The 10 Most Expensive Cat Breeds

If you’ve been thinking of adding a cat companion to your household, then you may be wondering how much your new companion will cost. While some kitties come free thanks to the cat distribution system and rescue organizations, purebred cats will put a small dent in your bank account.

Pedigree pets from reputable breeders can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Of course, you can’t put a price on love, and it will all be worth it when you take your pretty kitty home (and make their inevitable social media debut). Whether you want a cat with bright blue eyes, elfish ears, a smooshy-grumpy face, or a furless body — there’s a breed to suit your desires.

So, what are the most expensive cat breeds? How much do they cost and what can you expect from their temperament? Keep reading to find out.

1. Birman

Average cost: You can pay anywhere from $700 to $1,500 for a purebred Birman.

Great for: Birmans are pretty kitties who love to be with their humans. They’re playful, sweet, cuddly‌, and happy to live with children and other animals.

Besides their affectionate personalities, pet owners can expect a cat with a soft, cream-colored coat and bright blue eyes. Birmans need daily exercise and regular brushing.

These cats can grow between 15 and 18 inches long and weigh up to 12 pounds. The average lifespan is 12 to 16 years.

2. Russian Blue

Average cost: A breeder will charge anywhere from $1,000 to $1,700.

Great for: These green-eyed beauties were bred to survive in cold climates. They are sweet, good-natured, and quiet, but they can also be shy around new people. For all these reasons, they’re a perfect match for an introvert who lives up north

This chilled-out breed appreciates a routine, and they will be content living in homes of all sizes. Russian Blues have a double coat that’s made for cold climates. Even though they are a low-shedding breed, you will need to brush them from time to time.

Your Russian Blue can measure up to 18 inches and weigh up to 12 pounds. Their average lifespan is 15 to 20 years.

3. Ragdoll

Average cost: The cost of a Ragdoll scales from $850 to $2,500.

Great for: Ragdolls are a popular breed on social media thanks to their striking, fluffy coats and bright blue eyes. They’re great pets for families and people who really love cats. With their fancy good looks, charming personalities, and affectionate natures, it will be love at first sight for dedicated cat lovers.

Ragdolls don’t mind being cuddled (hence the name), and they also have the nickname “floppy cats.” Many ragdolls will let you pick them up and carry them around like a baby. They can happily live with other pets and enjoy a mix of quiet time and playtime. They’re highly affectionate and love to cuddle with their favorite humans.

Because of their long coats, Ragdolls need daily brushing. They can grow 17 to 21 inches long, and weigh up to 20 pounds. Expect your kitty to live up to 17 years old.

4. Maine Coon

Average cost: The average price for this breed is $400 to $1,500.

Great for: Maine Coons are gentle giants that love to spend time outdoors — and then to come inside to be with their humans. They can live with other pets and enjoy singing a kitty tune. For owners who don’t mind having an extra-large and extra-active kitty, they’ll be a perfect fit.

Maine Coons are some of the biggest domestic cats in the world. They have long, athletic builds and fluffy coats. These kitties need extra mental stimulation, so keep them occupied with toys and games. They’ll still spend plenty of time relaxing, but they also won’t mind catching the odd mouse.

They usually have green or yellow eyes and come with long, thick coats. Be prepared to brush them every day and give them an occasional bath.

They can grow up to 40 inches long and weigh up to 18 pounds. The typical lifespan for a Maine Coon is 10 to 15 years.

5. Scottish Fold

Average cost: This is one of the most expensive cat breeds with a price between $1,000 and $2,000.

Great for: Scottish Folds have a unique appearance with distinct folded ears. They also have round, teddy bear faces that are sure to be a hit on social media. They’re not as clingy as Ragdolls, so they’re well-suited for people who love cats but also need some alone time.

The Scottish Fold is a calm and affectionate breed with medium energy requirements. These cats fit into most families and feel comfortable being at home. Just make sure there are toys and a scratching post to keep your Scottish Fold entertained.

Scottish Folds have short coats that require regular grooming. They can grow up to 12 inches long and weigh 6 to 13 pounds. The average lifespan is 11 to 14 years.

6. Persian Cat

Average cost: The average cost of these domestic kitties is $1,300 to $3,000, making them some of the most expensive to purchase.

Great for: Persian Cats can look grumpy due to their flat faces and button noses. Their looks are deceiving because Persians are actually calm and loving companions; these kitties are low-energy and like a quiet home.

While Persian cats are easy-going, your Persian will enjoy snuggling with every member of the family. 

The most important thing to know about Persian cats is that they shed quite a bit. This means you’ll need to brush them every day.

The length of a Persian cat can be anywhere from 14 to 18 inches. They weigh between 7 and 12 pounds and live up to 17 years.

7. Sphynx

Average cost: Expect to pay a reputable breeder between $1,800 to $3,000.

Great for: The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed, which gives these felines an exotic and striking appearance. It also makes them the ideal pet for those with allergies. If you like to have the best of everything, Sphynx cats are a rare and expensive addition to the family.

Sphynx cats have big eyes — and even bigger ears. They are friendly, playful, and happy to be the center of attention. 

A Spynx needs plenty of exercise, so make sure they have toys and cat trees to burn off that excess energy. You won’t need to brush your Spynx, but you’ll have to protect their skin with sunscreen and wash them regularly.

Sphynx cats grow up to 15 inches long and weigh 6 to 12 pounds. The lifespan ranges from 9 to 15 years.

8. Toyger

Average cost: Toygers are one of the world’s most expensive cat breeds. They can cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more. 

Great for: Highly intelligent, Toygers are a good fit for owners who want to train their cat. They’ll also adapt to almost any home environment and are a good match for families.

Toygers are also known as Toy Tigers due to their stripey coats. They are mixed-breed cats with Domestic Shorthair and Bengal parents. 

Toygers are known to be intelligent, trainable, sociable, and affectionate. Your Toyger will have a soft, short coat and you’ll need to brush them about three times a week.

This hybrid breed can weigh up to 15 pounds and measures around 18 inches long. They can live up to 13 years old.

9. Siberian Cat

Average cost: The average Siberian kitty will cost $1,200 to $2,000.

Great for: Siberians have a personality similar to a Ragdoll, and they’re well suited to owners who want lots of cuddles and playtime with their new kitty. Because of their long coats and affectionate nature, they aren’t exactly low-maintenance.

Your Siberian cat will come with a playful personality and highly affectionate personality. This Russian breed is extra soft and fluffy with a dense triple coat, which makes them well-suited to cold climates and time outdoors (be mindful of mats, however). They’re also larger than the average cat.

Siberians are sociable felines and love spending time with humans. However, they also need plenty of mental stimulation, so stock up on toys and scratching surfaces. Siberians are known for an adorable, almost bird-like meow that sounds like a chirp or trill.

You will need to brush your Siberian cat a few times per week, and they will benefit from regular trips to the groomer. You can give them baths because most of them love the water.

The length of a Siberian cat is anywhere from 17 to 25 inches, and they can weigh up to 17 pounds. A typical lifespan is between 11 and 18 years.

10. Savannah Cat

Average cost: You’ll need $1,000 to $2,000 to adopt one of these kitties.

Great for: Savannah cats are another unique choice with their big ears and muscular bodies. This playful breed often acts more like a dog than a cat due to their playful personalities and love of jumping and exercising.

Savannah cats are social animals and adore being around humans and other animals. Of course, you will need lots of toys to keep them out of mischief when you’re not there.

Savannah cats only need minimal grooming for their low-shed coats.

A Savannah cat can measure between 13 and 20 inches long and weigh up to 25 pounds. They can live from 12 to 20 years.

What other costs should you consider?

The adoption price is only the beginning. Before you take home a new cat, you will also need to prepare for these expenses:

• Food
• Bedding
• Toys
• Vaccinations
• Spaying/neutering

Whether you choose to buy one of the most expensive cats from a breeder or adopt a kitten from a friend at no cost whatsoever, veterinary care can be costly. And when the unexpected happens, having a pet insurance plan can help you get your new kitty the care they need while protecting your wallet. Find out how a Pumpkin Cat Insurance plan can help you say yes to the right care when it matters most.

FAQs

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