In an effort to find the perfect feline companion, some cat lovers will spare no expense. We have listed down the 12 most expensive cat breeds in the world for cat fanciers with a hefty budget.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #12: Egyptian Mau
Height: 20–25 cm
Weight: 3–4 kg
Lifespan: 18–20 years
One of the most expensive cat breeds, the starting price of the Egyptian Mau is around £400. However, a show-quality Egyptian Mau cat will cost over £700.
This expensive cat breed was viewed by Egyptians as a holy animal and was worshipped by them. Egyptian Maus have an elegant and dignified appearance, fitting their past roles as sacred pets.
The Egyptian Mau is a loving cat towards her family, but she is wary of other people. She is athletic and can run up to 30 miles per hour. The breed has an impressive ability to leap high. Unlike other domestic cats, the Egyptian Mau needs lots of exercises.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #11: American Shorthair
Height: 20–25 cm
Weight: 4–6 kg
Lifespan: 15–20 years
The American Shorthair is one of the most expensive cat breeds with a price tag of £300–£900. In the past, this kitty used to be more costly. In 1896, a brown American Shorthair cat was for sale for £1,700 at the Second Annual Cat Show at Madison Square Garden.
American Shorthairs were prized mousers in ships back in the day. And until now, they are super skilled in hunting. If you plan to own this breed, know that she is energetic and loves to play.
The American Shorthair is also very devoted to her humans. She cannot withstand being left alone and may suffer from separation anxiety. It is best to leave her toys to keep her busy whilst you are away.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #10: American Wirehair
Height: 25–35 cm
Weight: 3–4 kg
Lifespan: 14–16 years
The American Wirehair is a new cat breed, making her hard to find. The rarity of this kitty contributes to her high price. Getting an American Wirehair will cost cat fanciers around £700–£900, making her one of the most expensive cat breeds.
American Wirehairs are famous for their unique wiry short-haired coat, which is a product of natural mutation. Their coat care is low-maintenance, as once a week of brushing will keep it neat and free from loose hair.
Far from catty, the American Wirehair is a gentle soul. She is extremely tolerant and friendly towards humans and other pets. As the breed used to be a farm cat, her hunting instinct is strong. Thus, an American Wirehair should be carefully introduced to smaller animals.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #9: American Curl
Height: 45–50 cm
Weight: 2–4 kg
Lifespan: 9–13 years
The American Curl is a relatively new cat breed that descended from a one-of-a-kind stray cat named Shulamith. She carried the ear curl gene, which is a unique feature in this cat breed.
The direct lineage of the American Curl to Shulamith and the recentness of her existence make her one of the most expensive cat breeds. The price for an American Curl kitten ranges from £800–£1,000.
American Curls have a childlike nature as they enjoy playing with their human companions. These felines are very sociable. Their curiosity and their love for their family prompt them to follow them around the house.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #8: Norwegian Forest Cat
Height: 22–27 cm
Weight: 3–9 kg
Lifespan: 14–16 years
Although not as rare as other cat breeds, there are only a handful of Norwegian Forest Cats around. In some cases, breeders will need to import these large felines from their homeland—Norway.
This hikes up the cat breed’s price, which is around £900–£1000. As such, the Norwegian Forest Cat makes it to the list of the most expensive cat breeds. Being a massive-sized cat, she requires larger meals than other kitties. Thus, her food expenses are also costly.
Norwegian Forest Cats are mellow feline companions. Although they enjoy receiving attention, these kitties are not very clingy. Norwegian Forest Cats are not vocal, but they will communicate using soft mewls and chirps.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #7: Bengal Cat
Height: 20–25 cm
Weight: 3–6 kg
Lifespan: 9–15 years
The price tag for this exotic-looking feline can amount up to £800–£1,100. The Bengal Cat’s unique colouring is an important factor that causes her to be one of the most expensive cat breeds. The Rosetted type is the most costly variation of the cat breed.
Carrying the bloodline of the Asian Leopard Cat, Bengals look like a cross between a leopard and a jaguar. Much like wild cats, these felines are extremely active. Without playtime, they can become destructive.
Bengals also require lots of attention and supervision. Their remarkable intelligence and shrewdness enable them to commit various types of mischief. As such, they are not the best choice for first-time cat owners.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #6: Persian Cat
Height: 20–25 cm
Weight: 3–5 kg
Lifespan: 10–18 years
The Persian Cat is purebred, and for this reason, she is one of the most expensive cat breeds. The cost for owning this feline can be as high as £900–£1,200. Because the Persian is a popular breed, the high demand is also a contributing factor to her steep price.
Before choosing this cat as your feline companion, beware that the breed is riddled with several health issues. For example, white Persian Cats with blue eyes are susceptible to deafness.
Thus, not only is she one of the most expensive cats to own but possibly one of the most expensive ones to raise as well.
Persian Cats are sedate and quiet felines. They prefer to observe than to take part in activities. Giving them pets and praises for being lovely companions is enough to satisfy their need for interaction.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #5: Savannah Cat
Height: 30–35 cm
Weight: 9–13 kg
Lifespan: 16–20 years
The price range of this cat breed is around £900–£1500. It is one of the most expensive cat breeds because of its low fertility rate. Male Savannah Cats are sterile until they are 6 generations apart from their African Serval bloodline.
Another reason behind the cat breed’s low fertility rate is the selectiveness of some Savannah Cats when choosing mates. They are more likely to pair with Savannah Cats who grew up with them.
The Savannah is an adventurous breed of cat. She is always up for exploring her surroundings to discover new things. This cat breed has high energy levels that are similar to a wild cat. She needs sufficient amounts of playtime to keep her from becoming destructive.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #4: British Shorthair
Height: 30–35 cm
Weight: 3–7 kg
Lifespan: 8–10 years
The British Shorthair is a rare breed of cat, which is why she is one of the most expensive cat breeds. Cat fanciers will have to spend approximately £1,000–£1,500 to bring this cat home.
British Shorthair Cats are very sociable, but they need to have their own space. They would rather stay close to you than place themselves on your lap. British Shorthair cats are quiet most of the time and make great pets for those who want a not-so-chatty feline companion.
The British Shorthair has a naturally robust body. However, care should be taken during meals to keep her from becoming obese. As she is an inactive cat, encouraging her to play is important to keep her fit and healthy.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #3: Peterbald Cat
Height: 20–25 cm
Weight: 2–4 kg
Lifespan: 12–15 years
The Peterbald is a new addition to the feline community. As she is fairly new, her rarity makes her one of the most expensive cat breeds to own. When offered for sale, a Peterbald kitten fetches about £1,000–£1,600.
The Peterbald is commonly described as a “doglike” cat. She is very attached to her family and always looks forward to bonding with them. Intelligent and a fast learner, the Peterbald can be taught tricks too.
Petebalds generally look like Oriental Shorthairs with a hair-losing gene. Although not entirely hairless, these cats need to stay indoors to protect themselves from sunburn.
Part of caring for these felines is giving them frequent baths as their skin produces too much oil due to their lack of hair.
Most Expensive Cat Breed #2: Sphynx Cat
Height: 20–25 cm
Weight: 4–5 kg
Lifespan: 10–15 years
With a price tag of £1,200–£1,800, the Sphynx Cat is one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. The reason behind it is the cat breed is not only rare but highly sought-after to the point that the demand is higher than the supply.
Sphynx Cats have a peculiar appearance, which is one of their biggest charms. They love to seek attention from their humans. It is not unusual for them to bring out their clownish antics to receive praises and pets from their family.
The Sphynx Cats are considered hairless despite sporting short fuzzy hair. Since her skin is super sensitive, she should be handled with gentleness and care. Also very vulnerable to sunburns, the Sphynx’s exploration outdoors should be kept to a minimum.
The Most Expensive Cat Breed: Ashera Cat
Height: 121 cm
Weight: 11–14 kg
Lifespan: 12–14 years
The Ashera Cat is a newly developed cat breed in 2007; thus, she is considered rare. This designer cat was created in a US Lab by a team of geneticists. However, some cat fanciers believed that she is not a new breed but a rare type of Savannah Cat.
You will need to spend a hefty amount of money to own an Ashera kitten. The starting price for this breed is £12,000.
However, well-bred Ashera Cats tend to come at a higher cost, with an estimated price of over £60,000. Thus, it only fits for the Ashera Cat to be on top of our list of the most expensive cat breeds.
As feline companions, Ashera Cats are mild-mannered and people-loving despite their wild appearance. They enjoy company, but these kitties are self-sufficient and can have fun by themselves.
Nonetheless, the Ashera Cats’ daily needs, including human interaction, should not be neglected.
More Expensive Than You Think
Have you found your ideal feline friend from our list? If you have your heart set on owning one of these most expensive cat breeds, make sure you have thoroughly thought about your decision.
Keep in mind that apart from doling out money to purchase your pet, you will also have to spend on her daily needs. Throughout a cat’s lifetime, caring for her will cost around £12,000. For some cat breeds, the expenses will be higher, totaling up to £24,000.
Thus, don’t be hasty. Before committing yourself to cat ownership, consider your financial situation first. Be certain that you will be able to provide what she needs until she reaches her golden years.
