There are dozens of cat breeds in the world, but only a select few come with a high price tag.
If you’re looking to break the bank, check out some of the most expensive cat breeds in the world.
From Sphynx cats to Maine Coons, these feline friends can cost a fortune! But for animal lovers who have the money to spare, there’s nothing quite like owning an exotic cat breed. So if you’re curious about which breeds command top dollar, read on. You might just be surprised!
The Ashera cats are the most expensive in the world. These cats come with a hefty price tag because they are the rarest and most exotic of domestic cats. The Savannah and Bengal cats are also valuable breeds.
24. Ashera Cat
Average price of Ashera Cat: $22,000 to $125,000
With a price tag that can go up to $125,000, Ashera cats are the most expensive cat breed in the world. Created by the Lifestyle Pets Company, the breed is the result of breeding domestic house cats, the Asian leopard cat, and the African serval.
With only 100 cats being produced each year, this breed is the rarest and most expensive domestic cat.
23. Savannah Cat
Average price of Savannah Cat: $20,000
The Savannah cat is a hybrid between a domestic cat and an African serval. They are characterized by their exceptionally long legs earning them a Guinness World record for being the tallest domestic cat. They come in black, black smoke, and spotted tabby colors.
They are incredibly expensive because of the low fertility rates among males. This results in very limited production of the cats.
22. Egyptian Mau
Average price of Egyptian Mau: $500 to $800
The Egyptian Mau is one of the fancied cat breeds by cat enthusiasts because it’s the only naturally spotted breed among domestic cats. This means their coat colors are limited to those that occur naturally, significantly increasing the cat’s price.
These exotic-looking cats are known to be extremely intelligent and loyal. They have a Cheetah-like gait and their outgoing nature makes them a great companion.
21. Selkirk Rex
Average price of Selkirk Rex: $500 to $800
One of the newest cats breeds to be recognized, the Selkirk Rex was the product of breeding a housecat with a black Persian cat. Owing to their ancestors, they have large-boned bodies covered in curly coats and curly whiskers.
Their unique hair is a result of having a dominant gene that makes their hair curl. This means a litter can contain both straight-haired and curly kittens.
20. Norwegian Forest Cat
Average price of Norwegian Forest Cat: $500 to $800
Coming all the way from northern Europe, this breed is also known locally as Skogkatt or “forest cat” in Norway. Thanks to their long hair and woolly coats, they are able to thrive in the cold climate.
Once, this breed almost disappeared due to mating with non-pedigreed cats. Fortunately, cat experts were able to save the breed. Today, most purebreds are only available in Europe keeping their price high.
19. American Shorthair
Average price of American Shorthair: $600 to $1,200
Known for their longevity and muscular build, American Shorthair cats were bred specifically for their disposition, beauty, and striking colors. These cats come in 80 different color patterns and have adorable round faces with short pointed ears.
Considered a working breed, these cats trace their origins to European domestic shorthairs. They were brought to America by early settlers to protect their cargo from rats.
18. Ocicat
Average price of Ocicat: $800 to $1,200
The Ocicat was the result of interbreeding three established cat breeds. The gene contributors are the Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair cats. The mixture of the different cat breeds birthed a large and muscular breed.
They were named as such because of their resemblance to the wild ocelot, although they have no wild cat DNA. But like their wilder cousins, they are also active, agile, and playful.
17. American Curl
Average price of American Curl: $800 to $1,300
The first American Curls showed up like stray cats with silky black fur and unusual ears. Due to a spontaneous mutation within their breed, they acquired a unique physical trait that defined their breed identity with every litter.
Their ears that curl backward easily distinguish them from other cats. It is said that the tighter the ear curl, the higher the price for these cats.
16. Ragdoll
Average price of Ragdoll: $800 to $1,300
First developed by a breeder in the 1960s, Ragdolls have earned the reputation of being the most favorite lap cat. They are known for their mild and docile temperament and tendency to go limp when lifted hence their breed name.
Because of their clingy nature, these cats love to be cradled and carried around. And enjoy any activities as long as they can be with their humans.
15. Scottish Fold
Average price of Scottish Fold: $800 to $1,500
The beginnings of Scottish Fold Cats date back to 1961. A white cat with unusually folded ears was found in a barn in Scotland. Later on, the shepherd who spotted the cat decided to reproduce the breed.
Today these cats are famous for being pets of many celebrities. The breed’s small ears folded down toward their rounded faces gave them their name and unmistakable appearance.
14. British Shorthair
Average price of British Shorthair: $800 to $1,700
The British Shorthairs are known for having many desirable attributes. First of all, they have dense coats, broad faces, and robust bodies. They are also easy-going, adaptable, and easily trained making them ideal house pets.
These cats are kitten-like because they mature slowly. Although they have no breed-specific health conditions, they continue to exist in small numbers, which explains why their expensive price tag.
13. Sphynx
Average price of Sphynx: $900 to $1,900
When talking about expensive cat breeds, you cannot leave out the Sphynx. Their incredibly exotic looks are hard to reproduce making them one of the priciest cat breeds out there.
They don’t have a coat but they have very fine hair. The color patterns on their skin are areas where hair would grow if they had any. They have whiskers that are either tiny or totally absent.
12. Maine Coon
Average price of Maine Coon: $950 to $2,500
Known as the official cat of the state of Maine, the Maine Coon is a recognized cat breed. In fact, they are the fifth most popular cat breed by the Cat Fancier’s Association.
These long-haired beauties are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. The males can weigh up to 18 lbs. Although they are on the plus-size spectrum, they are trainable and friendly.
11. Russian Blue
Average price of Russian Blue: $1,000 to $1,700
Famous for its plush blue coat, the Russian Blue is widely believed to have originated from a Russian port. Presumably, they made their way to Europe by sailing on ships in the 1800s.
These cats are excellent companions because of their sweet and clingy nature. Also, they are the breed of choice for allergy sufferers as these cats do not shed constantly.
10. American Wirehair
Average price of American Wirehair: $1,000 to $2,000
An all-American breed, the American Wirehair is adorned with several unique features. Hallmarks of this breed are their high cheekbones, rounded ears, and rounded eyes that tilt upward. Their wiry-looking, tightly crimped hair is believed to be the result of spontaneous mutation.
The hefty price tag comes from being a rare breed. There are reportedly only 22 cats of this breed registered last 2003.
9. Siberian Cat
Average price of Siberian Cat: $1,300 to $1,600
The large-sized Siberian cat is considered one of Russia’s national treasures. They have a double-thick coat and various shades of golden-green to blue eyes. These fluffy cats are easy-going and very playful they get along well with kids and other animals.
They are a staple cat breed in Russia and have been featured in many Russian fairy tales and children’s books.
8. Khao Manee
Average price of Khao Manee: $1,400
The Khao Manee, also known as the diamond eye, is a rare cat breed originating in Thailand. These cats have a rich history that can be traced back hundreds of years. Rich because they were favored by royalty and were a symbol of good luck and wealth.
They are generally curious and like to be involved in everything. And their distinctive trait is their loud meowing.
7. LaPerm
Average price of LaPerm: $1,900
One of the top choices for hypoallergenic cat breeds, LaPerms was discovered in the early 1980s. Despite their curly hair, these cats typically produce little to no dander and require only moderate maintenance. Brushing their hair every few weeks is enough to keep their coat in shape.
They have an affectionate, active, and outgoing character. They love making their humans laugh with their amusing antiques whenever they can.
6. Peterbald
Average price of Peterbald: $1,700 to $3,000
Another cat breed from Russia, the Peterbald is a hairless cat that was created in 1994 in St. Petersburg. These cats are the result of the experimental mating of a Don Hairless and an Oriental Shorthair. They have a mild temper and boundless energy.
They are a favorite among cat owners who aren’t fans of the furballs and hairy clothes that often come with cat ownership.
5. Persian Cat
Average price of Persian Cat: $1,800 to $3,000
Persian cats rank first in breed popularity and are one of the oldest known breeds alive today. They are known for their beautiful long flowing hair and sweet and gentle personalities.
Because of the combination of good qualities they have, there is a high demand for purebred cats. Their sweet temperament, luxurious coat, and beautiful round face are reflected in their price tag.
4. Bengal Cat
Average price of Bengal Cat: $1,500 to $5,000
The brown, spotted cat Bengal is known for closely resembling one of its ancestors, the Asian leopard cat. After a long and careful breeding process, the resulting domestic cat breed is the only one with rosette markings that camouflage a cat in the wild.
3. Toyger
Average price of Toyger: $5,000
The breed name may sound intimidating but Toygers are 100% a domestic cat breed. These tiger-looking cats, only smaller in size, are the result of breeding a Bengal and a striped domestic shorthair.
However, the breed was actually designed to have tiger-like features such as elongated toes for that tiger-like gait and enhanced night vision. Its friendly and laid-back temperament was from their other parent breed.
2. Korat
Average price of Korat: $500 to $800
Often confused with Russian Blue cats, the Korat’s heart-shaped head gives away the breed’s identity. These cats come in only one color, silver-tipped blue that shimmers and produces a halo-like appearance that is unique to them.
These cats, which are originally from Thailand, are rare because only a small gene pool exists within their breed. It’s believed that it is purposely kept small to keep the breed exclusive.
1. Siamese Cat
Average price of Siamese: $200 to $800
The slender Siamese is a people cat famous for being curious and very talkative. Their history dates back to the late 1800s when they were discovered in Thailand, which was called Siam then.
These sleek and elegant cats were soon exported to different parts of the world and eventually gained popularity among cat lovers. They became a favorite in America and Europe, appearing in many cat shows.
Related Questions
How Much Does The Most Expensive Cat Cost?
The most expensive cat ever sold was worth $41,435. It was reported that in 1998, a woman bought a Bengal cat named Cato for a whopping price of $41,435 in London. The Bengal cat is the result of breeding a domesticated house cat and the Asian Leopard cat.
How Much Is Taylor Swift’s Cat Worth?
All three of Taylor Swift’s cats are worth an estimated $4,300. The two cats she first owned are both Scottish Fold cats named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson which are worth $1,500 each. The third cat is a Ragdoll named Benjamin Button that is worth around $1,300.
Why Are Purebred Cats So Expensive?
Purebred cats are so expensive because they require careful breeding. The process to maintain the pureness of the cat breed is very costly for the one in charge of reproducing the breed. It’s basically a business and the costs of the production must be recovered through the sales.
