino, a rare, energetic, intelligent, and shy breed, possesses captivating and distinct characteristics. With minimal grooming requirements and heightened dietary needs, the average lifetime cost is estimated at around $25,000. Considering the profound love and bond you'll develop with this unique feline companion, the investment feels entirely worthwhile.

Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!