Cats have been a popular pet choice for many households in the U.S. due to their companionship and comfort.
While some owners spare no expense to ensure their cat’s well-being, others are willing to pay a significant amount of money to acquire a feline with prize-winning traits or rare breeds.
In this article, we will explore some of the most expensive cat breeds in the world.
From the fluctuating prices of these breeds to the willingness of owners to pay serious prices, we will delve into the world of high-end cat ownership.
20. Norwegian Forest Cat ($500 – $800)
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a beautiful breed that originates from Northern Europe. It has a long, glossy topcoat and a woolly undercoat that helps it stay warm in cold climates.
This breed is relatively rare in the U.S, which explains its high price range of $500 to $800. Breeders often have to make multiple trips to acquire breeding cats, which increases the cost of the kittens.
19. Egyptian Mau ($500 – $800)
The Egyptian Mau is a short-haired breed of cat that is naturally spotted. These cats come in a limited range of colors, all of which occur naturally. Due to their unique appearance, potential owners are often willing to pay a premium price of $500 to $800 to acquire one of these cats.
18. Korat ($500-$800)
Korats are a smaller breed of cat with a silver-tipped blue-grey coat and short hair. They have less body fat than the average cat. In their native Thailand, Korats are considered a symbol of prosperity.
Due to a small gene pool, this breed is rare. The price range for a Korat is typically $500-$800.
17. Selkirk Rex ($500-$800)
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new and rare breed known for its extraordinary plush, curly hair, which has earned it the nickname “the cat in sheep’s clothing.” These cats are highly tolerant of children, making them ideal family pets.
Due to their rarity, Selkirk Rexes command a high price ranging from $500 to $800.
16. Siberian ($1,000-$2,000)
Originating from a frigid region in Russia, Siberian cats possess a thick, triple coat to protect them from the harsh winter climate. These cats are known for their docile nature and hypoallergenic fur, which has made them a popular breed in the U.S.
Despite their recent arrival, their popularity has led to a high price range of $1,000-$2,000.
15. American Shorthair ($600-$1,200)
The American Shorthair is a medium to large-sized cat breed that is native to the United States. It has a thick coat that tends to grow even denser during the winter.
This breed is descended from cats that sailed on The Mayflower, which makes it quite expensive due to its extraordinary lineage. The American Shorthair typically costs between $600 and $1,200.
14. Maine Coon ($400-$3,500)
Maine Coons are large, affectionate cats with beautiful neck ruffs and dainty britches. The cost of a Maine Coon varies throughout the world, but in the U.S., a show-quality specimen, crowned “America’s Cat,” can cost a small fortune. Prices for Maine Coons range from $400 to $3,500.
13. American Wirehair ($1,000-$1,200)
The American Wirehair is a medium-sized cat breed that originates from New York. These cats are known for their wiry, crimped coat and powerful build.
Due to their rarity, American Wirehairs are typically kept for show or breeding, which is reflected in their price tag of $1,000-$1,200.
12. American Curl ($800-$1,300)
The American Curl is a unique cat breed named after its distinctively curled ears. These cats come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, with both short and long hair options.
However, the cost of an American Curl is relatively high, ranging from $800 to $1,300. This is due to their direct lineage to a single stray kitten and the fact that they are one of the most recent cat breeds.
11. Ragdoll ($1,000-$1,300)
Ragdoll cats are known for their large size, semi-long pointed coat, and bright blue eyes. These cats are highly sought after as lap cats and are priced between $1,000 and $1,300 due to their clear lineage dating back to 1960s California.
10. Scottish Fold ($800-$1,500)
The Scottish Fold cats are descendants of Susie, a barn cat with folded ears. Their cute round face and body have made them popular on the internet, with celebrities like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran sharing photos.
Due to their popularity, the price of Scottish Fold cats ranges from $800 to $1,500.
9. Sphynx ($900-$2,000)
The Sphynx cat is a unique breed known for its hairless appearance and affectionate personality.
Due to its purebred status, the Sphynx can be difficult to find and expensive to purchase, with prices ranging from $900 to $2,000. Despite its lack of fur, the Sphynx still requires regular grooming to maintain its skin health.
8. British Shorthair ($1,500-$2,000)
The British Shorthair is a highly desired cat breed due to its distinctive physical features, including its large, rounded head, eyes, and paws.
This breed has been around for centuries and is known for its robust health, making it a popular choice among cat lovers. The high price tag for British Shorthairs is due to their small numbers and lack of breed-specific health conditions.
7. Russian Blue ($500-$3,000)
The Russian Blue is a breed of cat known for its thick, stunning blue-gray coat and bright eyes. These loyal cats are sweet-tempered and make great pets.
Due to their relative rarity, owning one can command a high price ranging from $500 to $3,000.
6. Peterbald ($1,700-$3,000)
The Peterbald is a Russian breed known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. As a hairless breed that has only been around for a few decades, it is considered quite rare and one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world, with prices ranging from $1,700 to $3,000.
5. Persian ($1,800-$5,500)
The Persian breed is known for its luxurious, long, and silky coat, as well as its sweet and gentle personality.
The price of a Persian kitten can vary greatly depending on its lineage, with some purebred Persians costing up to $5,500.
4. Bengal ($4,000-$10,000)
The Bengal cat is a breed that closely resembles a wild cat due to its exotic spotted coat and larger size.
Producing a Bengal requires a significant amount of time and effort, which is reflected in their high price range of $4,000 to $10,000 on average.
3. Toyger ($5,000)
The Toyger is a newer breed of cat that resembles a striped tiger while maintaining the behavior of a domesticated feline. It is a highly sought-after breed with a price tag of $5,000.
Prospective buyers should note that breeders typically donate a portion of sales proceeds to support tiger conservation efforts.
2. Savannah ($10,000-$25,000)
Savannahs are a rare and unique hybrid breed resulting from crossing a Siamese cat with a wild Serval. These cats are known for their tall and slender appearance, as well as their exotic markings.
However, the price of owning a Savannah can be exceptionally high, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. One reason for this high price is due to the low fertility rates among male Savannahs, which makes breeding them more difficult and expensive.
1. Ashera ($22,000-$125,000)
The Ashera is a rare and expensive cat breed developed by the Lifestyle Pets company.
With only 100 of these big and friendly cats sold annually since 2006, the price ranges from $22,000 to $125,000. Due to its exclusivity, interested buyers should expect to join a months-long waiting list.
