Cat lovers know there’s something special about bringing home a new feline friend. Some cat breeds, however, come with price tags that might make your eyes water. These fancy felines combine stunning looks with unique personalities that cat enthusiasts can’t resist. If you’re curious about which cats command top dollar in the pet world, here’s a look at 15 breeds that will capture your heart – while emptying your bank account.
1. Savannah
Savannah cats stand out with their wild appearance and striking spotted coats. These exotic beauties are a cross between domestic cats and African Servals, giving them their distinctive look and playful personality.
Owning a Savannah isn’t cheap – prices range from $1,500 to a jaw-dropping $20,000, depending on their generation. First-generation (F1) Savannahs command the highest prices because they have the most Serval DNA.
Their tall, lean bodies and energetic nature require plenty of space to roam. Savannah owners need to provide interactive toys, climbing opportunities, and lots of attention to keep these intelligent cats happy and engaged.
2. Bengal
Looking like miniature leopards, Bengal cats combine exotic beauty and powerful builds, offering a taste of the wild without the danger.
Expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 for a quality Bengal, with show-quality specimens reaching even higher prices. Their distinctive marbled or spotted coats come in various colors, with the rare silver variant fetching premium prices.
Bengals need mental stimulation and physical activity to stay happy. Many Bengals enjoy water play and can even be taught to walk on leashes, making them more dog-like than your average house cat.
3. Sphynx
Don’t be fooled by their naked look—Sphynx cats are anything but cold. These affectionate companions are full of warmth, love, and a big dose of personality.
A Sphynx kitten typically costs between $1,800 and $5,000 from reputable breeders. Their lack of fur means they need special care, including regular bathing to remove body oils and protection from sunburn and cold temperatures.
Sphynx cats form strong bonds with their humans and often follow their owners around the house. Their playful antics and social nature make them excellent companions for families willing to provide the extra care they require.
4. Persian
Luxurious and regal, Persian cats have a timeless charm. Their quiet, affectionate demeanor makes them the ultimate match for tranquil, indoor living.
Quality Persian kittens start around $1,200 and can exceed $5,000 for show-quality cats with premium pedigrees. The flat-faced (extreme) Persians typically command higher prices than the traditional (doll-face) variety.
Daily grooming is non-negotiable with Persians – their long, silky coats require constant maintenance to prevent mats and tangles. Despite their high-maintenance appearance, these cats are actually quite low-energy and prefer lounging on soft surfaces to running around the house.
5. Scottish Fold
With their signature folded ears and wide, round eyes, Scottish Fold cats resemble adorable owls. Their sweet expressions and charming looks have made them stars on social media and favorites in homes worldwide.
Prices for Scottish Folds typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, with rare colors commanding even higher prices. The ear-folding gene is actually a cartilage mutation, which means ethical breeders must be careful about breeding practices.
Beyond their distinctive ears, Scottish Folds are known for their easygoing personalities and tendency to pose in adorable positions (sometimes called “the Buddha sit”). They adapt well to various home environments and get along with children and other pets.
6. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are gentle giants of the cat world, with males weighing up to 25 pounds. Their shaggy coats, tufted ears, and bushy tails help these native American cats survive harsh winters.
Purebred Maine Coons typically cost between $1,000 and $2,500, but exceptional specimens can fetch $3,500 or more. Their popularity has soared in recent years due to their dog-like personalities and impressive size.
Maine Coons develop slowly, not reaching full size until they’re 3-5 years old. They’re known for their chirping trills rather than typical meows and often enjoy playing in water. Despite their wild appearance, these cats are famously good-natured and patient with children.
7. Russian Blue
These sleek beauties are known for their luxurious blue-gray coats that glisten subtly under light. Paired with striking green eyes, Russian Blues are nothing short of enchanting.
Expect to pay between $800 and $2,000 for a Russian Blue kitten from a reputable breeder. While not the most expensive breed, their relative rarity and stunning appearance keep prices high.
Russian Blues are known for their intelligence and somewhat shy nature with strangers. Once bonded with their families, they become loyal, playful companions. They’re also one of the few hypoallergenic cat breeds, producing less of the protein that triggers allergic reactions in humans.
8. British Shorthair
Think of British Shorthairs as cats in cozy teddy bear form—chunky, round-faced, and irresistibly plush. The famous blue-gray coat is just one of many stunning variations in this beloved breed.
Quality British Shorthair kittens typically cost between $1,200 and $2,500 from reputable breeders. Their popularity has remained steady for decades, keeping prices consistently high.
These cats are known for their easygoing, independent nature. They’re not typically lap cats but prefer to sit beside their owners rather than on them. British Shorthairs are generally healthy and long-lived, often reaching 15 years or more with proper care.
9. Peterbald
Sleek and striking, Peterbald cats stand out with their hairless or lightly coated skin and slim, graceful bodies. Originating in Russia in the 1990s, they remain a rare and exotic breed worldwide.
The scarcity of Peterbalds drives their price up, with kittens typically costing between $1,800 and $3,000. Their coat types vary from completely bald to a fine peach-fuzz texture, with the rarer coat varieties commanding higher prices.
Peterbalds have extraordinary personalities – extremely affectionate, intelligent, and social. They form strong bonds with their humans and don’t like being left alone for long periods. Like other hairless breeds, they require special skin care and protection from extreme temperatures.
10. Toyger
Sporting dramatic tiger-like stripes and a bright orange coat, Toygers offer the best of both worlds: exotic looks paired with friendly, domestic cat behavior.
Expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 for a quality Toyger kitten. The breed is relatively new (developed in the 1980s) and still being refined, which contributes to their high price and limited availability.
Toygers are athletic, playful cats that enjoy interactive toys and climbing opportunities. They’re known for being outgoing and adaptable, getting along well with children and other pets. Unlike their wild counterparts, Toygers make affectionate, loyal companions that thrive on human interaction.
11. Khao Manee
Often called the “White Gem” of Thailand, Khao Manee cats are distinguished by their white fur and rare, different-colored eyes.
Their rarity outside Thailand makes them expensive, with kittens starting around $2,000 and going up to $10,000 for breeding quality cats. The Khao Manee only received championship status from major cat associations in the last decade.
Beyond their stunning appearance, Khao Manees are known for being intelligent, playful, and extremely social. They form strong bonds with their humans and enjoy being the center of attention. Their short, easy-care coats require minimal grooming compared to other premium breeds.
12. Ashera
Known for their massive size and wild looks, Ashera cats are a unique crossbreed of Servals, Asian Leopard Cats, and domestic cats, weighing up to 30 pounds.
Asheras are among the most expensive cats in the world, with prices starting at $15,000 and reaching up to $125,000 for the rarer hypoallergenic variety. Only a handful of these cats are produced each year, adding to their exclusivity.
Owners report that Asheras combine wild beauty with surprisingly gentle temperaments. They require spacious homes with climbing opportunities and secure outdoor enclosures. Their diet needs special attention, often including raw components to match their wild ancestry.
13. American Curl
The hallmark of American Curl cats is their unusual curled ears, creating an adorable, surprised expression. This ear shape first appeared thanks to a genetic mutation in a stray California cat in 1981.
Quality American Curl kittens typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, with show-quality cats reaching higher prices. The degree of ear curl varies, with more pronounced curls generally commanding higher prices.
American Curls maintain kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood. They’re known for being affectionate without being demanding and adapt well to various household situations. Unlike some specialty breeds, Curls are generally healthy with few breed-specific health concerns.
14. Egyptian Mau
Believed to descend from cats worshipped in ancient Egypt, Egyptian Maus are instantly recognizable by their spotted coats and graceful, athletic frames.
These rare cats typically cost between $1,200 and $2,500 from reputable breeders. Their historical significance and limited breeding population contribute to their higher price point.
Egyptian Maus are the fastest domestic cats, capable of running up to 30 mph. They form strong bonds with their chosen humans but may be reserved around strangers. Their spotted coats come in silver, bronze, and smoke colors, with silver being the most sought-after variety.
15. Siberian
Built to survive harsh climates, Siberian cats feature impressive size and dense triple coats that keep them warm in freezing temperatures. Males often reach 20 pounds, with females slightly lighter yet robust.
Quality Siberian kittens generally cost between $1,200 and $2,000, with rare colors commanding higher prices. Despite their thick coats, Siberians produce less of the Fel d 1 protein that causes allergies, making them somewhat hypoallergenic.
Siberians are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They often enjoy water play and can be taught tricks more easily than many other cat breeds. Their patient, loving nature makes them excellent family cats that get along well with children and other pets.