Top 20 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World (With Info & Pictures)

When most people think of expensive pets, they tend to picture horses, exotic animals, or even purebred dogs of particular breeds. Housecats don’t usually make the list. If you head down to the local humane society and adopt a cat, you’ll probably spend $50 or less adding them to your family (not counting supplies, of course).

Not all kitties are quite so cheap, though. In fact, there are felines that are downright exorbitant in their pricing, with some costing more than a modest house! From moderately expensive to outrageously so, the following breeds are the most expensive cats in the world.

The 20 Most Expensive Cat Breeds

1. Ashera

More than just expensive, the Ashera is about as exotic as a housecat can get. This is no ordinary kitty, though, as you might surmise from the outrageous price tag of up to $125,000 in USD. The Ashera is a mix of multiple wildcats and domestic housecats, including Asian Leopards and African Servals. They look like exactly what they are: a mix of a wildcat and a housecat. However, they’re said to have a canine-like temperament rather than the typical feline demeanor.

2. Savannah

Savannahs are practically still wild. These cats are so exotic that they’re not even recognized as a domestic breed. Due to this, Savannahs are banned in more than a dozen U.S. states, despite nearly 100 years of being raised in captivity. That said, these cats won’t consume normal cat food; they’ll only eat raw meat. They also don’t tolerate strangers or use litterboxes, so owning a Savannah is akin to owning a wild animal.

3. Bengal

To be a true Bengal, the feline in question can be no more than four generations away from a wildcat. The first Bengals were created in the 1970s by crossing domestic shorthair housecats with a wild Asian Leopard. Since these cats are so close to wild animals, some jurisdictions have banned them. For instance, you can’t own one in Hawaii or NYC. But this same trait makes these cats quite rare and expensive. With the right genetics, a Bengal can go for as much as $25,000, though prices closer to $10,000 are far more common.

4. Khao Manee

You may have never heard of the Khao Manee before, and that’s on purpose. The Thai people have kept this cat a secret, though it’s been around for hundreds of years. They’re a naturally occurring breed with all-white fur and eyes that shine like jewels. Referenced in written works as far back as the 14th century, the Khao Manee is also known as the Diamond Eye Cat because of their special eyes, which are often different colors.

5. Sphynx

Sphynxes are among the most easily recognizable domestic cats. Their hairless appearance makes them easy to pick out, along with their glowing eyes that take up most of their face. The breed’s hairlessness is the result of a natural genetic mutation, and it doesn’t prevent them from being healthy. Ironically, Sphynxes are not from Egypt. Rather, the breed originated in Toronto, Canada. Most Sphynx cats sell for $1,800 to $4,400. However, some Sphynxes of outstanding quality and bloodline or that exhibit rare colors can go for nearly $10,000.

6. Persian

Historical evidence seems to indicate that Persian cats have been around for thousands of years. Playful and sweet-tempered, these cats are popular for their demeanor and appearance, with long, luscious hair that lends to their unique look. They have instantly recognizable flat faces with big, bulging eyes that enable them to range in appearance from regal to downright wild-looking!

7. Toyger

The same group of breeders responsible for the creation of the Bengal cat also made the Toyger, which is a cross between a domestic shorthair and a Bengal cat. Many of these cats have markings akin to those of a tiger, though these are completely domestic creatures, unlike their Bengal cousins. Toygers tend to be friendly and relaxed, offering exotic looks without the behaviors that can make truly exotic cats so difficult to deal with.

8. Peterbald

Peterbalds are versatile cats. Some of them are completely bald, while others are covered in a soft fuzz rather than the fur traditionally adorning felines. This fuzz makes their skin feel much like the skin of a peach, though some Peterbalds have coarse hair that makes them feel more like a person’s face when their beard is growing in. The Peterbald is a Russian breed, and they’re rather new, first reported in 1988 after a Russian Donskoy and an Oriental Shorthair produced the first specimen.

9. Ragdoll

Ragdolls span a wide range of prices. For a basic Ragdoll intended to be a pet, prices start around $1,000 and can go as high as $2,500. Prices climb higher if you want a show-quality Ragdoll, which will cost you $1,500 at a minimum or as high as $4,000. For a show-quality Ragdoll that’s fit for breeding, prices start at more than $2,000 and can climb over $5,000.

10. Siberian

The Siberian is one of the largest domestic breeds, though they’re still smaller than a Maine Coon. They’re known for being as easy-going as felines come, getting along with children, guests, and even dogs. Although these cats have thick double coats to protect them from frigid Siberian winters, they’re actually considered to be a hypoallergenic breed because their saliva produces fewer allergens than that of other breeds.

11. Maine Coon

These cats can weigh upward of 30 pounds, making them one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. In fact, the world record for the longest domestic cat once belonged to a Maine Coon named Stewie, who measured 48.5 inches long.  Accompanying all that size is a rather hefty price. From a reputable breeder, prices for a Maine Coon kitty start at about $1,000 for a pet-quality specimen. If you’re looking for something breeder or show quality, you’ll spend several thousand dollars.

12. Scottish Fold

For the most part, a Scottish Fold looks like any typical housecat, but their ears make them nearly as recognizable as an iconic breed like the Sphynx. A Scottish Fold’s ears are folded over, hence the name. These ears fall forward and lie flat on the head due to a genetic mutation that occurred spontaneously on a farm cat in Scotland. All true Scottish Folds can trace their lineage back to this first specimen named Susie.

13. Russian Blue

Also known as the Archangel Cat, the Russian Blue is named for their coat of gray that gives off a blue tint in the light. These cats are considered to be hypoallergenic, making them ideal for many allergy sufferers. They’re known for being active but easy-going pets with a playful yet quiet demeanor. They’re rather common cats, so you can get Russian Blue kittens for as little as $500, though pedigreed specimens from the right breeders can cost as much as $3,000.

14. British Shorthair

Once known for their hunting prowess and physicality, today’s British Shorthair cats are a bit clumsy! Their ancestors were domestic cats in the Roman Empire, and the earliest members of the official breed were created with cats off the streets in the U.K. These kitties have wide faces that make them appear quite lovable, which is fitting because British Shorthairs are rather affectionate. Low-key and easygoing, these cats aren’t too energetic, and they get along with just about everyone. Most cost between $800 and $1,200, though some rare British Shorthairs can cost as much as $2,000. 

15. Egyptian Mau

With a spotted coat, the Egyptian Mau definitely has the appearance of a wildcat. This is the only breed with a naturally spotted coat, and that’s part of the reason they’re so pricey. More than just attractive housecats, Egyptian Maus are known to be fiercely devoted and attached to their humans. Nearly wiped out in World War II, the breed was saved by a single breeder and her Mau named Baba. 

16. Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large feline with a sturdy build and a double coat to keep them warm in cold Norwegian winters. Despite their distinctly feral appearance, this breed is descended from domestic cats, likely those brought to northern Europe by the Romans. The exact start of this breed is unknown, though if Norse mythology is to be believed, they’ve been around for thousands of years.

17. Selkirk Rex

Selkirk Rex cats are quite rare, which is why they can go for such high prices. Granted, the most expensive Selkirk Rex isn’t close in price to a Savannah, but $1,500 is still a lot to shell out for a feline. What’s special about this breed is their curly coat, which makes them unique in the cat world.

18. American Curl

Similar to the Scottish Fold, the American Curl has special ears, but theirs curl backward. Every American Curl can be traced back to a single stray kitten named Shulamith that had strange ears. Even today, all cats of this breed are born with straight ears, but they curl backward just a few days after being born, giving them the trademark ears responsible for their name.

19. American Wirehair

The distinguishing feature of an American Wirehair cat is, of course, their wirehaired coat. These cats are easy to care for and have a naturally strong resistance to diseases. They’re known for having playful and good-natured temperaments with above-average intelligence. Unlike many breeds, these are social and outgoing cats that love visitors and will follow you around the house all day.

20. American Shorthair

American Shorthairs have long received love for their endearing personalities. These cats are original Americans, their ancestors having sailed across the sea to the New World on the Mayflower. Back then, they were more loved for their rat-catching abilities than their demeanor. In the 1960s, this breed received their own name so they could be differentiated from the many Domestic Shorthairs across America.

The Most Expensive Breed Is From a Breeder in Los Angeles

The rarest and most expensive breed in the world, the Ashera, is exclusively produced by a breeder in Los Angeles. They only release 100 kittens each year, and these specimens have sold for an incredible $125,000. If you want to add one of these incredibly rare felines to your family, the price starts at $22,000, and you could spend up to 5 years on the waiting list!

The Ashera is the most exclusive breed around, resembling a snow leopard due to their impressive coat and pattern. Creating this breed required crossing exotic wildcats, such as the Asian Leopard and African Serval, with a domestic housecat. These cats can get up to 30 pounds, and despite their astronomical pricing, they’re essentially just Savannah cats. Of course, they’re far pricier, and owning one makes you part of a very elite club.

Final Thoughts

Most people spend little to nothing on their pet cat. Many are gifted, rescued, or purchased through someone they know or found on Craigslist. But some cat lovers are willing to spend ludicrous amounts on their furry felines, as evidenced by the prices on this list. While the breeds that sell for around $1,200 aren’t too outrageous, certain breeds can cost as much as a house, and you’ll be on a waiting list for years to get your exclusive kitten.

As much a status symbol as a pet, these regal felines are at the top of the heap, and they’ll always be in high demand by the cat-loving elites of the world.

Another interesting article on the topic:

• Glow-in-the-Dark Cats

Featured Image Credit: Kekyalyaynen, Shutterstock