Some cats are expensive because of rarity, while others are expensive due to the breed’s history or impressive appearance. In any case, these cats are not your average domestic shorthair; each breed on this list is fascinating in its own way.
Cat Breeds From Cheapest to Most Expensive
We looked at over a hundred breeders around the United States and a few other countries in the case of some of the rarer breeds to get our price ranges. Prices from local breeders in your area may be higher or lower. And, as always, if you want to find a more expensive cat than what our range shows, I have no doubt that you’ll be able to.
But without further ado, let’s take a look at the most expensive cat breeds!
| Breed | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Ashera | $2,000 – $110,000 |
| Savannah | $1,200 – $22,000 |
| Sphynx | $2,400 – $5,000 |
| Siberian | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| Peterbald | $1,600 – $3,200 |
| Scottish Fold | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Bengal | $1,800 – $2,800 |
| Maine Coon | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Khao Manee | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| Ocicat | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| Ragdoll | $700 – $2,000 |
| American Curl | $1,100 – $1,900 |
| Himalayan | $800 – $1,500 |
| Russian Blue | $700 – $1,500 |
| Bombay | $400 – $1,100 |
15. Bombay $400 – $1,100
The Bombay cat is a solid black cat created by crossing black American shorthairs with Sable-colored Burmese cats. The original purpose was to create a mini black panther look-alike, which is why the breed was named after the city of Bombay in India – because black panthers can be found around the port city.
Bombay cats are pretty common around the United States, and their price reflects that. Nevertheless, if you want a wild-looking cat with zero wild cat blood, the Bombay isn’t a bad choice.
14. Russian Blue $700 – $1,500
As the name suggests, the Russian Blue originated in Russia, but what you can’t tell from the name is there is some interesting folklore behind these cats. At one time, this breed was favored by Russian royalty, and the cats were often allowed to sleep in nurseries to ward off evil spirits and protect infant royals.
While I’m not here to say whether it’s true or not, it certainly makes for a good story; what’s more interesting, though, is the belief continues to this day all over the world, with periodic reports of people claiming they have proof their cat can see invisible spirits.
Russian Blue’s are considered a good luck charm in numerous cultures, and even if they can’t see spirits, they are still an absolutely gorgeous cat and one of my personal favorites.
13. Himalayan $800 – $1,500
Even if you don’t think you know what a Himalayan cat is, you’ve most likely seen one before. They are almost perfectly poised for the silver screen and filmmakers for decades have noticed it. Most notably, Crookshanks, Hermione Granger’s cat in Harry Potter, is a ginger Himalayan.
What you may not know is where they come from. The name suggests that they come from the Himalayan mountain range, Nepal or Tibet maybe – but the truth is much closer to home and far more humourous. Himalayan cats were first bred at Harvard University in the 1930s. The new breed, resulting from crosses between Siamese and Persian cats, was named Himalayan because of its resemblance to the Himalayan rabbit.
The average price of a Himalayan cat is between $800 and $1,500, but certain colors or combinations may raise the price higher.
12. American Curl $1,100 – $1,900
Very few adult cats compare to the American Curl when it comes to retaining their childlike nature, or kittenlike in this case. Sometimes they are referred to as the Peter Pan of cats; they often act the same at 10 years old as they did at 10 months old.
The notable feature that gives them their name is the way their ears curl backward instead of standing upright like most cats. After much research, it was determined that a simple dominant gene is responsible for the ear curling, but oddly enough, they aren’t born that way. They are born with straight ears, and after a few days, they begin to curl.
While not a rare breed by any means, they are certainly unique and an ideal cat for families with small children!
11. Ragdoll $700 – $2,000
Ragdoll cats get their name from their unique behavior of going limp and floppy when picked up. They simply melt into your arms and are perfectly happy being held and cuddled. Between this floppy behavior, their larger size, and their beautiful appearance, they have become extremely popular among cat owners.
Although they aren’t considered rare, they can be hard to find because many breeders have extensive waitlists of people wanting a ragdoll kitten. While it is possible to find a ragdoll kitten as cheap as $700, it’s more likely to be around the $1,500 range. Sometimes even higher, depending on how rare the kittens color is.
10. Ocicat $1,000 – $2,200
Similar to the Bombay cat we already mentioned, the Ocicat breed was developed to resemble a wild cat as well – the ocelot. They may have a wild-like appearance, but they are as tame as any domestic cat, although they can be awfully demanding.
Ocicats have been increasing in popularity, but there are still fewer breeders compared to other breeds, which adds to the Ocicat’s rarity.
9. Khao Manee $1,000 – $2,200
The “White Gem,” another name the Khao Manee goes by, has been treasured by the people of Thailand for centuries. Originally, these cats were bred and controlled by the Siam royal family; there are now breeders all over the world working with them. Today the Royal Cattery in Thailand is still in operation, though they closed to the public in 2011.
The Khao Manee has long been rumored to bring luck and fortune to those bold enough to own one. Historically this was more specifically related to religious epiphanies and money.
Several breeders in the United States offer Khao Manee kittens for sale between $1,000 and $2,200, with odd-colored eyes being the more expensive option.
8. Maine Coon $1,200 – $2,800
Maine Coons are well known for being one of the largest domestic breeds. Not only are they extra large, they are also gentle and get along well with families and children – which is another reason why they have become so widely popular.
There are over 71 different color and pattern combinations Maine coons can have, which can affect the price of a kitten. On average, the price of a Maine coon kitten is between $1,200 and $2,800. Polydactyl Maine coons can be higher or lower depending on where the breeder is; some countries and regions prize them more than others.
7. Bengal $1,800 – $2,800
Originally, attempts to create what would later be known as the Bengal cat consisted of a few different crossbreeds. Between the 1970s and 80s, one such attempt crossed Egyptian Maus with Asian Leopard cats – part domestic, part wild. It’s from these pairings that almost all Bengals can trace their lineage.
It’s not difficult to find a Bengal breeder, but they consistently command a higher price tag and certain rarer colors can sometimes cost as much as $10,000
6. Scottish Fold $1,500 – $3,000
The Scottish Fold is considered its own breed, but really, it’s the result of a simple dominant mutation, and every Scottish Fold kitten can trace its history back to the same cat, Susie. The random cat with folded ears that one day stumbled upon a Scottish farmer who took her in.
For better or worse, Susie created a fad. There are many people who love these adorable-looking cats, not only for their unique ears but also for their personalities. Scottish Folds often try to sit like humans and are very loving and affectionate.
Finding a Scottish Fold kitten for sale can be difficult, depending on your location; some cat fancier associations have banned them from being shown, which often results in fewer breeders working with a specific breed. In any case, if you want a Scottish fold, you can expect to pay upwards of $3,000.
5. Peterbald $1,600 – $3,200
As one of just 6 recognized hairless cats, the Peterbald has been quickly rising in popularity since it was first produced in 1994, but it still remains a relatively rare cat breed.
Not all Peterbalds are actually bald; some of them are born with short, thin hair. But they still carry the gene responsible for their usual baldness, so any kittens they have can be bald.
It’s normal to have a waiting period when looking for a Peterbald kitten and expect to pay up to $3,200 for one.
4. Siberian $1,600 – $4,000
The Siberian Cat breed is the national cat of Russia and an ancient breed first referenced over 1,000 years ago. Many believe that these cats are responsible for the long-haired gene in all domestic breeds. But being such an old breed, it can be hard to separate rumor from truth.
Siberian cat breeders are fairly easy to find, but there is often a waitlist. This is a popular cat breed with an adorable long coat and a personality only matched by its intelligence. They are quick to learn and will often learn to open door handles and cupboards if they want to. The most common price range for a Siberian kitten is around $2,200 – $3,000, but we did find quite a few higher and some lower.
3. Sphynx $2,400 – $5,000
While not the most expensive cat on the list, the Spyhnx breed is one of the most expensive cats to own. Keeping up with their needs can be time-consuming and costly. They get cold easily, hate being alone, and need frequent baths/grooming – even though they don’t have hair (or at least not much).
But not all of it is bad; if someone is willing to take care of these needs, a Sphynx will reward its owner with a lot of affection and love. The popularity of Sphynx cats is almost cult-like, with some people madly in love with them while others don’t like them at all. A lot of personal preference at play here. But they still remain one of the more expensive cat breeds due to the popularity they do have and above-average requirements.
2. Savannah $1,200 – $22,000
At this point, most people have heard of a Savannah before, the giant wild house cat that chirps. To be fair, this is basically true.
Depending on the generation (how far from wild), Savannah cats are substantially taller than your average cat and are usually much more vocal. They won’t hesitate to tell you if there is something they like or don’t like, whether that be by meowing, chirping, or hissing. Savannahs often act more like dogs than cats, which adds to the intrigue around this breed.
The generation of a kitten also has large impact on price. An F1 Savannah, which means a direct offspring from a wild serval, can cost as much as $22,000. On the other hand, an F5 Savannah, with less wild blood, can be found available for as little as $1,200.
From what I’ve seen, most breeders seem to focus on the F1-F3 range.
1. Ashera $2,000 – $110,000
A lot of controversy and misrepresentation exists around the Ashera cat, but I’m including it on this list for informational purposes.
In the early 2000s, a now-defunct company began selling “Ashera” cats for incredible 6 figure prices. They were supposedly a wild hybrid created by mixing servals with Asian leopard cats and domestic cats. In 2008 a group of these cats was confiscated in the Netherlands, where they performed DNA tests which concluded that they were no different than a Savannah, simply marketed under a different name to massively inflate the prices.
You’ll see many claims that prices for one of these cats are as high as 300 thousand dollars! At the time of writing this, I found a few people still selling Ashera cats. The highest price was $110,000, and the cheapest was $2,000.
