15 Most Expensive Cat Breeds in the World (With Prices, Traits & Care Tips)

Cats have long carried an air of independence and elegance. Some people even joke that modern house cats still remember being worshiped as gods in ancient Egypt — and their regal behavior certainly supports that idea. But when rare genetics, striking appearances, and selective breeding come into play, that “royalty” becomes literal.

In this guide, we explore 15 of the most expensive cat breeds in the world, what makes them so costly, and what prospective owners should know before bringing one home.

Table of Contents

1. Ashera Cat ($75,000–$125,000)

2. Savannah Cat ($1,500–$25,000)

3. Khao Manee ($7,000–$11,000)

4. African Serval ($3,000–$10,000)

5. Ragdoll ($300–$7,500)

6. Sphynx ($1,500–$6,000)

7. Bengal ($1,000–$5,000)

8. Persian ($1,000–$5,000)

9. Maine Coon ($200–$5,000)

10. British Shorthair ($500–$4,500)

11. Peterbald ($1,400–$3,500)

12. American Curl ($1,200–$3,000)

13. Oriental Shorthair ($600–$3,000)

14. Scottish Fold ($300–$3,000)

15. Siberian Forest Cat ($1,200–$2,500)

1. Ashera Cat — $75,000–$125,000

Often regarded as the most expensive domestic cat in the world, the Ashera is a hybrid bred from:

• African Serval

• Asian Leopard Cat

• Select domestic breeds

Key Traits

• Can weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kg)

• Bold leopard-like coat

• Confident, intelligent, and highly trainable

• Lifespan: 12–20 years

This breed requires large spaces, structured activity, and experienced owners.

2. Savannah Cat — $1,500–$25,000

The Savannah is another Serval hybrid but less wild and more social.

Why They’re Expensive
Price depends on how closely related they are to their wild ancestors (F1 = highest, F7 = most domesticated).

Personality

• Loyal, energetic, and capable of learning tricks

• Enjoy walking on a leash

• Need daily mental stimulation

3. Khao Manee — $7,000–$11,000

A rare Thai breed known as the “Diamond Eye Cat.”

Features

• Pure white coat

• Often have odd-colored eyes

• Gentle, affectionate nature

Note: Lifespan is shorter than many purebred cats; requires careful health monitoring.

4. African Serval — $3,000–$10,000

Although sometimes sold as a pet, the Serval is not domesticated.

Important

• Requires permits in most countries

• Needs secure outdoor enclosures

• Best suited for professional caretakers
  Not recommended for typical households.

5. Ragdoll — $300–$7,500

Loved for their soft coats and calm personalities, Ragdolls go limp when held — hence the name.

Ideal For

• Families

• Apartment living

Challenges

• Heavy shedding

• Higher risk of heart conditions

6. Sphynx Cat — $1,500–$6,000

Famous for being hairless, the Sphynx is affectionate, social, and attention-seeking.

Care Needs

• Weekly baths (skin oils build up)

• Warm environment (no fur for insulation)

7. Bengal — $1,000–$5,000

A domestic cat with a wild leopard-like coat.

Why People Love Them

• Athletic, active, playful

• Strong bonding with humans

Needs

• High-energy environment and regular play

8. Persian — $1,000–$5,000

Fluffy, round-faced, gentle, and quiet — Persians are ideal companion cats.

Downside

• Require daily grooming

• Prone to kidney and respiratory issues

9. Maine Coon — $200–$5,000

Known as the “Gentle Giant”, the Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds in the world.

Strengths

• Friendly, easygoing, family-oriented

• Adaptable to cold climates

10. British Shorthair — $500–$4,500

With plush coats and teddy-bear faces, British Shorthairs are a favorite for calm households.

Temperament

• Independent

• Quiet and affectionate — but not clingy

11. Peterbald — $1,400–$3,500

A rare Russian breed with varying degrees of hairlessness.

Notable Traits

• Elegant build and large expressive ears

• Curious, intelligent, and people-oriented

12. American Curl — $1,200–$3,000

Their ears naturally curl backward, giving them a permanently curious expression.

Personality

• Playful and gentle

• Great with kids and other pets

13. Oriental Shorthair — $600–$3,000

Athletic, vocal, social — perfect for owners who want an interactive companion.

Expect

• Lots of running, climbing, and talking

14. Scottish Fold — $300–$3,000

Known for folded ears, but this comes from a cartilage mutation.

Important

• Never breed Fold × Fold — this causes severe bone deformities.

15. Siberian Forest Cat — $1,200–$2,500

This long-haired Russian breed is surprisingly low allergen, making it an option for mild allergy sufferers.

Personality

• Playful

• Smart

• Loyal to family members

Final Thoughts: Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Better

While these cats are stunning, rare, and captivating, they also face:

• Higher genetic health risks

• Specialized care needs

• Limited breeding populations

Meanwhile, shelters are full of loving cats who make incredible companions — at little to no cost.

The best cat is the one who loves you — not the one with the highest price tag.

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We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a Animals Top editor.