The top 10 most expensive cat breeds in the US

Expensive Bengal cat laying on cushion
(Image credit: Alamy)

Are you curious to uncover the most expensive cat breeds money can buy? We’ve done some digging and compiled a list of the furry felines that will leave your bank balance a lot lighter.

Of course, every cat comes with maintenance costs. What’s more, in our eyes, you can’t put a price on the love and joy a cat brings into your home. Each kitty, regardless of his price tag, is invaluable to his loving pet parents who spend their lives trying to be a good cat owner.

However, some cats from certain bloodlines 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 according to Reader’s Digest.

10 most expensive cat breeds in the US

10. Scottish Fold

tri colored scottish fold cat being stroked on the cheek

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 8–10 inches
Weight: 9–13 pounds
Life expectancy: 11–14 years
Average cost: $1,500–$3,000

A Scottish Fold is one of the best cats for introverts, because of their sweet nature and laid-back mannerisms. These small-breed cats are a favourite of Taylor Swift but aren’t without health problems.

The folded ears are caused by a genetic disorder known as osteochondrodysplasia, a general term used to describe disorders that affect the development of bone and cartilage. This can cause painful and widespread joint degeneration throughout the body, so caution is advised when sourcing a Scottish Fold.

9. British Shorthair 

grey british shorthair cat sitting and looking up at camera

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 12–24 inches
Weight: 7–17 pounds
Life expectancy: 15–20 years
Average cost: $1,500–$3,000

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. They adore companionship but aren’t especially needy, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about separation anxiety when you’re out and about.

In fact, as one of the calmest cat breeds, they’re likely to snooze on the couch in your absence – why not use one of the best pet cameras to catch them in the act?

8. Ragdoll

ragdoll cat sat in front of flowers

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 9–12 inches
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–17 years
Average cost: $1,500–$3,000

Got your heart set on a ragdoll? Known for their laid-back nature, point markings, and large blue eyes, why wouldn’t you? They don’t shed too much and get on well with dogs and children, making them an ideal family kitty. They love play and bond well with other kitties, too!

7. Russian Blue

russian blue cat sitting down

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: Usually around 10 inches
Weight: 7–15 pounds
Life expectancy: 15–20 years
Average cost: $1,500 – $3,000

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 this reason and so many more.

One other fact about Russian Blues is that they are prone to a few genetic conditions, including hereditary cataracts, thyroid disease, polycystic kidney disease, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Make sure your kitty’s parents are health tested before you bring them home.

6. Himalayan

fluffy himalayan cat with bright blue eyes sitting in front of a blue background

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 10–12 inches
Weight: 7–12 pounds
Life expectancy: 9–15 years
Average cost: $2,800 – $3,500

Quiet, easygoing, incredibly sweet, and affectionate – if you’re looking for a cuddly companion who’s happy to go with the flow, a Himalayan cat could be the perfect match for your home.

How can you say no to those beautiful blue eyes? These laid-back kitties require daily brushing, but their calm personalities make them great cats for first-time owners and one of the best cat breeds for families.

5. Persian

ginger persian cat with a grump expression

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 10–12 inches
Weight: 7–14 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Average cost: $1,300–$5,000

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.

As a long-haired cat breed, their coats require an extensive grooming regimen – bear this in mind before welcoming a Persian into your home.

4. Toyger

stripy toyger cat lying down and cleaning himself

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 8–15 inches
Weight: 9–13 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–16 years
Average cost: $1,500–$5,000

If you’re looking for one of the best cat breeds for hot weather and love the idea of playing with an active kitty sociable, fun-loving, and warm-weather tolerant Toyger could be your perfect companion.

Toygers don’t have any wild genetics, but resemble miniature tigers in the way they look and stalk through your home. They are adventurous and would benefit from access to outdoor space with a secure catio or cat-proof balcony.

3. Devon Rex 

pointy-eared devon rex kitten

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 10–12 inches
Weight: 6–10 pounds
Life expectancy: 10–15 years
Average cost: $2,500–$5,000

The curly-coated Devon Rex is a laid-back cat with elf-like features that loves nothing more than the company of its human. A few facts 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.

2. Sphynx

hairless pink-skinned sphynx cat

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 8–10 inches
Weight: 6–14 pounds
Life expectancy: 10–15 years
Average cost: $2,000–$5,000

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, this hairless cat breed is incredibly unique in its looks and temperament.

They require a bit of extra care, such as bathing, sun protection and clothing in cool temperatures, but don’t let the fact they are a high-maintenance cat breed put you off, especially if you’re after the perfect lap cat.

1. Bengal

leopard-like bengal cat on an exercise wheel

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Quick stats

Height: 8–10 inches
Weight: 8–10 pounds
Life expectancy: 9–15 years
Average cost: $2,500–$6,000

With a beautifully soft, patterned coat and bright eyes with a wild look in them, Bengal cats are as majestic as they are adventurous. 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.

Read next: Unusual-looking cat breeds

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Recent updates

This feature was last updated in June 2025 by Bethany Stone.

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Bethany Stone
Freelance Writer

Bethany is an experienced news and features writer with an equestrian specialism, and has been writing for internationally recognised titles, such as Horse & Hound magazine where she is currently features assistant, since 2017.

Prior to her career in journalism, she studied BA English at the University of Nottingham, where she graduated with a first class degree.

As well as cultivating a vast and far-reaching understanding of equine training and management, her first-hand pet care experience also ranges from dogs and rabbits to chickens and sheep.

She’s also volunteered at greyhound rescue centres by walking their four-legged residents.

When she isn’t writing, she's kept busy by her two horses and cocker spaniel, Matilda, who’s a dab hand at dog agility and loves performing her favourite party trick – weaving between her human’s legs as she walks.

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