Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Fumipets
Luxury in Feline Form: Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World
In the realm of feline companionship, some cat breeds emerge as true epitomes of elegance, luxury, and exclusivity. These extraordinary breeds not only captivate with their striking appearances but also boast a hefty price tag, earning them the distinction of being among the most expensive cat breeds globally. Join us on this journey as we explore the opulence and unique characteristics that define these elite feline companions.
Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World
Cats aren’t often thought of as high-priced pets. Horses, exotic pets, and even purebred dogs of certain types come to mind when most people think of pricey pets. You can definitely add a cat to your household for $150 or less if you go to your local humane organization and adopt one.
However, not all cats are that inexpensive. In fact, the prices of certain cats are ridiculously high. Would you be willing to pay six figures for a cat? Some of these felines are, in fact, more costly than a small home. The following 20 breeds are the most costly cats in the world, ranging from moderately priced to ridiculously priced.
The 20 Most Expensive Cat Breeds
1. Ashera Cat
| Average Weight: | 26-33 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 25 years |
| Price: | Up to $125,000 |
The Ashera is more than simply pricey; it’s about as exotic as a housecat gets. However, as the exorbitant price tag of up to $125,000 suggests, this is no average housecat. Yes, that’s in US dollars, not Japanese yen! The Ashera is a cross between many wildcats and domestic house cats, including Asian leopards and African Servals. They seem to be a cross between a wildcat and a domestic cat. However, rather than a conventional feline manner, they are thought to have a canine-like temperament.
2. Savannah Cat
| Average Weight: | 12-25 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 20 years |
| Price: | $10,000-$50,000 |
Savannah cats are still mostly feral. These felines are so unusual that they aren’t even classified as a domestic breed. Savannah cats are now prohibited in more than a dozen US states, despite having been bred in captivity for almost a century. Savannah cats, on the other hand, will not eat regular cat chow and will only eat raw meat. Savannahs don’t accept outsiders and don’t use litterboxes, so having one is like owning a wild animal.
3. Bengal Cat
| Average Weight: | 8-22 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years |
| Price: | $10,000-$25,000 |
The feline in issue must be no more than four generations removed from a wildcat to be considered a real Bengal cat. Domestic shorthair housecats were crossed with a wild Asian Leopard to generate the first Bengals in the 1970s. Some authorities have prohibited these cats because they are so near to wild creatures. You can’t own one in Hawaii or New York, for example. This same characteristic, however, makes these cats very uncommon and costly. A Bengal may sell for as high as $25,000 with the correct genetics, while prices closer to $10,000 are considerably more frequent.
4. Khao Manee
| Average Weight: | 8-10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Price: | $10,000-$11,000 |
It’s on purpose that you’ve never heard of the Khao Manee cat before. Despite the fact that it has been present for hundreds of years, the Thai people have kept this cat a secret. It’s a breed with all-white fur and jewel-like eyes that occurs spontaneously. The Khao Manee is also known as the Diamond Eye Cat because of its unusual eyes, which are typically various hues. It has been mentioned in recorded texts dating back to the 14th century.
5. Sphynx Cats
| Average Weight: | 6-12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8-14 years |
| Price: | $1,800-$9,800 |
Sphynxes are among the most immediately identifiable household cats. Their hairless look, along with their bright eyes that take up the majority of their face, makes them simple to spot. The breed’s lack of hair is the product of a natural genetic abnormality, and it has no impact on their health. Sphynxes, contrary to popular belief, are not native to Egypt. The breed was created in Toronto, Canada. Sphynx cats often retail for $1,800 to $4,400. However, certain Sphynxes of exceptional quality and bloodlines, as well as those with unusual colors, may fetch about $10,000.
6. Persian Cats
| Average Weight: | 7-12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10-17 years |
| Price: | $1,500-$5,500 |
Persian cats seem to have been present for thousands of years, according to historical data. These cats are known for their playful and sweet-tempered nature as well as their unusual appearance, which includes long, luxuriant fur. They feature easily recognized flat, smushed faces with large, bulging eyes that enable them to seem anything from majestic to insane!
7. Toyger
| Average Weight: | 7-15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13-17 years |
| Price: | $3,000-$5,000 |
The Toyger, which is a mix between a domestic shorthair and a Bengal cat, was created by the same breeders that created the Bengal cat. Many of these cats have tiger-like markings, despite the fact that, unlike their Bengal counterparts, they are totally domesticated. Toygers are amiable and laid-back, with exotic appearance but none of the traits that make genuinely exotic cats so difficult to manage.
8. Peterbald Cat
| Average Weight: | 8-10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 years |
| Price: | $2,500-$5,000 |
Peterbalds are a very adaptable breed of cat. Some are entirely bald, while others are coated in a soft fuzz instead of the hair that cats are known for. This fuzz gives them the appearance of peach skin, while some Peterbalds have coarse hair that, when the whiskers come in, gives them the appearance of a man’s face. Peterbalds are a relatively new Russian breed, having been originally documented in 1988 as a result of a cross between a Russian Donskoy and an Oriental Shorthair.
9. Ragdoll Cats
| Average Weight: | 8-20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Price: | $1,000-$5,000+ |
Ragdolls are available at a broad variety of costs. Prices for a basic Ragdoll meant as a pet start at about $1,000 and may reach $2,500. If you want a show-quality Ragdoll, expect to pay at least $1,500 and up to $4,000 for one. Prices for a show-quality Ragdoll that can be bred start at more than $2,000 and may exceed $5,000.
10. Siberian Cat
| Average Weight: | 15-20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Price: | $1,200-$4,000 |
Although larger than a Maine Coon, Siberians are one of the biggest domestic breeds. They’re recognized for being as laid-back as cats get, getting along with kids, visitors, and even dogs. Though these cats have thick double coats to protect them from the harsh Siberian winters, their saliva produces fewer allergens than other breeds, making them a hypoallergenic breed.
11. Maine Coon Cats
| Average Weight: | 10-30 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13-15 years |
| Price: | $1,000-$4,000 |
Stewie, a Maine Coon who reached 48. 5 inches long, holds the world record for the largest domestic cat. These cats may grow to be as huge as 30 pounds, making them one of the world’s largest domestic cat breeds. With all of that size comes a heavy price tag. Prices for a pet-quality Maine Coon kitten start at about $1,000 from a reputable breeder. You’ll pay several thousand dollars if you’re seeking a breeder or show quality.
12. Scottish Fold Cat
| Average Weight: | 6-13 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 11-15 years |
| Price: | $500-$3,000 |
A Scottish Fold appears like any other housecat on the outside, but its ears distinguish it from legendary breeds like the Sphynx. The Scottish Fold gets its name from the fact that its ears are folded over. Due to a genetic mutation that arose spontaneously on a farm cat in Scotland, these ears fold forward and rest flat on the skull. The genealogy of all real Scottish Folds can be traced back to Susie, the initial exemplar.
13. Russian Blue Cats
| Average Weight: | 5-11 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10-16 years |
| Price: | $500-$3,000 |
The Russian Blue, also known as Archangel Cats, is called by its gray coat, which has a blue hue to it when exposed to light. These cats are hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for allergy patients. They’re recognized for being energetic yet laid-back dogs that are lively but quiet. Russian Blue kittens may be had for as low as $500, however pedigreed specimens from reputable breeders can cost as much as $3,000.
14. British Shorthair
| Average Weight: | 7-17 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 20 years |
| Price: | $800-$2,000 |
Today’s British Shorthair cats are significantly clumsier than their predecessors, who were noted for their hunting skill and strength. Their progenitors were Roman household cats, and the first members of the recognized breed were developed from cats rescued from the streets of the United Kingdom. These cats have large features that make them look friendly, which is appropriate given how affectionate British Shorthairs are. These cats are low-key and easygoing, not very active, and they get along with just about everyone. The majority of British Shorthairs cost between $800 and $1200, while some are as expensive as $2,000.
15. Egyptian Mau
| Average Weight: | 8-12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 15 years |
| Price: | $800-$1,800 |
The Egyptian Mau has a speckled coat that gives it a wildcat look. This is the only breed with a naturally speckled coat, which contributes to its high cost. Egyptian Maus are recognized for being very loyal and bonded to their owners, making them more than simply a pretty housecat. The breed was almost extinct during WWII, but it was rescued by a single breeder and her Mau called Baba.
16. Norwegian Forest Cat
| Average Weight: | 8-20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8-14 years |
| Price: | $800-$1,500 |
Norwegian Forest Cats are a natural breed with a very wild look. They are large cats with a robust body and a thick coat to keep them warm in the severe Norwegian winters. Despite its appearance, this breed is completely domestic, derived from domestic cats introduced to northern Europe by the Romans. The origins of this breed are unclear, although according to Norse mythology, they have been existing for thousands of years.
17. Selkirk Rex Cats
| Average Weight: | 12-16 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
| Price: | $600-$1,500 |
Selkirk Rex cats are very uncommon, which accounts for their premium costs. Granted, the most expensive Selkirk Rex isn’t even close to a Savannah cat in price, but $1,500 for a feline is still a lot of money. This breed is distinguished by its curly coat, which makes them one of a kind in the cat world.
18. American Curl
| Average Weight: | 5-10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13-15 years |
| Price: | $800-$1,200 |
The pricing for these cats gets more affordable as we go closer to the bottom of our list. Even yet, $1,200 is a lot of money to spend on a cat, so the American Curl isn’t a cheap pet. The American Curl has peculiar ears, similar to the Scottish Fold, except they curl backward. Every American Curl may be traced back to a stray cat called Shulamith who had unusual ears. Even today, all American Curl kittens are born with straight ears that curl backwards a few days after birth, giving them the unique curled ears that the breed is named for.
19. American Wirehair Cats
| Average Weight: | 8-12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7-12 years |
| Price: | $800-$1,200 |
The wirehaired coat of an American Wirehair cat is, of course, its distinctive trait. These cats are low-maintenance and have a natural resilience to illness. They’re noted for having a fun and friendly demeanor, as well as above-average intellect. Unlike many other breeds, these cats are friendly and extroverted, and they will follow you around the home all day.
20. American Shorthair Cat
| Average Weight: | 6-15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 15 years |
| Price: | $600-$1,200 |
The lovable personality of American Shorthairs has long been admired. These cats are descendants of the Mayflower passengers who travelled over the sea to the New World aboard the Mayflower. They were known for their rat-catching talents rather than their disposition at the time. This breed was given its own name in the 1960s so that it could be distinguished from the various domestic shorthaired cats found across the United States.
The Most Expensive Breed is from a breeder in Los Angeles
A special breed established by a breeder in Los Angeles is the world’s rarest and most costly breed. Each year, just 100 kittens are released, and these specimens have sold for a staggering $125,000. The cost of adding one of these exceptionally uncommon felines to your home begins at $22,000, and you may be on the waiting list for up to five years!
Ashera cats are the most unique breed available, with a coat and pattern that resembles that of a snow leopard. Crossing exotic wildcats like the Asian leopard and African Serval with a domestic housecat was necessary to create the Ashera breed. These cats may weigh up to 30 pounds, and despite their exorbitant prices, they’re just Savannah cats. Of course, they’re more expensive, and possessing one puts you in an exclusive club.
Conclusion
The majority of individuals do not spend much money on their family’s pet cat. Many are given to them or acquired via a friend or on Craigslist. Cat enthusiasts, on the other hand, are prepared to pay Ludacris-like sums for their pets, as seen by some of the prices on this list. While some of the breeds that sell for $1,200 aren’t too pricey, others may cost as much as a home and take up to five years to get your hands on a unique kitten. These royal felines are the top of the heap, as much a status symbol as a pet, and they’ll always be in great demand among the cat-loving elites of the globe.
Questions and Answers about the Most Expensive Cat Breeds
What factors contribute to the high cost of these cat breeds?
The high cost of these cat breeds is influenced by factors such as rarity, pedigree, and distinctive physical traits. Breeds with unique coat patterns, rare colorations, and impeccable bloodlines often command a premium.
Which cat breeds are considered among the most expensive?
Breeds like the Ashera, Savannah, Bengal, Persian, and Peterbald are often ranked among the most expensive cat breeds. Each breed brings its own set of characteristics and exclusivity, contributing to its elevated price.
Are these cat breeds suitable for every cat lover?
While these breeds are undeniably stunning, their high maintenance and specific care requirements may not be suitable for every cat lover. Prospective owners should carefully consider the breed’s needs and their ability to provide the necessary care before committing to an expensive feline companion.
What distinguishes the Ashera cat as one of the most expensive breeds?
The Ashera cat, a hybrid breed, is known for its large size, distinctive appearance, and exclusive status. With a combination of African serval, Asian leopard cat, and domestic cat genes, the Ashera embodies a unique and luxurious feline companion.
Do these expensive cat breeds have specific health considerations?
Some of these expensive cat breeds may have specific health considerations, such as predispositions to certain genetic conditions. It’s crucial for prospective owners to be aware of potential health issues associated with each breed and work closely with reputable breeders to ensure the well-being of their feline companions.
