9 Most Expensive Cat Breeds

By: Pet360.com
Curious about the breeds of cat that can cost the most buck? While the value and expenses associated with a certain breed can vary depending upon your location, whether or not your cat was bred for show and the type of breeder you use, there are certain breeds that continuously come out on top.

Here's a look at the most expensive cat breeds.

View All Photos of the 9 Most Expensive Cat Breeds

Savannah
Cost: $4,000-$20,000
An exceptionally exotic breed of cat that looks strikingly similar to its ancestor, the African Serval, the Savannah is recognizable by its spotted coat, which can vary from brown, tan, silver or black with dark spots. They're also known for their large, tall ears that are situated at the top of its head. A curious and adventurous breed, Savannahs are loyal and active, requiring lots of daily interaction and attention. According to the experts at petMD, their one of the healthiest breeds and have no known established health problems, despite their exotic appearance. While some may believe the cost of a cat correlates to its rareness, these prices eventually stabilize.

"Some breeds do have higher than average costs than others related to popularity or rarity, the most common cost differentiator is related to show breed versus pet," said Jacqui Bennett, Cat Fanciers' Association All Breed Judge and owner of Low Country Ocicats cattery. "All kittens from reputable breeders have a great deal of time, love and expense dedicated to each."

Bengal
Cost: $1,000-$25,000
To be a show-quality cat, this wild-looking breed must be four generations away from the leopard cat to be shown, according to Petfinder. Second and third generation Bengal cats can be sold as pets. Known for being as lovable, friendly and docile as any full-blooded domestic cat, Bengals like being involved with their families and, as they aren't afraid of water, have been known to go for a swim on occasion. With a horizontally spotted coat that's distinctly sharp in show-quality cats, three recessive Bengal coat variations have also been developed, according to Petfinder, the snow leopard, the marbled and the snow marbled.

"Bloodlines are something that takes a great deal of time and effort to develop to create a breeders artistic interpretation of the perfect representative of the breed standard. That is why people will ask so many questions before placing a cat with breeding rights," Bennett said. "We know what lines will work best with our lines and take a great deal of pride in the cats we have produced. It is important that the people we place unaltered cats with have a similar dedication and appreciation [for the breed]."

Manx
Cost: $800-$4,000
A wonderful household companion with a fun-loving, active personality, Manx cats get along well with other pets, enjoy a good game of fetch and are exceptional jumpers, according to Petfinder. Known for its unusual gait, or the "Manx hop" and variety of tail lengths, cats with the Manx gene may have a higher than average mortality rate and require careful breeding to help eliminate or minimize any physical deformities. The Manx is best known for its lack of tail.

Peterbald
Cost: $1,200-$5,000
A Russian breed that can be either completely hairless or with a very short, plush coat, Peterbalds are medium-sized, highly intelligent cats. Athletic, curious and friendly, Peterbalds do well with other cats and dogs, are happy to greet visitors and are deeply affectionate with their owners, according to the International Cat Association (ICA). A highly vocal breed, Peterbalds are also known to chat with their owners and welcome them at the door when they come home.

Scottish Fold
Costs: $500-$3,000
Loyal, intelligent and easily adaptable to new people and environments, the Scottish Fold is easily recognized by its folded ears. Born with straight ears that fold at around three weeks of age, it's often difficult for breeders to tell if the ears will be tightly folded-the way they're preferred in the show ring-or more loosely folded, which is good for pet-quality, according to Petfinder. Despite being folded, the ears of the Scottish Fold are still fully functional. A playful breed, they'll enjoy playing fetch every so often and tend to bond with one person in the household.

Russian Blue
Costs: $350-$3,000
Recognized by its dense, silky double coat and good looks, the Russian Blue is a well-behaved, easy to train cat, according to petMD. Born with yellow eyes, a Russian Blue kitten's eyes will develop a bright green ring around its pupil that will spread until the cat's eyes are a vivid green in adulthood. The breed loves attention and will enjoy chasing toys just as much as being groomed, as long as it is able to spend time with the person it cares for, according to petMD.

Sphynx
Cost: $300-$3,000
A hairless breed with very soft skin and a strong affection for their owners, the Sphynx is an intelligent, curious and extremely friendly cat, according to the ICA. Welcoming to strangers and friendly to dogs and other pets, Sphynx cats are also highly active and love playing with their toys. Because of their hairlessness, they have a tendency to get cold but will always find a place, from a sunny window to a blanket with their owner, to warm up, according to the ICA. Though the breeds lack of hair may make it seem like they're easy to care for, it's important for potential owners do their research before purchasing a Sphynx, or any breed of cat.

"Each breed and its required care is unique, and people should do a great deal of research before making this lifetime commitment," Bennett shared. "For instance, people make assumptions that a Sphynx is an easy cat to care for, but in honestly they require about the same time and dedication as a Persian."

British Shorthair
Cost: $500-$1,500
A quiet, even-tempered breed, British Shorthairs make faithful companions that like to keep a low-profile, according to Petfinder. Known for their health and vigor, the breed is compact and powerful with a round, wide face and head. Show British Shorthairs will have a very dense, short coat that is solid to the touch and comes in a variety of colors. Because they do not have a double-coat, the upkeep of a British Shorthair is easier than with that of a cat with a more involved coat, however, regular grooming is important.

Maine Coon
Cost: $1,000
One of the largest domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coon has a strong build with a broad chest, large ears and wide-set eyes. They can be seen in a variety of colors and tend to have long, plush tails. A gentle, easygoing breed, Maine Coons get along well with children and other pets and makes a great mouser.

As with all breeds, it's essential for potential pet owners to do their research to find a reputable breeder. Bennett recommends visiting local CFA shows, contacting the CFA breed council or visiting the association's breeder referral site to find the right breeder for you. "Interview potential breeders because they will be interviewing you," Bennett explained. "Also remember [that] cheaper is not better. The cost of a kitten that is fully inoculated with a health certificate will often have lower costs over a life time than the lower cost kitten with no health information."

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