Are you curious to uncover the most expensive cat breeds money can buy? We were too, which is why we’ve done some digging and compiled a list of the furry felines that will leave your bank balance a lot lighter.
In our eyes, you can’t put a price on the love and joy a cat brings into your home. Of course, you’ll need some funds to cover the cost of the best cat toys to help keep them entertained. You’ll also need to invest in some of the best cat food to keep them healthy. But on the whole, these cute companions are relatively low-maintenance and pocket-friendly.
However, some cats can set you back hundreds of thousands of dollars (yes really!) and this all depends on a feline's breed status and popularity. So whether you’re thinking about getting a four-legged friend or just interested in discovering how costly cats can be, we’ve listed the most expensive cat breeds below.
32 of the most expensive cat breeds
1. Ashera
You heard it here first: the Ashera cat is the most expensive cat money can buy. Coming with an eye-watering price tag of up to $125,000 (!), the rare and magnificent feline specimen has a large size, a mild temperament, and a beautiful leopard-like appearance.
2. Savannah cat
Next up, is the energetic, playful, and tall Savannah cat which has loads of love to give. There are endless reasons to love Savannah cats, but if we’re honest, their high price point might not be one of them. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $20,000 for these domesticated wildcats.
3. Khao Manee
Got your heart set on a white cat breed? A Khao Manee is one of the most expensive ‘white gems' money can buy. Costing in the region of up to $11,000, these snow-colored cats come with jewel-colored eyes and are seen as a symbol of good luck in Thailand, where they hail from.
4. Sphynx
If you’re searching for a feline friend who’s happy to curl up and chill beside you, then a sphynx cat could be it. Topping our list of low-energy cat breeds, these bald and beautiful cats are incredibly unique in their looks and temperament. One could be yours for $10,000 or less.
5. Russian Blue
With their blue-silver coats and elegant frame, the Russian Blue cat is another striking breed well worth welcoming into your four walls and for more reasons than one. Just know: one other thing to know about Russian Blue cats is that they can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000. Steep, we know, but just look at their adorable faces!
6. Scottish Fold
A Scottish fold is one of the best cats for introverts, because of their sweet-nature and laidback mannerisms. Just be prepared to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 for these affectionate beauties.
7. Persian
Mellow, calm, and coming with a soft and beautiful coat, you’ll be able to spot a Persian cat far and wide. These long-haired fluff balls are known as the aristocrats of the feline world, as they were established as one of the first pedigree breeds in the US. In America, prices for Persian kittens range from $1,300-$5,000.
8. British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are praised for being one of the best cats for seniors because of their plush teddy bear good looks and very gentle nature. Purchasing this type of large-breed cat does come up a cost though, as they can sell for anywhere between $800 and $3,000 depending on who you buy or adopt from.
9. Bengal
For the price of around $2,000, you could welcome a Bengal cat into your home. These furry friends are high-energy, athletic, and rare as they’re only bred by specialty breeders — so a word of warning: this can push the price up even more.
10. Peterbald
Costing in the region of $1,700 and up — with some setting you back as much as $4,000 — a Peterbald cat not only joins our list of the top non-shedding cats, it makes our guide to the expensive cat breeds, too.
11. Maine Coon
Priced anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000, it’s fair to say Maine Coons don’t come cheap. However, you get a lot of cat for your money. The large cats weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, compared to a standard domestic shorthair cat that is usually between 8-and 10 pounds.
12. Toyger
If you live in a hot climate and have a spare $5,000 going, a sociable, fun-loving, and warm-weather tolerant Toyger could be your perfect companion. However, if you are interested in adopting one of these cuties from a cattery or shelter, $500 – $1000 is the going rate.
13. Siberian Cat
Along with being in high demand, the number of purebred Siberian cats outside of Russia is very low in the US. This means to buy one, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $4,000 for these furry friends.
14. Oriental Shorthair
Another cat you’ll need deep pockets for is the Oriental Shorthair cat which can cost $600 but they’ve been known to go for up to $3,000. That said, an Oriental Shorthair is one of the best hypoallergenic cat breeds for allergy sufferers. Meaning? If you have allergies, you can live in perfect harmony with your furry friend without having to reach for the tissues.
15. Devon Rex
At up to $3,000, you could welcome a Devon Rex into your home and heart. A few things to know about Devon Rex cats are that they are eternally playful feline friends and are very personable as they like to know what their owner is up to. So if your budget stretches, expect to see these little balls of fur everywhere you go.
16. Selkirk Rex
These curly-coated cuties are much-loved for their laid-back nature and quiet personality and a Selkirk Rex makes for a wonderful companion if you can part with up to $2,000. Along with some toys and treats, consider purchasing one of the best cat brushes to keep their coats looking plush all year round.
17. Korat
Costing up to $2,000, this gorgeous grey cat breed, which comes from Thailand, has an almost regal appearance with its silvery fur and its supposed ability to bring good luck to anyone fortunate enough to have it as a family member. Could it be a price worth paying?
18. American Curl
Priced around the $1,200 to $3,000 mark, American Curls come with an iconic set of eyes, masses of fur, and curled ears. These long-haired cat breeds do well in both warm and cold climates, however as is the case with the Selkirk Rex, it’s well worth buying one of the best cat brushes to keep their coat in top condition and to help prevent any mats from developing.
19. Abyssinian
Abyssinians, or Abys for short, might be one of the easiest cat breeds to train, but these regal-looking cats will see some breeders charging up to $2,400 for the pleasure of welcoming one into your home. With their bold and beautiful eyes, we think it's a price worth paying.
20. Ragdoll
Got your heart set on a ragdoll? Known for their laid-back nature, point markings, and large blue eyes, why wouldn’t you? Just know, that a purebred Ragdoll from a breeder can range from $400 to $2,500. Expensive? Yes. But worth it? It's a yes from us.
21. Egyptian Mau
Super active and strong, there’s a lot to love about the medium-sized short-haired Egyptian Mau. If you’re an outdoorsy household, this water-loving breed should fit right in. It’s featured in our guide to the most expensive cat breeds because it’s been known to sell for around $2,500.
22. Norwegian Forest Cat
You could be fooled into thinking a Norwegian Forest cat looks very similar to a Maine Coon — and at first glance, it does. However, while a Norwegian Forest Cat is still pricey, costing up to $2,000, they aren’t as expensive as their similar-looking cat counterparts (which can cost a hefty $3,000 more). Just another reason to love Norwegian Forest cats.
23. Himalayan cat
Quiet, easygoing, incredibly sweet, and affectionate — if you’re willing to pay up to $2,500, a Himalayan cat could be the perfect match for your home. How can you say no to those beautiful blue eyes?
24. Balinese
Are the tissues on stand-by every time you’re near a feline? Then a hypoallergenic Balinese cat, which comes with a price tag of up to $1,500, will help you live out your pet parent dreams without upsetting your allergies. Winning!
25. American Wirehair
Despite being a well-known breed, American Wirehairs are actually one of the rarest cats in the world since they first appeared as a result of a ‘spontaneous mutation’ in a litter in 1966, says the American Cat Fanciers Association. This means their prices have been known to reach up to $1,200.
26. Bombay
Got your eyes on a bewitching black cat like a Bombay breed? Generally speaking, prices for these elegant and glossy-coated cats tend to be between $500 to $700. But if you head to a well-known breeder, prices can reach up to $2,000.
27. American Shorthair
Markings, color, age, bloodline, and breeder will all impact the price of the much-loved American Shorthair. But if these hard-working rodent catchers have stolen your heart, you should be prepared to pay no more than $1,500. Credit card at the ready!
28. Lykoi
More informally known as a ‘werewolf cat’, this breed is not only one of the most interesting cats you’ll have the pleasure of looking at but they're also one of the friendliest cat breeds. These beautiful beings are a result of a genetic mutation and will cost a minimum of $1,000 due to their rarity.
29. American Bobtail
Another cat that will have you spending more money than you might have thought is the American Bobtail. Priced at up to $1,200, these rare felines who are characterized by their 'bobbed' tail are known and loved for their dog-like personalities and ability to get on with small children and other household pets.
30. Siamese
A Siamese cat isn’t the most expensive kitty out there, but it can set you back around $1,000. The distinctive-looking fur friend is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of cats going, with its roots tracing as far back as 1350! Why wouldn't you want a piece of history in your home?
31. Burmilla
Unique, beautiful to look at and kitted out with a shimmering silver coat, legend has it that this breed is the direct result of an accidental cross between the Burmese and the Persian chinchilla. And for this rarity, you can expect to fork out up to $2,000.
32. Singapura
Large personalities come in small packages — and that's most definitely the case for the Singapura cat. Known for having kitten-like energy, females from this breed are usually sold for around $2,000 while males are less costly at $800.
So, as you can see, cats really are the pur-fect pets just as long as you have the budget to match. While you're here, you might also be interested in finding out the most expensive pets in the world.
