Cats are currently the number one choice as household pets in the United States, and why not?! They are compact enough for smaller living spaces and don’t eat a lot. Plus, they can accommodate specific bodily needs in a box should cat parents be away for long hours.

Statistics obtained from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) show that there are 94.2 million owned felines with only 4% having been purchased from a breeder. No one knows for sure how many stray cats are on the prowl. Every year, millions are euthanized in overcrowded shelters.

To Buy or to Adopt a Cat?

If you are considering adding a four-legged bundle of fur to your family, please consider jumping on the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” bandwagon by visiting your local animal rescue or shelter. Oftentimes, shelter workers got to know the little guy or girl and can share unique traits and habits. In other instances, cats relinquished to shelters by previous owners may come with background history so that you can learn about their personalities and health conditions.

Another option is to purchase your new cat or kitten from a responsible breeder who can reliably predict the animal’s temperament and provide a clean bill of health. You can find almost any breed at a breed rescue somewhere in the country. However, for fun, we’ve decided to compile a list of the 20 most expensive cat breeds to spend your money on!

The going prices vary from breeder to breeder, so below is a range that gives a glimpse into just how costly these expensive cats are.

Two breeds barely missed the Top 20: the Siamese and the spotted Ocicat.

The slender Siamese is a people cat that is curious and talks a lot! The Ocicat was born through interbreeding an Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair. It is a large, muscular breed resembling his wilder cousins without sharing any of their DNA. The Siamese cat price and the Ocicat price are quite similar, ranging from $200-$800 for a purebred.

How to Care for the Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World

Caring for expensive cat breeds does not differ much from caring for regular cats. Regardless of where your little bundle of fur comes from, or how much you pay for her when bringing a cat into your home and your heart, be sure that you are prepared to love and care for her throughout her entire lifetime, no matter how much your life changes.

You need a budget for high-quality cat food and state-of-the-art cat feeders, preventive medical care, kitty cat supplies (i.e., litter, box, brush or comb, collar, bed, water fountain, amusement tree, etc.), cat accessories, and of course, veterinarians on contactfor those unexpected emergencies.

Keep in mind that most any un-pedigreed breed can be adopted or purchased for considerably less than you see on this list of the 20 most expensive cat breeds to spend your money on. However, these prices are the ones that breeders demand and receive for purebred cats.

The 20 Most Expensive Cat Breeds to Spend Your Money on

20. Norwegian Forest Cat (aka Skogkatt)

Price Range: $500 – $800

The Norwegian Forest Cat loves her people, but on her own terms. This means she likes to decide when, and if, to get on or off your lap! A wooly undercoat and sharp claws (make sure you have a sturdy scratching post and cat tree for this one) help this feline adapt to the cold winters of her native Norway.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Moderately active, with sudden bursts of energy, the Norwegian is very likely the cat that Vikings kept on their ships to keep down the rodent population. The breed, however, almost disappeared due to mating with free-roaming domestic shorthair cats, but Norwegian cat fanciers came to the rescue.

The Norwegian Forest Cat came to the U.S. about 40 years ago, so it is relatively new to our shores. Therefore, U.S. breeders often make multiple trips to Europe to obtain queens and sires for their breeding programs. This, coupled with preferred markings, keeps the Norwegian Forest Cat price tag high.

19. Egyptian Mau

Price Range: $500 – $800

The Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted breed of the domestic feline. Because of this, colors are limited to those that occur naturally, increasing the cat’s price and possibly causing you to wait patiently when hoping to bring home a Mau.

Bronze, smoke, black, and silver, along with muted versions of these hues, and a sheening spotted coat, will make your Mau well worth the wait if an exotic cat for sale is what you seek. Their spots, however, appear only on the tips of the fur. With widely spaced ears and gooseberry green eyes encircled with dark eyeliner, these cats dazzle cat fanciers and pet parents alike.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Friendly to most, Maus cats are wary of strangers and choose their special human. The breed was worshipped as both a god and a treasure by Ancient Egyptians. She has kept a few gifts handed down by his wilder ancestors:

1. A loose flap of skin from the flank to the hind legs that allows the Egyptian to twist and jump with grace and agility, and run very fast, up to 30 mph.
2. A rotatory gallop that mimics the stride of a Cheetah, where only one paw hits the ground at a time, and hind paws impact ahead of wherefore paws took off the ground.

It’s easy to look at the Mau and figure out why Ancient Egyptians venerated it: it has a thoroughly graceful and almost royal appearance, summoning visions of sleek, lithe, and hairless dun panthers.

18. Korat

Price Range: $500-$800

The Korat has superpowers and five hearts! Korats have an unusually keen sense of sight, scent, and hearing, which can put them head-to-head with any superhero. Looking down over the top of one of these cats, you’ll notice its head is Valentine-shaped. Look straight forward at a Korat, and you’ll see another heart in addition to a third one formed by the nose.

Often confused with the Russian Blue, the Korat’s unique head shape should help you tell these breeds apart. Heart #4 can be seen when a Korat sits, showing you his muscular heart-shaped chest. And last, but certainly not least, is the heart inside these cuddly cats who love to be close to their humans and play gently with children.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

The Korat comes in only one color, a silver-tipped blue that shines and shimmers. The tight coat doesn’t fly off when petted, so humans allergic to cat hair may not be allergic to the Korat. In actuality though, most people with cat allergies are not bothered by the hair but rather by cat dander and saliva.

The breed is rare because only a small gene pool exists in their native Thailand as well as in the States. Some think it is purposely kept small to ensure the Korat stays elusive and exclusive, keeping it on the list of the 20 most expensive cat breeds. After all, the Korat is considered a symbol of prosperity in its native homeland.

17. Selkirk Rex

Price Range: $500-$800

Often referred to as “the cat with a bad hair day, every day,” the Selkirk Rex is a large-boned feline with a curly coat, particularly around the neck, flanks, and tummy. Both long and short-haired cats exist, and they are born with curly whiskers!

Differing from the Devon and Cornish Rex cats, the curly coat gene is dominant in the Selkirk, meaning a litter can contain both straight-haired and curly kittens. Their soft, plush coats make them extra huggable.

Among one of the reasons they’re so appreciated is their adorably sleepy and confused look. If there’s any cat that looks like it’s got its head lost deep in the clouds above, then it’s probably the Selkirk. That doesn’t make it sleepy, though!

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Since they don’t shed their curly locks much, they require brushing, making it a good thing that Selkirks are a patient and tolerant breed. These cats require frequent bathing as they tend to have oily coats, so they are a little high maintenance.

Playful and energetic, it is smart to supply your Selkirk Rex with plenty of toys, scratching pads, cat trees, and other means for him to expend his energy to keep peace in the house. Gentle with kids, Selkirks Rexes are great family pets but are truly rare as the first of this breed only came on the scene 3 decades ago. Thus, their price is hefty.

16. Siberian

Price Range: $1,000-$2,000

Second in size only to the Maine Coon, the easy-going and calm Siberian enjoys company: people, children, even dogs. These cats seem to have a sixth sense, knowing when their person could use some TLC and will tend to stay close, almost nurturing their loved one.

The Siberian’s sweet facial expression will put a smile on any face, while the various shades of golden-green eyes will dazzle. Some Siberians have two different eye colors, with one often being blue. Regardless of color, their eyes tilt slightly upwards to give a distinct look.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Siberian cats were built to withstand Siberian winters and were provided with a neck rough (like a lion) and a double-thick coat. In spite of all this fur, the breed is considered hypoallergenic, since they possess lower enzyme levels in their saliva than most other cats.

Featured in Russian children’s books and fairy tales, the Siberian is considered a national treasure in Russia. It only arrived on the American shore early in the 21st Century making this breed very rare, and therefore, very expensive!

15. American Shorthair

Price Range: $600-$1,200

The American Shorthair is the pedigreed variant of the Domestic Short-haired Cat. Descended from felines who sailed on The Mayflower, the American Shorthair has been valued for centuries for its sweet personality and rat-catching talents.

Bred specifically for their disposition, beautiful face, and striking colors, the breed was renamed in the 60s to differentiate it from other short-haired cat breeds.

The name also differentiates the breed from any randomly-bred cats that you can find in neighborhoods across America.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Although a common shorthair cat might look similar, the pedigreed American Shorthair will, due to selective breeding, consistently produce litters with the same temperament, coat, and physical appearance.

Available in 80 different color patterns, this breed produces a powerful feline with a well-developed chest, shoulders, and hindquarters. Adorable round faces and short pointed ears give American Shorthairs a distinctive look.

Muscular cats, yet not especially athletic, the Shorthair is considered a “working breed” for its pest control talents and is expensive due to her lineage.

14. Maine Coon

Price Range: $400-$3,500

Not your typical “meow,” the Maine Coon cat is known for his chirp, or trill, that sounds like a cross between and meow and a purr. This intelligent breed is quite trainable and dog-like, following you around. You may have to shut the door to get a moment of privacy, as Maine Coon cats love to be with their people. They are so fond of water that they don’t have many problems drinking it. It might even join you for a shower!

Measuring more than 3 feet from nose to tail, this plus-sized cat breed evolved through natural breeding. It got dealt with the cards needed to survive the harsh winters and seasonal changes of the extreme Northeastern United States. Large tufted ears and “snowshoe” paws that can navigate the snow, the Maine Coon coat has three distinct layers and a tail that wraps around like a blanket for warmth.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Although their size may be intimidating, Maine Coons have been called “the gentle giants” of the cat world as most are friendly towards everyone and everything. They continue their growth spurt until 4 or 5 years of age, and there may soon be a new cat breaking the record as the largest domestic cat in the world!

The cost to become the lucky owner of a Maine Coon differs throughout the world and is often determined by the “pet” vs. “show” quality of the cat as well as his family tree. The Maine Coon cat price may also be influenced by the fact that his breed has been crowned “America’s Cat.”

Some say he may be descended from the Norwegian Forest Cat while others insist the Maine Coon derived its roots from Marie Antoinette’s Angora cats.

13. American Wirehair

Price Range: $1,000-$1,200

A round head with high cheekbones, rounded ears, and rounded eyes that tilt upward are the hallmarks of the American Wirehair along with a rounded tipped tail. What sets them apart, however, is the tightly crimped hair that many a woman would work hard to achieve.

This breed can trace its parentage to a kitten named Adam. The only survivor of his litter, Adam and his wiry-haired siblings were born to two barn cats with smooth coats. Considered a spontaneous mutation, testing determined that the American Wirehair is not related to the curly-haired British Rex family of cats. It is instead its own American breed.

Pretty interesting background, isn’t it? Draws back to a certain origin myth popular throughout Europe. I can’t help but wonder where’s this breed’s Eve?

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

These wiry coats, which are actually quite spongy and spring back, come in many colors and patterns. No matter the shade, you’ll find crimping on the whiskers and inner ears. Remarkably, the coat is not high-maintenance.

American Wirehaired cats are skilled hunters. They get along with kids and dogs, as long as they are not teased or bothered, but birds may not be an excellent choice to share a home with. Good-natured and clownish, this breed likes to keep busy, so have cat chew toys and puzzle games on hand.

Outgoing and agreeable, the American Wirehair may, or may not, be a lap cat, but enjoys curling up next to his people. Still quite rare, as most are kept for show or breeding, these cats are amongst the 20 most expensive cat breeds to spend your money on.

12. American Curl

Price Range: $800-$1,300

All American Curl cats are descendants of “Shulamith,” a stray kitten with silky black fur and unusual ears. The result of a dominant gene, this kitty, two of her kittens, and generations since have been born with straight ears that begin to curl backward within a few days of birth.

By the time these curious-looking cats are 4-months old, their ears become stiff with flexible tips. American Curls should be handled with kid gloves, so as not to damage the cartilage in their unique ears. The tighter the ear curl, the higher the price for these kittens.

The fact that so many of these gorgeous breeds can point out their ancestor is fascinating and really helps explain the concept of feline pedigree. It’s just like humans do it!

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Long, short, or tortoiseshell, tabby or pointed, American Curl cats come in all types of coat lengths and patterns. Moderately active and relatively quiet, Curls are sometimes called the “Peter Pan” of cats as they fly through the air with grace and joy. A smart cat breed, many Curls learn to fetch, open doorknobs, or get into other mischiefs. However, when the day is over, they are happy to curl up in the lap of a human they love.

The cost of an American Curl is high due to its direct lineage to one cat and the fact that they are one of the newest cat breeds. That means there has not been that much time to produce as many generations as of other breeds.

If you love the look of the Curl but want to pay even more money, look into the Elf Cat. This is a cross between the Curl and the Sphynx. Now that is an exotic and expensive cat for sure, with the asking price around $2K!

11. Ragdoll

Price Range: $1,000-$1,300

The lap cat extraordinaire, Ragdolls love to be cradled in your arms and carried around on their backs like a baby. The name comes from their tendency to go limp when lifted by their favorite human.

Affectionate cats with captivating blue eyes, a Ragdoll’s oval face, ears, legs, and tail are “pointed” with a darker coat color than the rest of their 15-20 lbs. body. White when born, the Ragdoll’s “points and patterns” begin to show when they are 10-days old, but coat color and length may take 2-3 years to reach its full saturation.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Ragdolls love doing anything as long as they can be with you. They may enjoy an outdoor adventure on a leash, traveling the countryside in an RV, or staying home and coming when called. That’s why they are often called “puppy cats.”

And speaking of our canine friends, Ragdolls are PURRfectly comfortable around them and any other pets, making them an excellent addition to any home.

The Ragdoll traces her lineage to 1960s Riverside, California when a free-roaming long-haired white cat was bred to a black and white male with mittens.

Interestingly enough, and perhaps another good reason for their name, the Ragdoll has a surprisingly high tolerance to pain. They might not be great athletes,  but they can definitely hang in there!

10. Scottish Fold

Price Range: $800-$1,500

Scottish Fold cats have become quite the internet sensation. Celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift have been sharing photos of their furry bundles online. A Scottish Fold named Maru, from Japan, has been watched on YouTube more than 300 million times! All Scottish Folds are a descendant of a white cat named Susie, who was discovered living on a Scottish Farm in 1961.

The breed’s round face, eyes, and body create an adorable look, while their small ears fold down toward their face, providing their name and unmistakable appearance. That, along with their fondness for sitting back with paws on the tum-tum in a “Buddha” position, makes the Scottish Fold a widely sought-after pet.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Although the ears are their most distinguishing feature, less than 50% of the breed have folded ears making those that do, rare. Ears start straight, but at about 3-weeks of age, some fold. The fold, caused by a naturally occurring gene mutation, prevents the cartilage from holding the ear upright.

Unfortunately, this mutation also causes some Scottish Folds to suffer pain from arthritis. For this reason, the British Veterinary Association is calling for a ban on breeding Scottish Folds. However, some breeders feel health defects are likely to occur in any breed and are protesting.

Relatively sedentary, you may need to get your Scottish Fold moving so that she doesn’t pack on the pounds. Friendly and laid-back, the breed tends to develop strong bonds with its people, yet isn’t overly needy. Scottish Folds sport a variety of colors and patterns, so there is something for every feline lover.

What do you think? Are we sacrificing a pain-free quality of life for these cats for the sake of their cuteness? Do you feel some animals are prone to diseases while others are just lucky not to be? Do share your thoughts on the Scottish Fold and on any of these 20 most expensive cat breeds to spend your money on.

9. Sphynx

Price Range: $900-$2,000

When talking about exotic cats for sale, the Sphynx is right at the top of the list. The ultimate lap cat who will snuggle all day long, this feline is one of the most unusual cats you will ever come across.

With a long, narrow head and webbed feet, most Sphynx cats have very fine hair, or fuzz, but are covered with skin the color their hair pattern would have been if they had hair. The skin of a Sphynx feels a bit like a chamois cloth. Since these cats lack insulation, great care must be taken to keep them warm and to prevent sunburn, skin infections, and other health issues, especially when they are very young.

The Sphynx cat price is high because these cats are purebreds and hard to find. Basic economics reminds us that demand vs. limited supply = a higher price tag. Once you have coughed up the funds to buy a Sphynx, you’re going to need to keep your day job to accommodate her needs.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

This cat craves human attention and has been known to suffer from separation anxiety, so she may wish for you to work from home to pay her bills. Since the breed is prone to feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, they must undergo heart scans every year.

Their sensitive skin requires frequent baths with special shampoo, and they are more likely to get goopy ears that need care. The Sphynx is also prone to irritable bowel syndrome, so a specialized kitty cat diet is a must.

Since they are hairless, they get cold, resulting in you raising your thermostat,  and thus escalating your power bill. If your budget can handle a Sphynx cat’s needs, and you are up to the task of keeping health problems at bay, the outgoing and playful Sphynx could be a PURRfect match for you!

8. British Shorthair

Price Range: $1,500-$2,000

The sometimes clumsy British Shorthair cat matures slowly and remains a kitten at heart well into adulthood. Easy going, adaptable and easily trained, these cats have been known to keep company with rabbits and birds, as well as dogs and humans!

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Contrary to popular belief, not every blue cat is a British Shorthair, and not every British Shorthair is blue. This cat’s luxurious coat comes in a variety of patterns and colors.

Quite possibly the oldest English breed, British Shorthairs trace their ancestry to Rome where they were desired for their hunting abilities. Quiet felines with piercing eyes, these cats have no breed-specific health conditions, yet exist in small numbers. That’s why their price tag is sky-high.

7. Russian Blue

Price Range: $500-$3,000

The sweet-tempered Russian Blue will follow her favorite human around the home and anxiously greet them at the door. However, Russian Blues do like their privacy and are skittish around their company. They are also easily startled by sounds or quick movements, so they are happy to entertain themselves, but generally, attach to one person in the household.

A triangular head, with large ears and a Mona Lisa smile, sets the Russian apart from the crowd. Her silky, silver double coat is only eclipsed by dazzling green eyes. Her ample coat most likely served her well, as the breed is believed to have originated in Northern Russia.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

British sailors, captivated by the Russian’s good looks, brought her back to their homeland. There, she made her first public appearance in London under the name Archangel Cat, first named after the Russian Port where she was discovered.

The Russian Blue is related to three other “blue” cats, the Korat, the British Shorthair, and the Chartreux. Still, there are unique differences in each cat’s personality as well as their fur coat.

The Russian’s saliva contains lower levels of the allergen glycoprotein Fel d1 that affects many humans. Thus, she may be compatible with people who usually consider themselves allergic to cats. As for the Russian Blue Cat price, it is quite varied, but since they are one of the rare cat breeds, fewer kitty cats equal more dollars to own one.

6. Peterbald

Price Range: $1,700-$3,000

Totally hairless, sporting a coat of plush velvet, or one that feels like a man’s beard, what is consistent about the Peterbald is the variety of his coat. Due to a hair loss gene that is dominant (the Sphynx’s is recessive), Peterbalds can end up naked, or feel like chamois, flock, brush, or straight.

This means the cat did not get the hair loss gene. Once you think you know what you have, the coat can change several times throughout a Peterbald’s lifetime!

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Slender and lovely, this breed moves like a ballerina pirouetting in the air. Affectionate and playful, these cats will meet your company at the door and coexist nicely with both dogs and other cats.

Extremely vocal, the Peterbald may “talk back,” but really just longs to be with you all the time, flashing her large and beautiful almond-shaped eyes adoringly. Bat-like ears and long, whippy tail truly make the Peterbald a stand-out, but because of her nakedness, you must protect her from the sun.

She does require frequent baths and has a higher metabolism than other kitty cats, so runs a few degrees warmer. The fact that this breed has only been around for 30 years makes her quite rare and one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world.

5. Persian

Price Range: $1,800-$5,500

Getting to the top 5 of the 20 most expensive cat breeds, I present the true glamour puss of the cat world, the Persian! This feline, with its long flowing hair and sweet personality, ranks number one in breed popularity and is one of the oldest breeds, dating back to the 1600s.

Persians are quiet with melodious voices when they wish to be heard, but more often than not, will communicate with their expressive eyes. Once a Persian cat settles into her home, she mixes up playtime with moments of lounging but prefers keeping her fours on the floor. The Persian is not a climber, nor a jumper.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

The breed requires a daily comb through and the magic of a professional groomer every six weeks to keep her looking her best. Regular face washing may be in order as those big eyes often tear. Coupled with several predisposed health issues, you have a high maintenance cat, but one well worth any effort.

Persian coats come in solids or shades, smokes, silvers and golds, calicos, bicolored, tabby, and pointed. Their most distinguishing feature is the flat face of the Persian, more often referred to as brachycephalic in dog breeds. It is called “a pansy face” by some.

The shortened nasal passages do result in some Persians snoring, coughing, and having both breathing and eating issues. Still, the Persian cat price remains high because these cats are sought-after for their sweet temperament, luxurious coat, and beautiful round face. The fact that they are purebreds means their lineage will dictate just how high a kitten’s price will be.

4. Bengal

Price Range: $4,000-$10,000

If you take an Asian Leopard Cat and breed her with an Abyssinian or Egyptian Mau, you may get a Bengal Cat! I say may, however, because wild cats have 36 chromosomes while their domesticated cousins have 38.

Couple that with differing gestation periods and the times that kittens survive. Some are premature and underweight, yet some do make it and thrive. The result of this interesting mixing of breeds results in Bengals being the only domestic cat breed with rosette markings, those rose-like formations that camouflage a cat in the wild.

A broadhead and large round paws are also characteristic of this muscular cat who can weigh upwards of 15 lbs.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

The Bengal is a highly active, talkative cat that loves to play in the water, so you may have your hands full with one of these giant but friendly pussy cats. Aquarium fish, hamsters, and birds may be at risk with a Bengal in the house since they have a high prey drive and fear nothing, not even dogs.

They adore high places, so it is in a cat mom or dad’s best interest to seek out one of the best cat trees for large cats. Finding ways to help your Bengal expend energy will remain a priority, or you’ll find him flicking light switches and swinging from chandeliers! For this reason, you should consider getting your purebred one of those luxury cat trees that can keep your precious one entertained for hours.

Quite an intelligent specimen, puzzle games are an excellent choice interspersed with belly rubs on his spotted tummy.

Known as the Rolls Royce of cats, one Bengal in the U.K. fetched $50K. You can undoubtedly find a high-quality feline for less, but your Bengal should be at least four generations removed from any cats with a “wild” bloodline or you’re going to have more than a bit of trouble with them.

Because of the time it takes to “create” a Bengal and the fact that they are considered a prize, the average Bengal cat price ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, but it can certainly be a lot more!

3. Toyger Cat

Average Price: $5,000

Keeping it in the family, the daughter of the Bengal’s creator developed the Toyger cat by crossing a Bengal cat with a striped domestic shorthair. 0% wild cat. 100% domestic.

The Toyger has a long body with rosettes, tabby patterns, and circular head markings. The name is a hybrid of “toy” and “tiger” since it looks like a toy tiger! A true designer creation, the goal was to maintain as many tiger-like features as possible. For instance: elongated toes that create a tiger gait, enhanced night vision, and shorter front legs.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Only about 25 years old, the breed has graced the cover of Life Magazine but hasn’t yet been around long enough to have acquired extensive medical record keeping. It is thought, however, to be at risk for a heart murmur.

Toygers should have their dense coat brushed regularly and their nails trimmed if you should allow them the comfort of a human lap. Laidback and friendly, this breed takes to leash training, and at their price, should be kept on one, well-supervised anytime they are outdoors.

Many breeders donate a portion of the proceeds from kitten sales to benefit Tiger conservation, so part of the high price you pay for your own toy tiger goes to a good cause.

2. Savannah

Price Range: $10,000-$25,000

Huge ears, long legs, and a vibrant coat, this one is the largest of all domestic cat breeds.  Also holding the Guinness Book World Record for the world’s tallest domestic cat, the Savannah is also in second place on our list of the most expensive cat breeds in the world.

A mix of a domestic house cat and an African Serval, the breed is truly exotic, so check your state laws before considering one. This breed is not recognized as domestic and therefore, it’s banned in more than a dozen states!

Although Servals have been raised in captivity for almost 100 years, they:

1. Refuse to use a litter box.
2. Will only consume raw meat (so you can forget about your cat dry food vs. wet food dilemma, as they won’t eat either).
3. Do not tolerate strangers, making that part of this mix a bit difficult..

However, putting the shoe on the other paw, that is precisely why this hybrid is so desirable, a pussy cat in a jungle catsuit that can weigh up to 30 lbs.!

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Solid, oval, or round dark spots on the body with stripes trailing down the back of the head to the shoulder blades, and tear stains (the dark line coming down from the outer corner of the eye that helps reflect light during the hunt) make up the desired pattern of a Savannah cat.

Curious and intelligent, these are high energy creatures that need an active human. Dog-like when properly socialized, a Savannah will question the presence of strangers and remain very loyal to his people. It can put anyone on guard when it lets out his distinctive “snake hiss.”

The Savannah cat price is exceptionally high, in large part due to low fertility rates. Males are not fertile until six generations removed from the Serval. Some of this breed are incredibly picky about mating, only wanting to pair with cats they have grown up with.

1. Ashera

Price Range: $22,000-$125,000

A cat for the 21st Century, the Ashera was developed by Lifestyle Pets, a California-based company, and sells from 5 to 6 figures as only 100 have been sold each year since 2006.

A hybrid of the African Serval (like the Savannah), the Asian Leopard (like the Bengal) and the domestic house cat, the Ashera is the most expensive cat in the world!

The rarest and newest domestic breed of cat, the Ashera stands tall with large pointed ears. Its coat sports both leopard spots and tiger stripes, and this big kitty loves to climb. Weighing in at 30 lbs., and expected to have a 25-year lifespan, you’ll need a hefty wallet for more than two decades to cover her cat food bill alone.

What Else Should You Know about this Cat Breed?

Big but friendly is how to describe an Ashera. They are good with children, and like a few other breeds, can be leash trained. That way you can show off this magnificent beast of a cat to your neighbors!

A trait unique to the Ashera is that the breed enjoys lounging on a heated blanket well into adulthood during the colder parts of the year. Seeing that her ancestors came from hot climates, snuggling on something warm is in her blood.

Remember, not only is the Ashera cat price out of this world, but you will also need to get on a waiting list at least 9 miles, er months, long to bring one of these kitty cats into your life.

Frequently Answered Questions

Before we wrap up this guide today on the most expensive cat breeds to buy this year, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these beauties!

Which of the Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World Are the Nicest?

If you want a friendly, nice, cuddly, adorable cat that will love you with all its heart, we recommend the Ragdoll, the Sphynx, the Main Coon, the Siberian, and the Siamese, among others. Consider them loving hearts covered in fur and you realize they might be some of the best human companions in the world.

With that being said, breed definitely isn’t everything. Perhaps you pick up a stray cat from the street that loves you more than any other cat in the world could. As no doubt you might have learned, love has no race, breed, or color, so follow what your heart tells you!

Which of the Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World Are Also the Smartest?

All cats are smart, there is no doubt about it. However, specialists recommend the Maine Coon (as it is highly intelligent and even trainable like a dog), the British Shorthair, and the Bengal, among others. Other smart cats you will find on this list of expensive cat breeds include the Siamese, the Bengal cat, and the Scottish Fold.

Which of the Most Expensive Cat Breeds Are Also the Most Aggressive or Dangerous?

With the proper education, you can turn a tiger into a friendly furry friend, but it is true that some cats are a bit harder to tame than others. Felines do carry with them a spark of aggressiveness and you might consider some of them a bit dangerous to keep untamed. This list includes the Savannah cat, the Bengal, the Servals, the Sphynx, and even the Scottish Fold. They are not jaguars or panthers, don’t get us wrong, but they do need proper attention, care, affection, and a bit of discipline.

Which of the Most Expensive Cat Breeds Is the Calmest and Laziest?

If you want a calm, lazy, laidback expensive cat, you can grow old together in harmony with breeds like the Persian and the Ragdoll, the Maine Coon, the Russian Blue, or the Siberian. Their gentle nature and proclivity for laziness make them excellent companions for families with children and people enjoying their peace and quiet. However, don’t forget that even the laziest cat needs some action from time to time, so bring in some luxury cat trees to keep your luxury cat breed active and happy.

Which of These Most Expensive Cats in the World Are Best for People With Allergies or Asthma?

When you have a slight (or stronger) allergy to cats but you still want one in your home, you should check specifically for hypoallergenic cat breeds. However, if your interests lie with the most expensive cat breeds in the world, we recommend the Korat, the Sphynx (for obvious reasons), the Russian Blue, the Bengal, and the Siberian.

Conclusion

Domestic cats of any breed have basic needs: food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and a loving and responsible human companion. For every human born, 45 kittens are born. There will never be enough of us to provide homes forever if we don’t adopt from shelters and practice spaying/neutering.

If a specific cat breed is what you seek, do your homework. You can likely find a cat or kitten to raise of that ilk at a breed rescue or your local animal shelter. Yet, it’s always fun to hear about the rich and famous. That is what I tried to cover in this article about the 20 most expensive cat breeds to spend your money on.

Whether you’re looking for a long coat or hairless, big, tall, and muscular, or a cat with a peculiar trait, for the right price, you can pretty much get what you fancy. If it’s not currently available, it just might be shortly.

Ten years ago, a company hoping to produce allergy-free kittens put a price tag of $4,000 – $7,000 on the Allerca Hypoallergenic Cat. The experiment wasn’t a success, but keep your eyes peeled; the most expensive cat breed in the world just may not have been born yet!

The most important thing is to love the cat you are with. You truly cannot put a price on the joy and companionship you receive from a furry little bundle you let into your heart and home. Be in the moment with him or her, and enjoy every journey together!

Why Don’t You Tell Us About YOUR Cat?

If you have a moment, I would love to hear what you think about buying the most expensive cats in the world! Do you think it is a luxury for only a few? Is it a ridiculous idea when there are so many homeless cats?

What about crossing domestic cats with wild ones – you can take the cat out of the jungle, but can you truly take the jungle out of the cat? Do you feel this world is big enough that there should be something for everyone, and if you could, which one would you add to your household?

Additionally, how would this cat even fit within your household? no doubt, you’re a feline fanatic like myself. Odds are you have more than one! Or perhaps you’re a vivid outdoors person and would even like to see if you can take a wild cat breed adventuring with you.

I’m not sure if that last part is wise, but I’d love to hear what you think!