Top 10 Most Expensive Cat Breeds

Learn more about these felines who are undoubtedly worth the price tag.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Next: 10 Popular Cat Breeds for Many Types of Households

Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.