29 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World

When it comes to choosing our cat, we do not usually look at the price tag until we are actually ready to take delivery of our furry friend. The only thing that really matters, is to know that our four-legged loved ones are happy and healthy.

However, you need to have plenty of dollars in your wallet sometimes to buy the desired cat, and remember, with food, grooming, and vet expenses you will need at least $1000 per year to keep your beautiful cat healthy and content! 

We’ve collected here the 29 highest-price tag cat breeds you can find around the world. Counting down 29 purebreds in this cat-alogue from least to most expensive, you will hear 29 different kinds of “meow” from the beautiful world of felines!

Some of these stunning cats cost a reasonable fee…but you have to pay a small fortune for the Number One cat on this list! (The prices here are approximate and are essentially a guide, you will find more exact prices from breeders and other cat sources).

29. Ocicat

Price: $150 – $800

Ocicat is a very rare American breed so named as its markings resemble the wild ocelot. Since 1988, the Ocicat has been officially recognized and registered as a cat breed but is not known widely outside of the USA Its ancestors include the American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Siamese, Spotted Oriental Shorthair, and Egyptian. The Ocicat is an athletic feline with a speckled, sandy-to-silvery coat. Female adults can weigh 5 kg and males 7 kg. They are generally healthy and long-living, costing about $1000 a year in maintenance, but liver, heart, and dental problems can arise in this breed.

28.Russian Blue

Price: $400 – $600

As its name implies, this beautiful cat breed originated in Russia and was officially recognized by breeders in 1937. The Russian Blue can be distinguished by its light silver to bluish-gray double-coat and spectacular gorgeous emerald-green eyes. Not only their elegant looks but their superior intelligence makes them a very popular breed among cat holders. They can live from 15 to 20 years and are a low-maintenance breed, but $1000 a year would be advisable to budget as a Russian Blue owner.

27. Turkish Van

Price: $500 – $800

The Turkish Van cat was developed in the UK from Turkish breeds originating from the Van Lake region in southeastern Turkey. It is a semi-long-haired domestic cat with distinctive almond-shaped eyes which can glitter in different colors. Their head and the end of their tail are variously red, brown, and amber while the rest of their fur is white. Unusually for a cat the Turkish Van is a strong swimmer and loves the water!  This cat can be prone to liver and respiratory issues but is a generally healthy breed that is smart and sociable and lives on average 12 to 17 years.

26. Javanese cat

Price: $600 – $900

This beautiful Oriental-type cat is not in fact from the Indonesian island of Java but was developed in Canada and the USA—ultimately from Southeast Asian stock. The Javanese cat is also known as the Colorpoint Longhair. They have triangular heads with large ears relative to their slim body. Their almond-shaped blue eyes are very beautiful, and they are thought to have Siamese ancestry. Usually, they are very sociable cats with a playful disposition, often meowing or “vocalizing” for no apparent reason!

25. Devon Rex

Price: $600 – $1,000

The Devon Rex’ is a tall-eared, short-haired breed of cat that emerged in the mid-20th century in the UK. Its characteristic short curly fur was the result of a random mutation that makes it different from the Cornish Rex. People have described the Devon Rex as having the traits of a cat, dog, and monkey, or as one car lover called the Devon Rex, “a monkey in a cat suit”. They are high jumpers and often find the highest spot in the room. They are often devoted to one person in their lives and love to play. They can suffer from hereditary myopathy and some die from laryngospasm after an obstruction in their larynx from food. The Devon Rex is able to learn simple tricks but can be hard to motivate.

24. Siamese cat

Price: $800 – $1,000

Siamese cats are one of the oldest and most famous cat breeds.  Due to their exotic and elegant looks, they appeared in royal courtyards as a status symbol. Native to Thailand, the Siamese has become one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America since the 19th century. This is in part due to their unique and endearing personality—they have long “conversations” with their human family and are one of the most vocal cat breeds! Living 15 years on average and sometimes 20 years, the Siamese is prone more to asthma and vomiting than other cats. Highly intelligent, the Siamese can be trained to walk on a lead, and they often make friends with dogs.

23. Sphynx cat

Price: $900 – $1,100

The Sphynx cat, also known as the Canadian Sphynx, is a hairless breed and is not to be confused with any other cat breed. Experts say they are from New Mexico, developed from a naturally occurring genetic mutation in the first half of the 1900s. According to standards for the breed, the cat should have the texture of chamois leather, as it can have some fine hairs, or it may be completely hairless. They have webbed feet and their skin is the color their fur would be, so tabby or tortie etc.  The Sphynx is a relatively healthy cat, but the hair loss should be carefully balanced with the temperature of their environment Sunscreen and clothing are strongly recommended.

22. Abyssinian

Price: $500 – $1,200

The Abyssinian is a rare cat originating from the jungles of Southeast Asia, then via Ethiopia to the United Kingdom It is often referred to as “minipuma” or just as “Abys”. Their coat is short, fine, and glossy with a “ticked” quality, where individual hairs are colored differently. They are sociable cats that do well in multi-cat households and have a playful nature, following their humans around. The Abys can get gingivitis which leads to more serious periodontal disease. It is a popular cat that makes soft chirruping vocalizations that do not sound like the normal “meow”. Abyssinian kittens are all born with dark fur that gradually becomes lighter.

21. Norwegian Forest Cat

Price: $600 – $ 1,200

The Norwegian Forest Cat has evolved from ancient times in its natural northern European habitat without human intervention. It is well known for its rather large size and very special double fur coat. Its topcoat of long glossy hair is slightly oily and heavy, providing good water resistance., while it has a woolly undercoat. They can survive in extremely cold weather, as in Norwegian winters! They are slow to mature, not reaching full development until five years of age. The Norwegian Forest Cat can weigh up to 18 pounds, to a length of 36 inches, nose to tail, and they live to an average of 16 years, so you will enjoy this cat for a good long time, it is not often a “lap cat” but likes its own space.

20. American Shorthai

Price: $900 – $ 1,300

The first records of the American Shorthair were published in the 1620s—a friendly feline passenger who was killing mice and rats on ships heading from Europe to America. The stunning silvery coat, pious and friendly look made this cat one of the most sought-after breeds across northern America. In 2020 The Cat Fanciers Association announced the American Shorthair was the 8th most popular pedigreed cat in the world. They are different to the common Domestic Shorthair, the moggy, which is of mixed lineage, while the American Shorthair is purebred. They are as much a working cat as a collie is a working dog.

19. Egyptian Mau

Price: $800 – $ 1,400

As its name implies, this is a cat breed that has a very long history, going back to ancient Egypt Some cat historians consider the Egyptian Mau to be the progenitor of the modern domestic shorthair. They have a gestation of 73 days, longer than most other cats at 65-67 days. This breed also emits unusual vocalizations, chortling and chirruping, and “wiggles” its tail when happy, like spraying without releasing urine. The Egyptian Mau is a rare breed with less than 200 kittens registered in the UK each year.

18. Himalayan cat

Price: $500 – $ 1,300

In the mid-20th century, a Californian breeder decided she wanted to cross his two favorite breeds, the Siamese and the Persian. Her program was successful, and the result was a new kind of long-haired feline—its face and long fur were Persian, and the coloration or points were Siamese, the Himalayan cat. The name Himalayan was so called after the colors of Himalayan animals, like the Himalayan rabbit. The Himalayan needs daily brushing and face wiping and can develop kidney disease like many Persians Some breeders recommend bathing to reduce the oil on the coat and skin.

17. Maine Coon

Price: $400 – $ 1,500

This majestic giant is one of the most ancient North American feline types, originating in the state of Maine where it is the official cat of the state. The Maine Coon was the third most popular domestic purebred cat in the world in 2020. Thanks to their long, water-repellent coat and elongated hair on their paws, they can survive in the harsh winters of Maine. The breed is known for its size, males can weigh over 10 kg and females over 7 kg. They are also known to howl and yowl! A Maine Coon in the UK called “Ludo” 2015 earned the world record for the Longest Cat, being over 118 cm from nose to tail. These cats are good around dogs, kids, and other cats and have above-average intelligence.

16. Burmese cat

Price: $500 – $ 1,500

Most modern Burmese cats are the descendants of a cat called Wong Mau that was brought from Burma to the USA in 1930 and mated with an American Siamese. There are two kinds of closely related Burmese, the American, and the European. Burmese cats can live from 10 to 17 years and have a low maintenance profile, good with kids, dogs, seniors, and other cats—great for first-time cat owners. Diabetes is a risk for this breed, but they are generally healthy. They are a stocky size, heavier than they look, weighing about 7 kg, and have been called “a brick wrapped in silk” by their humans that pick them up! They have also been called the “Velcro cat” as they really like to be with their people, often following them around, and sometimes experiencing separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They are definitely a happy lap-cat!

15.  Japanese Bobtail

Price: $600 – $ 1,600

The Japanese Bobtail cat has a bobbed tail that looks more like a rabbit´s tail than a cat´s tail, it is no more than about 3 inches long and is covered with fur and curly. No two tails for this breed are the same, according to one veterinarian. The Japanese Bobtail has both long and short coat varieties and is outgoing and highly intelligent. They are native to Japan and Southeast Asia and have been recorded in history since the 6th century. They were used as rodent control in the silkworm trade but were eventually considered a luxury cat and are not known widely outside of Japan. The iconic cartoon Hello Kitty draws inspiration from the Japanese Bobtail. This cat is considered a good luck symbol in Japan!

14. Siberian cat

Price: $1,100 – $ 1,700

According to many cat experts, the Siberian cat is the ancestor of the Norwegian Forest Cat and also the Maine Coon, plus other long-haired breeds like the Persian. Since this cat is an ancient, natural breed, it does not have many inherited diseases, and they are generally free from deformities and any negative effects of over-breeding. They originated in the Russian region of Siberia and have a triple coat to withstand the climate there and strong bodies. They are not common outside of Russia and they cost a fair bit due to this rarity. The Siberian cat is quiet compared to other breeds, not a big talker, but it is active and has high intelligence. According to its owners, it is a good lap cat, very loyal, and likes to be picked up!

13. Toyger $1,500 – $ 2,000

Price: $1,500 – $ 2,000

The Toyger was bred by an American woman in the 1980s from a mackerel tabby and a street cat with a spotted face that she imported from India. Judy Sugden created the Toyger specifically to look like a Bengal tiger. She mixed non-pedigree short hairs that had striping patterns with domestic Bengal cats and came up with the Toyger. They have strong bodies and big-boned high-set shoulders that make them look like a proper big tiger when they walk. They stand at about 13 inches tall on average. There are fewer than 500 Toygers in the world and only 19 breeders as of 2020. As a very modern breed, there is a Toyger called Pippa with an Instagram account of 30K followers!

12. Scottish Fold

Price: $1,700 – $ 2,000

This cat breed first appeared on a Scottish farm in the early 1960s and its characteristic physical features may be the result of a spontaneous mutation. The breed has a unique round head and low forward-folding ears and big eyes, noticeably a different owl-like look to most other medium-sized domestic cats. They come in a range of coat colors and can be long-haired or short. They are calm cats and only vocal when necessary. They often give their love to one lucky human and have a stocky body. The genetic trait that caused the cartilage in their ears to fold can sometimes lead to bone and joint disorders. Their beautiful eyes can be gold, green, or blue. The Scottish Fold has celebrity owners like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran and is known to sleep on its back and in the Buddha position with its legs stretched out and its front paws resting on its belly!

11. Exotic

Price: $1,500 – $ 2,000

The Exotic breed has been called the “Persian of lazy people”, because it resembles the Persian in its face and body, but it has a much shorter and more easily manageable fur coat. The breed was first recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in the U.S. In the 1950s it was bred from crossing Persians with American shorthairs as well as Russian blues and Burmese. The famous cartoon cat Garfield is an Exotic, he was a wisecracking creature! They share much of their DNA with Persians so have similar health issues like kidney problems and heart disease, but the Exotic is generally a healthy breed. They live on average eight to 15 years and have medium intelligence and are quite a quiet cat (unlike Garfield!) 

10. Ragdoll

Price: $1,800 – $ 2,100

Like many cat breeds, the ragdoll cat comes from a further deliberate breeding development following an unplanned litter. The first ragdoll kitten was born in California in the 1960s as the furry result of a secret encounter between a white Persian and a Burmese male. The name “Ragdoll” refers to this cat´s gentleness and loose muscles as they love to relax like a rag doll. The Ragdoll lives between 13 and 18 years, is a cat of high intelligence, and has a quiet nature. They are known to be very patient cats with strong loyal tendencies. They are muscular with long hair and are easy to groom. The Cat Fanciers´ Association named the Ragdoll as the most popular breed of cat in 2019 and 2020.

9. Elf cat

Price: $1,900 – $ 2,300

This wrinkled, hairless, and very cute cat began to be bred in America in 2008. The breed is very similar both in DNA and looks to the Sphynx cat but has a backward-curved ear tip (a genetic mutation) that gives it an “elf” -like appearance. Two American women are known to be the creators of the breed, crossing the Sphynx with the American Curl. The Elf needs to be wiped down frequently to prevent the build-up of oil and possible skin rashes on its sensitive skin. The Elf is great if you are allergic to cat hair and dander and is good with kids and other cats. They need a high-calorie diet to stay warm, and both the Elf and the Sphynx have robust appetites.

8. The Peterbald

Price: $2,100 – $ 2,500

The Peterbald, sometimes also known as the St. Petersburg Sphinx Cat, was bred in 1994 by Olga Mironova, a St. Petersburg lady who crossed an Oriental shorthair with a naked breed called the Donskoy. The Peterbald is a vocal cat that often meows its replies to its owners and is known to be both affectionate and loyal. They like to eat a lot as they have a higher metabolism than coated cats and need daily exercise to keep their muscle-bound bodies in good shape. A sweater in winter and regular baths will keep your Peterbald healthy. They are a relatively healthy breed and actually have five coat variations from bald to 70% hairless to a coat of 5mm hair.

7. Munchkin cat

Price: $2,500– $ 3,000

This unique looking “sausage cat” from the United States is still a rarity outside of his homeland. It is another relatively new breed, in existence since the 1940s and only recognized as a breed in 1991. Its unusually short legs are due to a genetic mutation, being three inches shorter than the average feline. A petite breed, they can live from 12 to 15 years and grow to about 4 kg. They are intelligent, loving, and energetic and get along well with other cats, kids, and seniors. Because of their rarity, kittens can cost quite a bit. Munchkins can have short coats, or long coats, or be hairless and come in all sorts of colors. Owners report that sometimes their Munchkin runs around the house really fast!

6. American Curl

Price: $2,500 – $ 3,500

In 1981, in Lakewood, California, the American Curl breed appeared as a result of (yet another) genetic mutation. The angle of the ears of the American Curl can vary between 90 to 180 degrees. The more their ears resemble a crescent moon, the more demand among potential owners for the cat—and its price will increase proportionally according to those specific criteria. It is a rare cat species with only about 3000 cats all over the world. Living from 12 to 15 years, they are of medium intelligence and infrequently meow. Long-haired or short-haired their coats are in the range from black to white and many colors in between.

5. Persian cats

Price: $3,500 – $ 5,000

The ancient Persian is one of the most popular cats breeds due to its majestic coat and gentle, calm friendly, and obedient disposition. In the 1600s these cats were being brought to Europe from Persia (modern-day Iran). By the 1800s they were found in Britain—Queen Victoria owned several Persians and loved one in particular called “White Heather” who remained at Buckingham Palace after she had died, endearing the breed to the British public. As we have seen, a number of more modern breeds owe their ancestry to this cat…The Persian cat demands daily grooming with special rounded-end brushes. Bathe or spot clean your Persian (if it does not like baths,) but if you have your Persian from kittenhood regularly bathe them and as an adult, they won´t mind! Giorgio Armani, Elizabeth Taylor, and Freddie Mercury all had Persians. They live to be 10 to 15 years old and are quite quiet cats.

4. Bengal cat

Price: $5,000 – $ 9,000

The Bengal cat is created by cross breeding an Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat. Recognized as a breed in 1983, the Bengal has astonishing bold coat colors and a bright, friendly personality, making it one of the most popular breeds in the world! Its fur is extremely soft to the touch, more like rabbit fur than cat fur. Their eyes can be brown, yellow, orange, or green. Bengals live 9 to 15 years and are beautifully patterned, highly intelligent, and frequently talkative!

3. Caracat

Price: $7,000 – $ 15,000

The caracat is the result of a cross between the wild Caracal, or desert Lynx, and an Abyssinian cat; it is considered to be one of the rarest and most expensive cat hybrid species in the world. The breeding program was officially successful in 2007. It is very difficult to breed this cat and there are only a few of them around the world. Keeping them requires much care and attention, they are more gentle than their direct ancestors, but they still show some aggression. The Caracat is said by some to be an instance of humans exploiting animals to make the perfect cat. Whatever you think of the creation of the Caracat, it can weigh up to 13 kg and is very beautiful.

2. The Savannah

Price: $10,000 – $25,000

Another hybrid wild cat breed is the Savannah. The first ever recorded Savannah kitten was the result of a crossbreeding between a domesticated Siamese cat and an African serval. Breeding began in 1986. It was only introduced as a new breed of cat in 2001. There will be no mature behavioral problems if you raise it properly from kittenhood, but if your Savannah plays too rough and you don’t train it to behave, it can become an aggressive adult cat. It requires a lot of careful attention. It is only recommended as a cat for people who can spend all their free time with it.

1. The Ashera

Price: $100,000 – $ 125,000

There is a serious queue of people wishing to own an exotic wild-looking Ashera cat because it is available in only a very limited number. It is a real status symbol for the animal-loving wealthy class. It caused a social media sensation in 2006 when it was introduced to the public as a hybrid of the serval, leopard, and domestic cat. The Ashera needs mental and physical stimulation and positive reinforcement training. Like the Savannah, these cats need constant care and training as their DNA mostly comes from wild cats rather than domestic varieties. The Ashera does not shed much and brushing once a week is sufficient. There are only a small number of breeders worldwide. The Ashera tops the list of the world´s most expensive cats! If you have a cool $125,000 you can put your name down to own one and then dedicate your life to this fabulous feline!