Discover the Top 10 Most Expensive Cat Breeds

Explore the allure and uniqueness of pricey pedigree felines.

By 

Yvonne Villasenor

 

Updated on 05/30/25

Credit: 

Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• **Reasons for High Cost:** Some cat breeds are more expensive due to their popularity, rarity, purebred status, or breeding challenges.
  
• **Ethical Considerations:** It's crucial to buy from ethical breeders to ensure the health and welfare of the cats.
  
• **Breeds and Prices:** The article lists the ten most expensive cat breeds, with the Savannah cat having the highest potential price reaching over $10,000.

Some cat breeds cost more than others due to their popularity, rarity, purebred status, or breeding difficulty. Factors like pedigree, coat color, and location can also affect a cat's price.

Regardless of a cat breed's price, research to ensure you're buying from ethical breeders who prioritize the health and welfare of their cats.

We consulted an expert to learn about 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.

• 01of 10

  Russian Blue

  

  Credit: 

  Westend61 / Getty Images

  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
• 02of 10

  British Shorthair

  

  Bi-Color British Shorthair.Credit: 

  SunRay BRI Cattery RU/Getty Images

   

  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
• 03of 10

  Persian Cat

  

  Persians are prone to inheriting the gene for polycystic kidney disease.Credit: 

   Getty Images/Alexandra Draghici

  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
• 04of 10

  Peterbald

  

  Credit: 

   

  PetrMalyshev / Getty Images

  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
• 05of 10

  Bengal Cat

  

  Bengal Kitten Playing.Credit: Getty / ValaGrenier

  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
• 06of 10

  Lykoi

  

  Credit: Angela Emanuelsson / EyeEm / Getty Images

  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
• 07of 10

  Scottish Fold

  

  The distinctive ears of a Scottish Fold.Credit: (Photo: Andrey Tairov/Shutterstock)

  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
• 08of 10

  Toyger

  

  Credit: Shalva Epkhoshvili / 500px / Getty Images

  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
• 09of 10

  Sphynx

  

  Credit: 

  Jesus Vivas Alacid / EyeEm / Getty Images

   

  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
• 10of 10

  Savannah Cat

  

  Credit: photo by Volchanskiy / Getty Images

  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