While we typically consider dogs to have breeds, there are cat breeds as well. It is generally less common to purchase a “purebred” cat than a purebred dog. However, there are many different breeds of cats. Some are very common and quite inexpensive, like the American Shorthair, for instance.
However, some are rare and very expensive. We will look at these breeds in this article. All of these breeds are generally available for purchase in the United States. There are some extremely rare breeds that are in very small geological areas. We did not include these in this article because they are unattainable for most in America.
The 20 Most Expensive Cat Breeds (Lowest to Highest)
20. Norwegian Forest Cat – $500 – $800
At about $500 to $800, these are moderately expensive cats. They aren’t the most expensive cats around, but they are more expensive than most cats. They have a wooly undercoat and very sharp claws. They are adapted for cold winters in northern Europe, which is where they are from.
They are moderately active cats and tend to have very sudden bursts of energy. There aren’t that many cats around, since many of them naturally bred with other shorthaired cats. However, breeders have brought them back. You do usually have to get them from a breeder, however.
These cats were first introduced to America 40 years ago. But they have spread quickly. Most breeders get their cats from European breeders.
19. Egyptian Mau – $500-$800
The Egyptian Mau is a very distinct breed. They have huge ears that stand straight up. It is very hard to mistake them. They cost around $500 to $800. They are naturally spotted, which is a rare trait among domestic cats. They come in a variety of different tones and colors.
These cats look very exotic-looking, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. They are not the friendliest cats and tend to avoid strangers. This is the kind of cat that will hide under the bed when the guests are around.
Fun fact: these cats can jump extremely long lengths and can run up to 30 mph.
18. Korat – $500- $800
This is another moderately expensive cat that costs from $500 to $800. These cats are jokingly called “super-cats”. They have a keen sense of sight, smell, and hearing. Their senses are quite a bit more sensitive than most cats. They also have a strangely-shaped head. It is quite “heart-shaped”.
These cats look very similar to a Russian Blue, but they are very different. One of their best features is that they don’t shed much, even when they are pets. Instead, their cost is very closely-packed. However, they are not hypoallergenic.
This can is from Thailand. However, there are a few different breeding populations in the United States.
17. Selkirk Rex – $600 – $1,500
The Selkirk Rex looks very unique. Their hair is always going every which way. They have a bad hair day, every day. They are quite “large boned” and tend to be built heftier than other cats. They can have long and shorthaired coats. However, the curly coat gene is dominate, so most of them have curly coats.
With that said, a litter can have both shorthaired and longhaired cats. Their hair is very plushy, which is one of their biggest draws. Their coats also don’t shed very much. However, they may require brushing and frequent baths, as their coats are oily and tend to tangle.
As energetic cats, these felines need quite a bit of playtime. Otherwise, you may find them running around the house at 3 o’clock in the morning.
16. Siberian – $1,000 – $2,000
The Siberian is where the price range starts to jump up a bit. These cats can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. They are very large, though not quite as large as the Maine Coon. They are easy-going and calm, though – unlike most of the other cats we’ve discussed thus far. They are very affectionate and enjoy cuddling.
They have thick coats to withstand Siberian winters and have a “mane” like a lion. They may be considered “hypoallergenic” because they produce more watery saliva than other cats. This means their saliva may not produce an allergic reaction.
These cats only just arrived in the United States, but they are gaining in popularity quickly. This does mean they are expensive though. We expect their prices will drop as their breeding populations get more established.
15. American Shorthaired – $600- $1,200
These cats can be expensive. In the United States, these cats are very common. They’re the “default cat” in many ways. They are rumored to have come over on The Mayflower and are considered to be a true American breed. They have striking coats and are quite mellow.
You can purchase these cats for very cheap. For example, some of them are available for as little as $200. However, some can cost thousands of dollars. It really just depends on their pedigree and breeder. The coat coloration can play a role in it as well.
14. Maine Coon – $400 – $1,500
These are massive cats. They are one of the largest breeds of domestic cats, in fact. They are known for their “chirp”, which is a mix between a meow and a purr. These are also some of the most intelligent breed, which makes them quite a bit trainable – much like a dog.
Maine Coons are very affectionate and love to follow their people around. They are quite gentle and friendly towards everyone.
The cost of these cats varies a lot. Cats bred for pets cost about $400. However, “show varieties” cost thousands of dollars.
13. American Wirehair – $1000
Usually costing around $1,000, these cats look typical. However, they have tightly crimped hair and do not shed very much. They are the result of a spontaneous mutation from an American shorthair, which was then bred and encouraged to create a new bred.
They are very similar to American shorthaired cats and come in similar patterns. They are very skilled hunters, as they are descended from barn cats.
12. American Curl -$1,000 – $1,200
The American Curl gets their name from their curled ears. These cats are descended from a stray kitten that was found and adopted. Because the ears turned out to be a dominant trait, the stray cat produced kittens, which then went on to bred and produce this whole breed.
These cats come in all different colors, patterns, and coat lengths. What sets them apart from other cats is their curled ears. None of their other traits particularly matter. They are quite intelligent and can learn to do many tricks.
They cost quite a bit because there are very few of them. After all, they are all descended from one cat!
11. Ragdoll – $1,000
Ragdolls are typically what people think of as “expensive” cats. They cost about $1,000, which makes them only moderately expensive. They love to be loved and carried around by their favorite person. They are very friendly and have captivating eyes.
These cats love to be walked on a leash and are quite intelligent. They act a bit like dogs in many situations. They are friendly with practically all every animal and person.
10. Scottish Fold – $1,000 – $2,000
These cats are very unique looking and have become an internet sensation. They are from a Scottish farm, hence their name. They have very round faces and eyes, which makes them a bit human-looking.
While they are known for their folded ears (and get their name from them), not all of these cats actually have folded ears. That makes the cats that do very expensive and rare. The price is typically based on whether or not they have folded ears.
These cats suffer from arthritis if they have folded ears. This is because the same gene that makes their ears folded affects their joints. This makes this breed somewhat of an ethical controversy. Some think they should not be bred because they may have health problems.
Overall, these cats are very laidback. They don’t tend to run around much and love to be pet. However, they are not overly clingy like Maine Coons.
9. Sphynx -$1,500 – $4,500
The Sphynx are hairless, which is their defining feature. They are very cuddly and have a long, narrow head. They aren’t actually hairless. They just have very fine hair. They have peach fuzz, in other words. Their skin looks like the pattern they would have if they had hair.
Because these cats lack hair, they may need some extra help staying warm. Sunscreen is also required if they spend extensive times outside.
These cats are hard to find, so you can expect to spend a couple of thousands of dollars to purchase one.
8. British Shorthair -$1,200 – $2,300
British Shorthairs usually cost around $2,000. These cats remain kittens far into adulthood. They are easy-going and adaptable. They are very quickly trained due to their high intelligence. They also love their people, which makes them listen to you more than not.
They have a luxurious coat, which makes them very soft and fluffy. Their hunting abilities are second-to-none. They are quiet and often stay out of the way. They are incredibly mellow and do not have any particular health problems.
7. Russian Blue – $300 – $3,000
Russian Blues are beautiful. They can cost as little as $300 or as much as $3,000. “Pet” Russian Blues are less expensive than those bred to compete in shows. They are a bit skittish, however. They aren’t the friendliest and tend to keep to themselves. However, they do love their people and love to cuddle.
Their triangular head is what sets them apart from other expensive cat breeds. As they originated from Northern Russia, they have thick coats.
6. Peterbald -$2,000- $3,000
This is another expensive hairless cat. They usually cost $2,000 to $3,000 dollars. Pet varieties may be a bit cheaper. Strangely, this cat’s “coat” can change several times throughout their life. They can go from hairless to fuzzy. You never know exactly what you have.
They are affectionate and playful. They are very people-oriented. They get along nicely with cats and dogs. They are extremely vocal, however. Many owners joke that they “talk”.
5. Persian – Up to $5,000
Persians are famous for their squashed faces. They can cost up to $5,000, but you can find pet varieties for a couple of thousands. Still, that makes them a truly expensive cat! They have long, flowing hair that is very soft and they have a loveable, sweet personality to match.
They do require a bit more maintenance than most cats, however. They require a daily comb-through and need a regular trip to the groomers. Their big eyes tear often, so they need a regular face washing as well. They are also prone to a few different health conditions. Their short nasal passages make them incredibly unhealthy. Some more extreme cats have a hard time breathing.
4. Bengal – $4,000 – $10, 000
Bengals are the result of a domestic cat being bred with an Asian Leopard Cat. They are very unique. They love to play in water and have a high prey drive. They are fearless and not scared of dogs in the least.
These cats are so expensive because they are challenging to breed. The cats have differing gestation times, so sometimes the kittens are born too early. This means that the number of surviving kittens is very small. At the very least, these cats cost $4,000, but they can cost up to $10,000.
3. Toyger Cat – $5, 000
The Toyger Cat costs about $5,000. They are rare, but their prices don’t vary too much. These cats are the result of a Bengal cat being bred with a domestic shorthair. They are much calmer and don’t require nearly as much work as the Bengal cat. They have tiger-like features, which is their defining trait.
This cat is only 25 years old, so not much is known about them yet. They are thought to have a greater risk of a heart murmur. They need to be brushed regularly and have their nails trimmed. They tend to be quite laidback, though, so this isn’t very difficult.
2. Savannah – $10,000 +
These cats are absolutely beautiful. They are expensive, however. You could expect to pay at least $10,000. These cats are a mix between a domestic cat and an African Serval, which is a wild cat. Servals have been raised in captivity for 100 years, however. They aren’t precisely domestic, though.
They do not use a litter box, but can be trained to go outside. At the same time, they sometimes do not eat dry cat food and need to be fed a home-cooked diet. They also don’t like strangers even when appropriately socialized.
1. Ashera – $22, 000 – $125, 000
These cats are extremely expensive. They are $22,000 at least. Sometimes, they can be at least $125,000. They are bred mostly by a California-based company, which breeds only about 100 cats a year. This is why they are so expensive. They are a hybrid between a mix of wild cats and domestic cats, much like the other expensive cats we’ve discussed.
These cats can live up to 25 years. They are big, but also very friendly. They are very good with children and can be trained. They love laying on heated blankets, so this is considered a must-have if you adopt one of these cats.
Related Read: Cat Breeds: Complete List from A to Z (With Pictures)
- You might also like: How to Find a Reputable Cat Breeder: 13 Questions You Must Ask
Featured Image: Cressida Studio, Shutterstock
Contents Overview
- The 20 Most Expensive Cat Breeds (Lowest to Highest)
- 20. Norwegian Forest Cat – $500 – $800
- 19. Egyptian Mau – $500-$800
- 18. Korat – $500- $800
- 17. Selkirk Rex – $600 – $1,500
- 16. Siberian – $1,000 – $2,000
- 15. American Shorthaired – $600- $1,200
- 14. Maine Coon – $400 – $1,500
- 13. American Wirehair – $1000
- 12. American Curl -$1,000 – $1,200
- 11. Ragdoll – $1,000
- 10. Scottish Fold – $1,000 – $2,000
- 9. Sphynx -$1,500 – $4,500
- 8. British Shorthair -$1,200 – $2,300
- 7. Russian Blue – $300 – $3,000
- 6. Peterbald -$2,000- $3,000
- 5. Persian – Up to $5,000
- 4. Bengal – $4,000 – $10, 000
- 3. Toyger Cat – $5, 000
- 2. Savannah – $10,000 +
- 1. Ashera – $22, 000 – $125, 000
