These are some of the most expensive cat breeds. I found 12 domestic cat breeds with an average price of $1,400 up to $2,250. The maximum price is $3,500.
I found the prices of about 70 breeds. As a result, my cost and prices for these cats are accurate and current as of March 2019.
I found the prices from the Cat Breeds List website or breed specific websites.
Most Expensive Cat List: Top 12 Cat Breeds
Cat breeds that are mixed with wild cat species raise the price for a cat dramatically. I did not include those breeds. For comparison, the range for the most expensive dog breeds is from $1500 to $10,000 averaging $5000.
Six of the most expensive cat breeds listed below have a minimum price of $1000, whereas the other six have minimum prices ranging from $500 to $900.
Most of the prices are from Cats Breed List unless otherwise noted.
#1 Most Expensive Cat: Bambino ($1500-$3000)
The price for a Bambino cat ranges from $1500 to $3000 with an average of $2250 per cat. I apologize if the image above is not a Bambino. It was very hard finding free photos of the Bambino, Elf, American Curl, Peterbald and Munchkin cat breeds.
Bambino cats are a hairless breed that weight anywhere from 5 to 9 pounds and with a lifespan of approximately 13 years.
These cats seem to be good no matter how you measure it. They are good with children and dogs, require little grooming and have no health issues.
Bambino cats are a cross between the Sphynx and Munchkin cats (see both below). They are known for their hairless body and short legs.
#2 Most Expensive Cat: Elf ($2000-$2500)
The price range for Elf cats is $2000-$2500 with an average of $2250. They are known as lap cats and love receiving affection. Elf cats can get along with other animals like dogs. Check out Nocoatkitty.com for info on this cat breed.
Grooming is required as they do have a fine down-like fur which needs to be washed. A full bath or sponge bath should be enough to remove the oils from the skin.
It is a cross between the Sphynx and American Curl and is a new and rare breed. This combination gives the Elf cat its hairless body and curled ears.
The Elf is known for having heart problems. Check with the breeder about whether this trait is in their line.
They are quite active so have lots of toys for them or expect them to climb everything in your home.
#3 Persian ($900-$3500)
The Persian cat actually has the highest maximum price of all the cats on this list with prices ranging from $900 up to $3500 (avg. of $2080). Other names for the Persian cat are Persian Longhair, Shiraz and Shirazi.
This is a cat that is from Iran, weighs in at 9-14 pounds and has a lifespan of 14+ years. Unfortunately, this cat comes with some baggage along with the high price tag.
They are not good with children or dogs, are low energy and high maintenance when it comes to grooming. But the biggest problem is that they have a lot of health issues so veterinary costs will be high.
When it comes to grooming Persian cats, it should be done daily as they shed a lot. Daily grooming will also help you detect health problems early.
Although they are not good with children or dogs, they are one of the most popular breeds as they gentle and easy-going. They can get along with children who are gentle with them and dogs that leave them alone.
#4 British Shorthair ($500-$2000)
The British Shorthair cat may be more affordable if you can find one at the low range of $500, but the maximum you could pay is $2000. Other prices I’ve seen are $800, $1000 and $1500 with the average being ~ $1,750 per cat.
Nicknames for the British Shorthair cat include the English cat, Highlander, Highlander Straight & Britannica (the Brit). These are larger cats that weight in at 12-20 pounds with a lifespan of 12-17 years.
They are kid and dog-friendly with moderate energy levels and grooming needs. They are generally healthy.
#5 Exotic Shorthair ($1500-$2000)
The Exotic Shorthair has a minimum price of $1500 and a max of $2000, the average is $1750.
These cats weigh in at 7-14 pounds with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Like the Persian, they are gentle cats with a great disposition. As a result, they are friendly with other cats, dogs, and children.
The Exotic is a cross breed between the Persian, American Shorthair and other shorthair cat breeds.
They have moderate grooming needs but they are known for constant shedding. This breed has a lot of health conditions, so extra money for vet care is needed. The Exotic Shorthair cat is ranked #1 in popularity even though they have health problems.
#6 Sphynx ($1000-$2300)
Price ranges for a Sphynx cat can be as low as $1,000 all the way up to $2,300. The average price is a little over $1,700. Other names for the Sphynx are Canadian Hairless and Canadian Sphynx.
They weigh 6 to 12 pounds and can live up to 14 years. The Sphynx is another one of the “hairless” cat breeds.
This extremely rare breed has a lot going for it. They are good with other pets, children, low maintenance (occasional grooming needs) and are generally very healthy.
Sounds like a great cat but without any fur, except for the “peach fuzz” covering their skin.
#7 Maine Coon ($800-$2,500)
Here is another cat breed with a wide range of prices. The cheapest price I’ve seen for a Main Coon cat is $800 with the highest price of $2,500 (Average = $1,600).
My cat Little Rascal looks like a Maine Coon, though he is a medium hair cat. You may hear this cat called by a number of different nicknames: Snowshoe cat, Coon cat, Maine cat, Maine shag, or American Longhair. Another great nickname is “the gentle giants”.
They are on the bigger side weighing in between 14 and 18 pounds with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Maine Coon cats are good with other pets as well as children and are very outgoing and sociable.
You will have to groom them given the long fur (expect them to shed a lot) and have no major health issues.
#8 American Curl ($800-$3,000)
The American Curl also have a wide range in prices, from $800 all the way to $3,000 though the average is closer to $1,500 or $1,600.
This is a medium haired cat that is on the small size weighing between 5 to 10 pounds. Their life expectancy is 12-16 years.
They are known for distinctive backward curled ears. And like a lot of cats in this list, they also are great with children, dog-friendly, low maintenance, and have overall great health.
#9 Peterbald ($800-$2,000)
The Peterbald cat price ranges from $800 to $2,000 with an average price of around $1,600. I found the prices from Shamira Cattery in Oregon, USA.
These are a hairless cat breed that resembles the Oriental cat with a wedge-shaped head. The lifespan for Peterbald cats is 12-15 years and they weigh anywhere from 7 to 14 pounds.
Like all bald cats, you will need to bathe Peterbalds every few weeks to a month. They are very social and get along with dogs and other cats. Note though, that they can be quite vocal.
#10 Munchkin ($1,000-$2,000)
Prices for the Munchkin cat range from $1,000 to $2,000 averaging $1,500. The name Munchkin fits quite well since they weigh in at 5-9 pounds. You can expect these little kitties to live 10 to 15 years.
They are good with children, dogs, and other cats. You also won’t have any major health issues with Munchkins but they do not require a lot of grooming.
Munchkin cats are known to be very sociable and energetic.
#11 Siberian ($800-$2,000)
Siberian cats average $1,500 with a range from $800 to $2,000. These are big cats as they can weigh up to 17 pounds or larger. Their lifespan is 11-15 years.
They are generally healthy and get along with other pets. Grooming is minimal though you may need to brush them given their medium length fur and their triple coats.
Even though they are large cats, they are very energetic and agile. Expect them to jump and climb on everything they can.
#12 Most Expensive Cat: Khao Manee ($900-$2,000)
The last on the most expensive cat list is the Khao Manee cat averaging $1,400 with a price range of $900-$2,000. These cats come in one color: white. And their eye color is blue, green, gold or sometimes, with two different colored eyes.
Note that white cat breeds often can be deaf, so that is something to consider. You only need to brush them once a week.
The Khao Manee are smaller cats that weigh 8 and 10 pounds, lives 10-12 years, and are good with children and other pets.
Finding a Cat Breeder
First, you need to decide which breed(s) of cat you are interested in adopting. I cannot provide a list of breeders for every breed because that list would be too long.
The best place to start is The Cat Fanciers Association and its Cat Breeder Referral Service. Also, take a look at their About and Our History pages for more information about this non-profit association.
Summary
So if you have the money and the need for a purebred cat, then this list is a good start. Personally, I prefer to pay $75 to rescue a cat from a local shelter, but then I can’t afford a purebred cat.
Take a look at my article on Pet Adoption Locations in Philadelphia if you are interested in adopting a cat. I list all the adoption locations in Philly. If you are not from Philadelphia, I have links to sites like Pet Finder that will help you locate a kitty for adoption in your area.
