Do you know how much a Bengal cat costs? How about a Savannah? What about other exotic house cats? If not, you’re in for a surprise, as their beauty does not come cheap!
If you’re looking for the most expensive cat breeds out there, one of these high-end felines might be what you seek, but get ready to give an arm and a leg for them.
Let’s let the cat out of the bag!
Most Expensive Cat Breeds: Cost Highlights
| CAT BREED | COST |
| Ashera | Up to $125,000 |
| Savannah | Up to $50,000 |
| Bengal | Up to $25,000 |
| Khao Manee | Up to $11,000 |
| Sphynx | Up to $6,000 |
Top 15 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World
With around 400 million cats living across the globe, it’s safe to say they are among the most popular pets in the world. While most are cheap enough to look after (you can even adopt a wily street cat), some breeds do come with absolutely stupendous prices.
1. Ashera Cat ($22,000–$125,000)
source: www.animalexpert.org
| Price | $22,000–$125,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 25 years |
| Average Weight | 26–33 lbs |
Topping our list of expensive cat breeds is the Ashera—an extremely rare crossbreed designed as a hybrid between an Asian leopard cat, an African serval, and a domestic house cat.
If you do manage to get on the waiting list of any official Ashera breeder, you can expect to pay at least $22,000 to get one. But why are they so expensive?
The appeal of this unique feline breed is that it retains much of its leopard ancestral traits: it weighs up to 30 pounds, grows up to 5 feet, and has a hypoallergenic leopard-like coat.
Moreover, it’s typically self-sufficient and exhibits canine qualities so that you can walk it around the block on a leash—now that’s a status symbol if we’ve ever seen one.
2. Savannah Cat ($10,000–$50,000)
source: www.wikipedia.com
| Price | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 20 years |
| Average Weight | 12–25 lbs |
The Savannah is a designer cat that is very similar to the Ashera as it is a hybrid between the African serval and a varying feline breed, depending on which its smooth coat differs in colors and patterns from spotted orange to marbled brown.
Also like the Ashera, the Savannah breed of cats are some of the largest domestic felines, but despite their tall and slim build, they are not particularly heavy.
Naturally, the first-bred generations retain the exotic characteristics of their original lineage, including its size and large pointy ears, which are then diluted in its offspring.
As for temperament, the breed is known for its loyalty and clinginess, so if you were to get one, expect it to follow you to the bathroom. Thankfully, with a bit of training, you can teach it to open doors, fetch, and walk on a leash.
3. Bengal Cat ($3,000–$25,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $3,000–$25,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Average Weight | 8–15 lbs |
As another exotic feline similar to the Ashera, the Bengal is a very energetic breed that may exasperate most owners with its playful behavior.
As a hybrid between a domestic shorthaired cat (especially the Egyptian Mau) and the Asian leopard cat, their coat shimmers in very colorful varieties: from brown spotted to snow tabby, orange marbled, and clouded gray with black arrowheads.
Furthermore, Bengal cats have a muscular build that makes them efficient hunters, and unlike most cats, they get along with dogs and love to play in the water.
Because of their feral appearance, some U.S. states, such as Hawaii and New York, have legally limited their use or outright prohibited them, along with all wild cat hybrids.
4. Khao Manee ($7,000–$11,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $7,000–$11,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Average Weight | 8–10 lbs |
Its name comes from the Thai words for ‘white’ (khao) and ‘jewel’ (mani), and it excellently suits this rare breed since the Khao Manee is one of the most beautiful cats in the world.
However, the unavailability of this old and proud breed, smooth and spotless fur, and jewel-like eyes drive up its price beyond common cat enthusiasts.
While the breed was adopted by U.S. breeders only recently, The International Cat Association (TICA) quickly advanced it to Championship level as an exotic pedigreed cat.
Regarding its personality, this white-haired feline beauty is said to be curious, intelligent, communicative, and very sociable.
5. Sphynx Cat ($3,500–$6,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 8–14 years |
| Average Weight | 10–12 lbs |
You’ve definitely heard of ‘that hairless cat Rachel in Friends had’, but we’re here to tell you that despite its less-than-appealing appearance, the Sphynx cat is a very extroverted and tender pet that displays a high degree of affection for its owners and strangers too!
In spite of its name, the Sphynx is a modern breed hailing from Canada, which was developed through selective breeding of cats exhibiting hairlessness as a genetic mutation.
However, since they lack a protective coat, Sphynx cats face certain health-related challenges. For instance, they need little coats in winter as they lose their body heat quickly. Also, they shouldn’t be exposed to sunlight due to the increased risk of skin cancer.
Ultimately, this breed is best kept at home and should be given regular baths with shampoos made specifically for them, as the oil they secrete is not absorbed by anything.
6. Toyger Cat ($2,000–$6,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Average Weight | 10–15 lbs |
To raise awareness about the preservation of tigers and their habitats, Judy Sugden bred the Toyger in the 1980s to look like a ‘toy tiger’ with its stunning striped coat.
To breed the Toyger, Judy used a shorthaired mackerel tabby and a Bengal cat in order to retain the tiger-like stripes of the tabby and the round head spots of the Bengal.
After several years and the addition of other cats with tiger-like characteristics, the Toyger was perfected and registered by The International Cat Association.
While a wild-looking cat, the Toyger is everything but that: it has a friendly and easygoing personality that makes for the perfect addition to any family. However, be ready to meet its high-demand exercise, playtime, and cuddling needs.
7. Persian Cat ($1,500–$5,500)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $1,500–$5,500 |
| Average Lifespan | 12–17 years |
| Average Weight | 7–12 lbs |
The Persian cat breed has been around for centuries, and with good reason: it is the most popular, expensive, and good-looking longhaired cat in the world!
You’ll immediately recognize the Persian from its magnificent fur, round face, short muzzle, and inquisitive eyes—traits that made it the fourth-most popular breed in the world.
Due to selective breeding, the Persian can be seen in all kinds of coat colors: from solid silver, smoke, and orange to various tabby and pointed patterns. Another result of these practices is its unique flat face, which unfortunately leads to some health issues.
While the Persian’s exercise needs can be easily met, they may require constant grooming, especially if let outside. In any case, they are happiest when perched high behind a window, where they’ll keep quiet and vocalize musically only when needed.
8. Peterbald Cat ($1,700–$5,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $1,700–$5,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Average Weight | 7–17 lbs |
As the second hairless cat on our list, the Peterbald has a unique look that is slightly less startling than the Sphynx since it can also be covered by velvety fuzz, but in either case, grooming is a non-issue since the breed does not shed.
Its gangly build, huge ears, and long muzzle give it an almost alien-like appearance in the cat world—characteristics that make it immediately recognizable.
Despite their outward appearance, Peterbald cats are exceedingly loyal and affectionate companions that even involve themselves in daily household activities, made possible by their long webbed front toes, which allow them to manipulate objects.
Note that this breed may change its appearance during the first two years as it may lose or grow hair in varying colors from white to gray and lilac.
9. Siberian Cat ($1,200–$4,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Average Weight | 15–20 lbs |
Native to Russia’s snowy wilderness, the Siberian has been domesticated by those who wanted to behold this breathtaking longhaired beauty daily.
Thanks to the breed’s three-layered coat, which can come in any color or pattern, these cats love playing outside, even during cold weather. The downside is you have to clean and brush them more than usual—a small price to pay to see them expressing their joy!
On top of that, the Siberian has an exquisite and affectionate personality. Families with children and pets will love having it in their homes as its outgoing and friendly nature makes it a loving house pet—it will play with anything from small children to doggos.
While very intelligent, these cats remain in ‘kitten’ mode for around five years, when they dial back their antics and require less exercise. In any case, you should cherish their mischievous ways since they can brighten anyone’s day!
10. Scottish Fold ($800–$3,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $800–$3,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Average Weight | 9–13 lbs |
Everyone has seen this cute little fluff ball with its tiny and adorably folded ears, which give it an uncanny owl-like appearance, which is further accentuated by its large golden eyes.
However, the gene that gives them this unique look is also responsible for a painful anatomical deformity, making its breeding process controversial at best.
Nonetheless, cat fanciers love the devoted and mild-tempered Scottish Fold since it fits well in all kinds of households, so the practice continues to this day.
Those who own a Scottish Fold will experience their playful and sensitive nature and will see them sitting in strange positions, like meerkats, or on their backs with their paws up.
11. Russian Blue ($500–$3,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $500–$3,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Average Weight | 7–15 lbs |
As the world’s most famous blue cat breed, the Russian Blue’s glistening coat and vivid cyan-to-green eyes make it a very desirable (and understandably expensive) pet.
In addition to its striking silvery fur, the Russian Blue is a fairly strong breed with no known genetically-linked disorders and will enjoy a relatively long life of up to 20 years.
As for personality, this breed is unsuitable for homes with rowdy children or other pets as it only feels comfortable socializing in calm surroundings with familiar people.
Therefore, the Russian Blue will spend its time just lying around close to its owner, and if approached by strangers, noisy kids, or other pets, it will retreat to its hiding spot.
12. British Shorthair ($800–$2,500)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $800–$2,500 |
| Average Lifespan | 14–20 years |
| Average Weight | 7–17 lbs |
What if the Russian Blue was bigger and had a rounded head and face? Then you’d have the British Shorthair—a cuddly fuzzball that looks more like a plushy toy than a real cat.
Known for their stocky build, dense bluish-gray fur, and large copper eyes, this elegant breed developed naturally into an affectionate yet self-sufficient pet that will show you love but will behave well and not vocalize all that often.
On that note, the British Shorthair does not like being carried around and typically gets along with gentler children, adults, and other laidback household pets.
If you are the proud owner of this type of cat, you won’t have to groom it that often, but ensure you engage it now and then, especially during the first five years of its life.
13. Ragdoll Cat ($800–$2,000+)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $800–$2,000+ |
| Average Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Average Weight | 10–20 lbs |
The Ragdoll is a large cat breed that loves being the center of attention but still acts aloof even if it goes limp as you pet it in your lap—thus its name!
Despite their size (up to 40 inches nose to tail), they are quite harmless and return all the love you give them tenfold. There’s not a cat lover out there that would be indifferent to this softie’s big blue eyes and throaty yet melodic purr.
Since they are incredibly social, Ragdolls fit anywhere, even when surrounded by several rambunctious children and house pets.
When it comes to meeting its needs, this breed displays a low-to-medium energy level and does not require a lot of exercise, but getting enough snuggles is crucial!
14. American Curl ($1,000–$2,000)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Average Lifespan | 9–13 years |
| Average Weight | 8–12 lbs |
Fluffly, curled-back ears? Check. Kitten-like look and personality even in adulthood? Check. We must be talking about the American Curl then, aka the ‘Peter Pan cat’.
However, the small backward-curled ears of this breed are their only recognizable external characteristic, as they come in almost every conceivable cat color and pattern.
Moreover, depending on their provenance, the American Curl can have either a shorthaired or a longhaired coat and a life expectancy ranging from 10 to 18 years.
Be that as it may, they all share the same personality: playful, curious, and easygoing, which has them adventuring into every nook and cranny of your house.
15. American Wirehair ($800–$1,200)
source: www.wikipedia.org
| Price | $800–$1,200 |
| Average Lifespan | 7–12 years |
| Average Weight | 8–12 lbs |
The last entry on our list of expensive cat breeds is the American Wirehair—a recent New York breed that naturally carries the genetic mutation for its unique wiry coat.
To the touch, its coarse fur feels similar to soft steel wool, and it does not require a lot of maintenance since it rarely sheds, so you only have to brush it now and then.
Unlike most felines, this breed is inherently wary of strangers and reserves its affection for its closest humans, but if you establish a secure bond, it can be quite laid-back and playful.
Finally, American Wirehairs are a very sturdy breed that rarely succumbs to health problems as their hardy genetics are passed down through rigorous breeding programs.
Key Takeaways
If you are in the market for an exotic cat that you would lavish with love and luxury, you won’t go wrong with any of the ones outlined above. Also, remember that the most expensive cat breeds also have costly needs that will have you paying a bundle down the line.
So, maybe you’re better off adopting a stray or a shelter kitty? Especially a black cat since they are at risk of getting euthanized, and they’ll love you all the same—maybe even more!
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