Top 10 Most Expensive Cat Breeds
Some cat breeds are simply more expensive than others. Generally, this is because they're popular, rare, purebred, or more difficult to breed. Pedigree, coat color, and location are also factors in determining the cost of a cat.
No matter how much a cat breed generally costs, make sure to do your research and ensure you're purchasing from an ethical and responsible breeder, as they prioritize the health and welfare of the breed and cats in their care.
We talked with an expert to get the scoop on the consistently most expensive cat breeds.
Meet the Expert
Desiree Bobby is the director of brand and marketing at The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), a nonprofit dedicating to promoting and improving CFA-recognized cat breeds.
- 01 of 10
Russian Blue
Price Range: $500–$3,000
The Russian blue is a popular breed that’s easily recognized for their stunning, short steel blue coat and bright green eyes. These cats cherish being around their family and in a quiet, calm environment. Around their loved ones, they’re affectionate, playful, and entertaining.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: Up to 12 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, gentle, intelligent
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
COAT LENGTH: Short
COAT COLOR: Steel blue
LIFE SPAN: Up to 20 years
- 02 of 10
British Shorthair
Price Range: $1,000–$3,500
The British shorthair is a popular breed. Loving, calm, and quiet, the British Shorthair gets along with just about any and every person and pet, making them an excellent family cat. They’re also considered to be generally healthy cats with no known genetic health issues.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 12 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 17 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, easy-going, calm
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
COAT LENGTH: Short
COAT COLOR: White, black, blue, red, cream, smoke, silver, golden
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
- 03 of 10
Persian Cat
Price Range: $1,500–$1,700 and up to $5,000 depending on their pedigree and bloodline
Recognized as one of the most popular cat breeds, the Persian cat exudes elegance. These felines have been a fan-favorite for hundreds—possibly even thousands—of years, and for good reason. Not only are Persian cats beautiful, but they also make wonderful companions who are loyal, sweet, and adaptable.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Sweet, gentle, playful
ENERGY LEVEL: Low
COAT LENGTH: Long
COAT COLOR: Blue, black, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden
LIFE SPAN: 15 to 20 years
- 04 of 10
Peterbald
Price Range: Up to $2,000
The Peterbald is a rare cat breed that’s beloved for their dog-like ways. Outgoing and playful, this breed loves spending time with their family, including other pets, above all else. Peterbalds can easily be spotted thanks to their fuzzy-to-bald appearance, webbed front toes, and wrinkly skin.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 8 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: Up to 14 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, lively, intelligent
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
COAT LENGTH: Hairless
COAT COLOR: White, black, red/orange, gray, fawn, or lilac
LIFE SPAN: Up to 15 years
Continue to 5 of 10 below - 05 of 10
Bengal Cat
Price Range: $2,000–$3,000
From their magnificent markings to their adventurous personalities, the Bengal cat is a captivating breed. These cats are forever young in their playfulness and curiosity and are incredibly intelligent and trainable. According to Desiree Bobby, you can expect to pay around $2,000–$3,000 for cats bred by preservation breeders with lines tested and pedigrees.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 8 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: Up to 20 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, animated, energetic
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT LENGTH: Short, long
COAT COLOR: Brown
LIFE SPAN: Up to 15 years
- 06 of 10
Lykoi
Price Range: $2,000–$3,000
Also known as the "wolf cat" or "werewolf cat," the ever-so unique and beautiful Lykoi cat is a new breed that was established in 2011. Their distinctive appearance is due to a random, natural mutation in feral cats. Though they may not look like your average kitty, Lykoi cats are absolute sweethearts who love their people and other pets. Bobby says the average cost of a Lykoi is around $2,000–$3,000, as they’re an extremely rare and new breed with very few Lykoi breeders in the world.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 12 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, outgoing, playful
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT LENGTH: Hairless, short
COAT COLOR: Black/ebony
LIFE SPAN: 15 to 20 years
- 07 of 10
Scottish Fold
Price Range: $2,000–$3,500
The Scottish fold is known for their lovable round face and folded ears. However, not all Scottish fold cats have folded ears—some have straight ears, too! The Scottish fold is rare and highly sought after for their looks and sweet demeanor. Fun fact: Taylor Swift has two Scottish folds, Meredith and Olivia.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: Up to 11 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Sociable, affectionate, easygoing
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
COAT LENGTH: Short
COAT COLOR: Brown, black, cream, gray, red, white
LIFE SPAN: Up to 14 years
- 08 of 10
Toyger
Price Range: $2,000–$3,500 or more
Toygers are a hybrid breed that was developed in the 1980s. These cats are intended to look like—you guessed it—toy tigers. A cross between a Bengal and tabby cat, this breed is active, intelligent, and trainable. The toyger is a relatively new breed that's very rare, which is reflected in the cost.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 9 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 15 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, athletic, quiet
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT LENGTH: Short
COAT COLOR: Orange, black, white
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 15 years
Continue to 9 of 10 below - 09 of 10
Sphynx
Price Range: $2,500–$5,000
A beloved breed, the Sphynx is a striking cat known for their little-to-no hair, wrinkly skin, and big, bright eyes. These kitties are silly and mischievous, always yearning for their favorite person’s attention and affection. They also enjoy other pets’ company, too. Bobby says a prospective pet parent can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500–$5,000 for cats bred by preservation breeders with lines tested for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: Less than 12 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, energetic, friendly, playful, loving
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT LENGTH: Nearly hairless
COAT COLOR: Black, brown, lilac, red, white
LIFE SPAN: 8 to 14 years
- 10 of 10
Savannah Cat
Price Range: Some filial generations start around $1,200, while others start at $10,500
If you're looking for a devoted feline companion who's a little on the wild side, meet none other than the Savannah cat. This breed is highly energetic, intelligent, and adventurous. Due to their wild and domestic traits, they require much more care than the common house cat. The Savannah is a costly cat, as they're difficult to breed, popular, and have Wild African Serval genes.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 25 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Curious, intelligent, social
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT LENGTH: Short to medium
COAT COLOR: Brown, silver, black, smoke
LIFE SPAN: Up to 20 years