10 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World

Some cats can cost as much as a car. At the same time, plenty of people find their kitties at shelters or wandering around the neighborhood, a select group of rare and exotic breeds come with staggering price tags that can reach into the tens of thousands.

We always encourage prospective pet parents to adopt from rescues and shelters, especially when so many cats need homes as the cost of living continues to rise. But just for fun, here’s a list of some of the world’s most expensive breeds — complete with price tags you won’t believe. Then you can head to the shelter and find yourself the perfect kitty for much less and the same amount of love.

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What factors influence the cost of cat breeds

The price of a cat isn’t random. Some cats require careful, selective programs or limited bloodlines to maintain signature genetic traits. This makes them harder to produce, driving up the price. Plus, unusual characteristics, like bright eye colors, exotic coat patterns, and hybrid genetics, add value because they’re uncommon.

Lineage also matters. Cats with official pedigrees, international recognition, and championship bloodlines can fetch more money than cats without.

Care and maintenance can add expense, too. Some rare breeds need special diets, rigorous grooming routines, or frequent veterinarian care to keep them happy and healthy. However, as Dr. Brady, a veterinarian for Brownsburg Animal Clinic in Indiana, points out, “Your purebred may or may not experience the common health issues associated with breed.”

Top 10 most expensive cat breeds

1. Ashera Cats

The Ashera is often called the “luxury cat” — and for good reason. This hybrid resembles a small leopard, with striking spots and a tall, lean body. Prices can soar up to $125,000, making the Ashera one of the priciest pets on the planet.

2. Savannah

Savannah cats are another hybrid, created by crossing a domestic cat with a serval, a wild African species. They’re tall, lean, and often dog-like in loyalty.

Early generation Savannahs, especially F1 or F2, can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on lineage. Later generations are more affordable but still expensive.

3. Khao Manee Cats

Known as the “Diamond Eye” cat of Thailand, the Khao Manee is rare and prized for its pure white coat and gemlike eyes, often one blue and one gold. They’ve been considered lucky cats for centuries and were once reserved for royalty. Prices today range from $7,000 to $11,000.

4. Bengal

Bengal cats combine the exotic look of wild cats with the temperament of domesticated pets. Their marbled or spotted coats shimmer in the light, thanks to a unique gene that gives them a glittering effect. Bengals typically cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on generation and quality.

They’re energetic, intelligent, and affectionate, though they need plenty of stimulation to stay happy.

5. African Serval

Unlike the Savannah, which is part domestic cat, the African Serval is a wild species. Some people keep them as exotic pets, though they require special permits and are not legal everywhere. Prices range from $5,000 to $12,000.

Servals are tall, lean, and incredibly athletic, known for their high jumps and hunting ability.

6. Sphynx

The Sphynx is famous for its hairless look, wrinkled skin, and big ears. While some find them unusual, many adore their affectionate, clownish personalities. Because breeding hairless cats is complex and requires careful health screening, prices run between $3,000 and $6,000. They’re also high-maintenance because their skin needs regular cleaning.

7. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are beloved for their gentle, laid-back personalities and striking blue eyes. They get their name because they tend to go limp when held, making them easy to cuddle. These fluffy, affectionate cats cost anywhere from $1,200 to $6,000, with top show-quality Ragdolls reaching the higher end. Their easygoing nature and beauty make them one of the most popular and valuable breeds in the world.

8. Persian

Persians have been iconic for centuries, known for their long, luxurious coats and sweet, calm personalities. They require daily grooming and regular vet care to prevent respiratory and eye issues, which adds to their overall cost.

Buying a Persian kitten can run between $1,500 and $5,000, especially for those with champion bloodlines.

9. Maine Coon

Often called “gentle giants,” Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males sometimes topping 20 pounds. Their tufted ears, bushy tails, and playful personalities make them stand out.

Prices range from $1,200 to $4,000, though rare colors or show-quality kittens may cost more.

10. Peterbald

The Peterbald is a rare breed from Russia, developed in the 1990s by crossing Oriental Shorthairs with Sphynx cats. They often have little to no hair, though some are born with fine coats that can change over time.

Prices usually fall between $1,700 and $5,000, depending on lineage and appearance. Their sleek, elegant look and affectionate temperament make them a hidden gem among cat lovers.

Bottom line

Expensive cat breeds come with big personalities, rare looks, and in some cases, special care needs. Whether it’s the wild beauty of a Savannah or the affectionate charm of a Ragdoll, the price reflects a mix of rarity, demand, and the effort breeders put into maintaining healthy lines.

FAQs

What are the 10 rarest cat breeds?

Some of the rarest cat breeds include the Khao Manee, Peterbald, Korat, LaPerm, Turkish Van, Sokoke, Ashera, Savannah, African Serval, and Sphynx. Rarity doesn’t always equal expense, but many rare cats do fetch higher prices.

What’s the most valuable cat?

The Ashera is widely considered the most valuable, with prices reaching as high as $125,000.

Are Maine Coons or Bengals more expensive?

Bengals generally cost more, especially early generations with strong wildcat genetics. Maine Coons are still pricey but usually fall on the lower end compared to Bengals.

What factors contribute to the high cost of certain cat breeds?

Rarity, difficulty of breeding, health screenings, pedigrees, and unique features all drive up the price of expensive cat breeds.

References

• “Top 10 Most Expensive Cat Breeds — What Are They?” Trupanion, www.trupanion.com/pet-blog/article/most-expensive-cat-breeds/.

• Catster. “The 22 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in The World.” Catster, www.catster.com/cat-breeds/most-expensive-cat-breeds/.

• Dr. Brady. Brownsburg Animal Clinic. Brownsburg, IN.

• Reader’s Digest. “12 of the Most Expensive Cat Breeds Money Can Buy.” RD.com, 18 Apr. 2025, www.rd.com/list/most-expensive-cat-breeds/.