What is the most expensive cat breed to buy? Cats remain the most popular pet among different households and cultures. They are smart, affectionate and are easy to take care of. Unlike dogs, cats are smaller and are clean. They also don’t need to be walked, which is a good thing for busy individuals. There are pet owners who prefer specific cat breeds in their house. You may be surprised just how expensive cat breeds can be. Are you willing to pay thousands of dollars for a house pet? What is most expensive cat breeds of 2023. Here are list of the most expensive breeds of felines out there.
The top 10 most expensive cat breeds:
10. Norwegian Forest Cat
Originating from Northern Europe, the Norwegian Forest cat made it in our list of expensive cat breeds. This particular cat is adapted to cold climates. The interesting thing about this breed is that it may have probably originated from short haired cats that have been brought by Vikings in Norway during 1000AD. It is also believed that the original short haired cats bred with Siberian and Turkish Angora breeds.
There was a time during the Second World War when the Norwegian Forest Cat almost became instinct. It was through the conservation efforts of Norwegian Forest Cat club.
If you plan on getting this particular cat, you have to be aware that there are some health related issues that you need to know. This particular breed is prone to both kidney and heart diseases.
The cost of this breed is around $600. But of course, it can also be more expensive depending on the quality and appearance of the cat that you plan to purchase.
9. Egyptian Mau
Next on our list of expensive cat breeds is the Egyptian Mau. It is a small to medium sized cat that is known for its natural spots. Another breed that has this characteristic is the Bahraini Dilmun Cat. What makes the Egyptian Mau’s spots unique is the fact that it only appears on the tip of the coat. The Egyptian Mau was originated in 1952.
There are claims that the Egyptian Mau originated from Egypt. On the other hand, DNA shows otherwise. According to genetic testing, it came from North American and European origins. It is also believed that the Egyptian Mau is among the origins of the modern domestic cat. There are some notable differences to the physical attributes of the Egyptian Mau to other cats out there. Among the most noticeable are the shorter front legs.
How do you recognize the Egyptian Mau? It has a long, dark dorsal stripe from head to the tail of the spine. As for the temperament of this particular cat, you can expect the Egyptian Mau to be friendly and loyal, perfect for those with kids.
8. British Short Hair
You may have seen the British Shorthair cat in different vines and viral videos online. Known for its chunky body and a broad face, the British Shorthair is not only a popular breed among cat lovers but also an expensive one.
The price of the British Shorthair runs from $500 to $1500 depending on where you decide to purchase one. This breed is even popular to be used as the inspiration in John Tenniel’s illustration for Alice in Wonderland.
This breed has been around for quite some time. Its origins can be traced in the first century. It was thought to be brought by Romans in Europe before it interbred with other cats in Europe to evolve to what it is today.
7. Scottish Fold
Scottish fold is a breed known for its deformity in the cartilage which made its ear “fold”. It has been described to have an “owl-like” appearance. Before the 60s, the original name for the Scottish Fold is Lops or Lop-Eared. It was only during 1966 when it adapted the name Scottish Fold.
The original Scottish Fold was a white barn cat that has a mutation on its ear. With its kittens born with the same folded ears, it was registered as a new breed. If you intend to purchase a Scottish Fold, keep in mind that this breed is prone to different conditions including mites and deafness. This is also the reason why the Scottish Fold has been bred with other known cat breeds such as the British and American Shorthair.
6. Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx is another one that made it in our list of most expensive cat breeds. It is known for the lack of hair in its body, and has become popular since the 1960s through selective breeding. However, one of the most common misconceptions about the particular cat breed is that it is hairless. In fact, the skin has a texture of hair. The problem with this particular cat is that they lose more body heat than other breeds.
If you ever choose to buy a Sphynx, don’t be surprised if it is an extrovert. Though they display this behavior, they are also known for being loyal and affectionate to their owners. This is also a cat that has more of a dog-like demeanor. It greets the owner and even friendly with other strangers.
5. Russian Blue
Russian Blue is another breed that made it in the list of most expensive cat breeds. Even sold for $3000, this breed is something that you want if you prefer a cat that has a beautiful fur, not to mention close bond with humans. It is known for its slate grey colored dense coat. It has been known for over a century.
As the name suggests, this cat originated in Arkhangelsk Russia. These cats are also called Archangel Blues. It is believed that the cat has been brought from the Archangel Isles and Northern Europe in 1860s.
Over the years, this particular breed has been developed b breeders during the Second World War. During this time, there were lacking Russian Blue cats. This led breeders to cross breed with the Siamese.
This cat is something that can get old with you. Its lifespan ranges from 10 to 20 years. In some situations, these cats even lived up to 25 years.
4. Peterbald
Peterbald is another most expensive cat that you can purchase if you have the thousands of dollars to spare. Known to have originated from Russia, it resembles the Oriental Shorthairs. There are different types of Peterbald cats that you’ll most likely encounter. There are those with straight coat, while others are born bald. One of the most unique things about Peterbald cats is the fact that it has a hair losing gene.
This cat is particularly smart and sweet tempered. It is also a good idea to include the Peterbald if you have other cats, or if you have children.
If you will look at the history of Peterbald, it was a more recent cat breed. It was developed in 1994 in St. Petersburg Russia. It was a result of an experiment done on Sphynx.
3. Bengal Cat
Bengal Cat is a domestic cat listed in our top expensive cat breeds. It was developed in order to look like a wild cat. Upon examination of its appearance, it looks like an ocelot or a leopard. However, it isn’t surprising since it was crossbred with Asian Leopard cats. The Asian Leopard cat is a wild cat in South and East Asia.
If you are somewhat afraid that the Bengal Cat has a wild cat’s temperament, this is no longer the case. It has been cross bred with domestic cats to have the look of a wild cat but the temperament of your house cat.
The development of the Bengal cat was purely accidental. The Asian Leopard Cats were bred with domestic cats primarily to study the apparent immunity of the breed to feline leukemia.
2. Allerca Hypoallergenic Cat
One of the main problems that people have when it comes to having cats is allergy. Yes, there are times when pet owners have to give up their furry pets just because of an allergy. One of the most common solutions is to have yourself desensitized from the allergen. However, with the Allerca Hypoallergenic cat, this is no longer the case. You’d be able to enjoy becoming a cat owner despite having an allergic reaction to cats.
Allerca Hypoallergenic cat costs around $6,000 but sometimes sold up to $50,000. Yes, it has an absurd pricetage, but this is a breakthrough that cat lovers are willing to pay for. Based on researchers that developed this breed, the one responsible for allergic reactions is a protein found in their saliva and skin called Fel d1. Should you switch to this breed? There are still reports that minority of owners are still experiencing allergic reactions to the cat. See also; Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds.
1. Ashera Cat
Ashera is the world’s most exotic domestic cat. Similar to the Bengal cat, it was bred from the Asian Leopard cats. With its contrast spots that has been known for its leopard like appearance, this expensive cat costs up to $125,000.
These cats can be taken out walked on a leash and are said to be friendly with children. However, it is a good idea to set the cat with a heated blanked during the winter months, since the origin of the cat is from a hot climate.
Cats make perfect pets. However, for those who want to buy exotic cat breeds, you may have to spend more money than usual. These cats may or may also not have the desired temperament given the fact that some were bred from wild cats.