Got some cash burning a hole in your pocket and ready to spend it on one of your favorite creatures? Get ready to meet the world’s most expensive cat breeds!
In case you’re wondering what makes these expensive cats so special, it’s really a combination of things. As you’ll see from this list of pricey pussycats, some of them are very popular and some are very rare, both factors that contribute to the hefty price tag.
You’ll also notice that all these expensive cats are purebred cats. Now we’re not going to get into the whole debate on whether purebred cats are “better” cats. That’s just ridiculous, all cats are amazing.
But if you’re wondering if paying a small fortune for a purebred cat is worth it, here are a few factors to consider.
- Show cat or pet cat If you’re hoping to enter your feline into shows, keep in mind that show-quality cats of every breed will be more expensive.
- Predictability or luck The biggest reason why people shell out the big dollars for a purebred cat is for the predictability it offers. If you fell in love with the looks and characteristics of a specific breed of cat, it’s very likely that choosing a purebred of the same breed will get you exactly what you’re looking for.
- Do you have allergies A huge reason to opt for a pricier purebred over other feline options is as simple as allergies. There are specific cat breeds that are more hypoallergenic than others and this is a very good reason to spend the extra money on a purebred cat.
Also keep in mind that these expensive cats cost more for a reason. To breed a purebred cat requires the breeder to be very, very choosy. This means being picky when matching father and mother cats, extensively monitoring any potential bad recessive traits with medical testing, and screening problematic cats out of the breeding program.
That’s what it takes to keep a restricted gene pool that will produce healthy purebred kittens. As a result, each kitten from reputable breeders have had a lot of time, love, and expense dedicated to them by the time they are ready for a new home. This is not cheap, which is why the cats are not either.
Although “not cheap” may be the understatement of the year when it comes to these felines, as you’ll soon find out. Ready to meet the most expensive cat breeds in the world
Here they are, in order from the least expensive to the most expensive cats ever!
Maine Coon
How much does a Maine Coon cost $400 – $1,300
I m a true American ? big, hearty, and one of the oldest breeds to originate in the US. And I m not only one of the most popular cats in the US ? I m also the official state cat of Maine. How many other felines can claim that
A rugged sort of cat, I m built to survive ? and thrive ? with my water-repellant fur and top-notch hunting skills but underneath my brawny good looks lies the heart of a gentle giant. I m as loving and affectionate as a kitten and great with kids! Read more about the Maine Coon.
Ragdoll
How much does a Maine Coon cost $400 – $2,600
My name gives me away. I am every bit as big, fluffy, and easy-going as a ragdoll. I’ll even go limp when you pick me up ? which I’ll let you do even if you’re a total stranger.
I m just friendly like that, though my sociability never gets annoying. At most, I’ll follow you from room to room just to remain within petting distance. It’s easy to love me, which is why I m high on the list of most popular cat breeds. Read more about the Ragdoll.
Bengal
How much does a Bengal cat cost $500 – $4,000
I’m gorgeously exotic looking, which is no surprise when you consider that I’m a hybrid cat with wildcat roots. Yup, I get my eye-catching looks from my lineage of being bred between a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard Cat.
And true to my wild heritage, I can be a lot to handle, with my super high energy levels, exceptional athleticism, and abundance of smarts. But I am oh, so worth it – I’m a load of fun and can be trained, taken for walks and even swims! And did I mention I am one of the friendliest, most lovable cat breeds you’ll ever meet Find out more about the Bengal!
British Shorthair
How much does a British Shorthair cost $800 – $1,500
With my round, fluffy teddy-bear looks, it’s no wonder I m the most popular cat in Britain. And it’s not just my looks that keep me ranking on the world’s most popular cat charts, either ? I am a well-mannered, genteel feline with a zen-like disposition toward life and fellow creatures.
A true pleasure to be around and no trouble at all, especially since I’m one of the healthiest, heartiest cat breeds around! Oh, I should also mention that I don’t have a double-coat so I’m actually easier to handle in the grooming department as well. Read more about the British Shorthair.
Persian
How much does a Persian cat cost $800 to $1,900
I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve officially been the most popular cat breed for, like,forever. Thirty years, to be exact, but who’s counting
My desirability has both to do with my adorably fluffy looks as my extremely laid-back personality. I m very zen-like, you know ? gentle, soft-spoken and capable of accepting every moment with gracious nonchalance. No wonder I m #1. Read more about the Persian.
Peterbald
How much does a Peterbald cat cost $800 – $3,000
I’m the new thing in hairless cat circles and very much in demand. It’s not just my good looks that account for my popularity but also the fact that our numbers are still scarce. You see, many of us only give birth to one or two kittens and some of our babies can be fragile, increasing the chance that they’re lost by inexperienced breeders.
So you might have to jump through a few hoops to get your hands on me, but I can assure you that it’s all worth it. What I lack in hair I make up for in intelligence and devotion. I m a very affectionate cat who loves to be with my humans, preferably being cuddled or played with.
I thrive on attention and tenderness and won’t hesitate to use my voice or smarts to obtain both. Some call this needy.? I prefer loving. Read more about the Peterbald.
Siberian
How much does a Siberian cat cost $900 – $1,600
Physically, I m built to survive in the rough, cold forests of Siberia, but emotionally, I thrive in the warm company of my humans. I m very sociable and affectionate and will frequently engage my humans in games.
That is, when I m not climbing to the heights of the house, playing with the faucet, or stealing your shiny objects. Read more about the Siberian.
Sphynx
How much does a Sphynx cat cost $900 – $2,000
Highly sociable and unreservedly affectionate, I’ve been described as being part monkey, part dog, part child, and part cat. It’s no wonder why I m so popular around the world ? you get so many lovely personas wrapped in one gracefully poised, very chatty package.
Just know that I know no shame when it comes to begging for attention. Personal space? isn’t in my repertoire so no boundaries between us, okay Read more about the Sphynx.
Savannah
How much does a Savannah cat cost $1,200 – $20,000
Curious why I look so wildly fabulous? My breed came to be when a hefty 30-pound African Serval was paired with a lightweight 8-pound Siamese Sealpoint.
Since then my breed outcrossed with some of the most gorgeous cats to walk the earth like the Ocicat and the Egyptian Mau. The result? Me, the modern Savannah cat breed everyone knows and loves today as a loyal, athletic, and intelligent cat.
I am so clever and athletic, in fact, that I can be taught to walk on a leash, have the ability to jump 8 feet straight into the air and even master tricks like fetch? and sit . Needless to say, this has resulted in many humans comparing me to dogs. As if. I am sooo much smarter and cleaner. Read more about the Savannah.
Singapura
How much does a Singapura cat cost $1,400 to $1,800
I may be miniature, but I’ve got a big personality.
Yup, I am a pint-sized bundle bursting with energy. Not shy at all, I’ll jump and pounce my way into the center of all household affairs where all eyes will be ? and will remain ? focused on me. I love attention!
And I’ll do anything for it, which is why I’ve been dubbed the pesky people cat.? Pesky, I may be, but I m also unbelievably lovable. Read more about the Singapura.
Ashera
How much does an Ashera cat cost $22,000 to $125,000
Yup, you read that right. My breed has been sold for as high as six figures! And despite our hefty price tag, there’s still a line of people asking for us.
Why are we so darn in demand? Well, we are beautifully exotic looking, thanks to our hybrid genes that come from true wildcats like Asian leopard cat and the African serval. So if you’re one of those people looking for a cat that looks like a leopard, I’m the ideal feline catch.
My breed was created by the Lifestyle Pets Company and they only breed five of us each year. Most of us are in the $28,000 range, but those of us with patterns like a snow leopard’s have fetched as much as $125,000!
They’ll be breeding us to be hypoallergenic soon, so take note if you have allergies! Soon, you might be able to live with one of us, allergy-free, for around $37,000.
But wait, before you run off to put your name on our waiting list, you should know that we’ve come under a lot of scrutiny and controversy since the only known examples of our Ashera breed have been proven by DNA testing to actually be Savannah cats…sold for multiple times the price!
