According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 60 million pet cats live in the U.S., roughly equal to the combined human population of New York and California.
But while cats are common, a few rise above the crowd. Some of these feline friends make it difficult to get ahead financially, as they command a price of thousands of dollars.
Here are the 19 most expensive cat breeds to own — and what makes them so attractive.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Korat
The Korat symbolizes prosperity and good luck in its native Thailand and is traditionally given as a wedding gift.
Korats have a silvery blue coat, but they are smaller animals. They also have striking green eyes.
Price: $500 to $800, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Russian blue
Russian Blue cats have a distinct bluish-gray coat that lends them their name.
Originally hailing from Arkhangelsk Island, Russia, these felines were transported to Great Britain in the 1800s and then spread to Scandinavia and other regions.
Today, they are among the most popular cat breeds in the U.S.
Price: $1,000 to $1,700, according to Catbreedslist.com.
American Shorthair
These first American Shorthair felines accompanied English colonists on the Mayflower and were prized for their ability to catch rats.
These cats are quite muscular and present in many different colors and patterns.
Price: $600 to $1,200, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
American Wirehair
As the name suggests, the defining trait of the American Wirehair is the wiry, crimped coat that resulted from a genetic mutation in farm cats in New York in the 1960s.
Although they are well-known as show cats, they are pretty rare.
Price: $800 to $1,200, according to Daily Paws.
Norwegian Forest cat
The Norwegian Forest cat looks like it belongs to a Viking. It has a long double coat for warmth and a sturdy Scandinavian build, and it commands everyone’s attention.
Originating in northern Europe, they are relatively rare in the U.S., accounting for their high price tag.
Price: $900 to $1,500, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Trending Stories
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau narrowly escaped extinction during World War II. Maus are known for their naturally spotted coat and speed — they can run up to 30 miles per hour.
The breed is typically healthy and athletic.
Price: $1,000 to $1,200, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Ragdoll
While Ragdolls are good-natured companions, they're challenging to breed.
This problem stems from the fact that the ragdoll has only been in existence since the 1960s, so getting enough genetic diversity for ethical breeding is quite tricky.
However, their silky coats and striking blue eyes make these cats worth the trouble.
Price: $1200 to $2500, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Sphynx
The Sphynx is an uncommon breed in the U.S., but a handful of devoted Sphynx fans are willing to pay the high price tag for their distinctive bald look.
Don’t let their hairless appearance fool you — these cats love affection and cuddles from their family members. Their lack of fur makes them a good choice for cat lovers with allergies.
Price: $1,800 to $3,000, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds — it can be 18 to 25 pounds. So it’s got a high price tag initially and high upkeep costs as well.
This cat’s shaggy, thick coat is evidence of the breed’s origins in the Northeast U.S.
Price: $1,200 to $2,000, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Persian
Persians are famous felines that have been around for thousands of years, making them one of the oldest cat breeds. They have iconic “smushed” faces, large eyes, and silky, long coats.
Persians are quintessential lap cats — they love to be stroked and doted on. Queen Victoria and other British royals' interest in the breed spurred this cat’s popularity.
Price: $1,500 to $3,000, according to Catbreedslist.com.
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs have an amiable, affectionate personality but are fairly low-maintenance. The breed was derived from street cats in the UK, and the British Shorthair is one of the oldest recognized cat breeds around.
These cats come in a wide variety of eye and coat colors and have a broad, muscular build.
Price: $1,200 to $2,300, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Siberian
Hailing from the northern region of Russia, Siberians have the triple-thick coat you would expect from an animal meant for long, harsh winters.
Their cuddly personalities and the scarcity of U.S. breeders drive up the price tag.
Price: $1,200 to $2,500, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Toyger
A cross between the exotic Bengal cat and a domestic shorthair, the Toyger is the perfect companion for anyone who has dreamed of owning a tiger.
Unlike an actual tiger, Toygers are said to be affectionate and easygoing.
Price: $2,000 to $3,500, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Scottish Fold
Named for its adorable, folded-over ears, the Scottish Fold originated from a barn cat named Susie, who lived in the Tayside region of Scotland.
The folded ears result from a genetic mutation that affects the cartilage in the whole body. The breed is subject to degenerative joint problems.
Price: $1,000 to $2,000, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Peterbald
The newness and rarity of this breed make the Peterbald a pricey pet. Peterbalds resulted from a cross between a Russian Donskoy and an Oriental shorthair in the 1980s.
Some Peterbalds are completely hairless, while others are covered in “peach fuzz.”
Price: $3,500 to $4,000, according to Spot Pet Insurance.
Bengal
If you can afford a Bengal cat, you can have a leopard in your living room — or at least a cat that looks like one.
This breed was created in the 1990s by crossing wild Asian leopard cats with domestic shorthaired varieties.
Price: $1,800 to $3,000, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Khao Manee
This Khao Manee is a rare breed from Thailand, sometimes known as the “diamond eye cat.” One look into its jewel-like, different-colored eyes, and it’s easy to see why.
These cats are very uncommon outside of Thailand, so part of the expense is importing one of the snowy-white felines into the U.S.
Price: $7,000 to $11,000, according to Daily Paws.
Savannah
The Savannah is an exotic pet produced by crossing a wild serval with a Siamese cat.
Despite their long history of being bred as a domestic variety, different states and counties have varying laws about whether breeds with wild ancestors (like Savannahs) are allowed.
Price: $10,000 to $25,000, according to Newsweek.
Ashera
The Ashera is the ritziest cat on the planet, commanding prices of more than $100,000.
As with many of the rich and famous, this cat is no stranger to controversy. It’s purported to be a hybrid of domestic breeds and wildcats, including servals and leopards. However, some claim it’s just another type of Savannah cat.
It’s important to research your cat’s pedigree before spending this much money on an exotic cat.
Price: Up to $125,000, according to Catbreedslist.com.
Bottom line
Most of the cats on this list command high prices based on their rarity, distance to import, or specific traits for which wealthy cat lovers are willing to pay a premium.
While the cost may be steep — and that price tag might make it difficult to keep money in your wallet — those who desire an elegant or elite pet might find the cost worth it.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.