Introduction
While cats are beloved pets all over the world, some breeds stand out for their rarity and high price tags. Cat breeding has become an exclusive industry, with breeders vying to develop pedigreed cats with unique appearances, personalities, and prestige. This has led to some cat breeds becoming the exclusive pets of the ultra-wealthy and famous.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most expensive cat breeds in the world and what makes them so costly, from physical features to breeder restrictions. We’ll take a look at popular luxury breeds like the Bengal, Persian, and Savannah, as well as the world’s most expensive cat, the exotic hybrid Ashera. Understanding why these cats command such high prices provides a window into the fascinating world of elite cat breeding.
The Ashera Cat
The Ashera cat is known as the most expensive breed of cat in the world. Originally developed in America in the 2000s by the company Lifestyle Pets, the Ashera was bred from crossing domestic shorthair cats with the exotic hybrid Bengal cat.1 This hybridization process aimed to create a cat with leopard-like spots and a temperament suitable for domestic life. An Ashera kitten can cost between $15,000 to $100,000 depending on factors like gender, markings, and ancestry. Due to the rarity and exclusivity of the breed, an Ashera cat usually sells for around $30,000 on average.
The Savannah Cat
The Savannah is a hybrid cat breed that is a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a medium-sized wild African cat. Savannah cats were first bred in the mid 1980s and have become one of the most exotic and expensive cat breeds.
Savannah cats have long legs, large ears, and a lean muscular build similar to their serval ancestors. They come in different generations labeled F1, F2, F3 and so on, depending on how close they are to their serval parent. F1 Savannah cats, which have a serval parent and domestic cat parent, are the largest and have the most extreme features.
Savannah kittens can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, with price generally decreasing with each further generation from F1. According to https://f3savannahcat.com/, F1 Savannah cats typically cost $10,000-$12,000. F2 Savannah cats are usually $5,000 and up. The rarity and exotic look of the F1 and F2 generations make them the most expensive options.
Beyond purchase price, costs of caring for a Savannah cat are also high. Food, litter, vet bills and other care can cost $5,000 or more per year. Exotic cat insurance is recommended due to potential health issues. Despite high costs, the Savannah’s playful personality, affectionate nature and striking appearance make it a desirable breed for cat enthusiasts.
The Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat is a hybrid breed developed to have a gentle domestic temperament while retaining the exotic appearance of the Asian leopard cat. Bengals were first bred in the 1980s by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats. The breed gained popularity due to its wild cat markings and luxurious coat.
Bengals are energetic, playful, and highly intelligent cats. They need ample exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Due to their active nature, Bengals require a large home environment and plenty of interactive playtime.
Bengal cats tend to be one of the most expensive breeds, with prices ranging from $1,500 – $3,000 for a pet quality kitten from a reputable breeder (https://thebengalconnection.com/articles/featured/bengal-cat-price/). Show quality or breeding cats can cost $5,000 or more. The high price reflects the careful breeding required to produce healthy, well-socialized kittens from quality bloodlines.
While beautiful and exotic, Bengals require an experienced owner fully prepared for their active temperament. Doing research to find a responsible breeder is also key to getting a healthy, well-adjusted kitten.
The Persian Cat
The Persian cat is one of the oldest and most popular cat breeds. Originating in Iran (formerly known as Persia), writings about this breed date back to 1620 [1]. Persians are known for their long, flowing coats, sweet personalities, and squished facial features. Their luxurious coats require daily grooming to prevent matting and shedding.
As one of the oldest cat breeds, Persians have a long pedigree and the price reflects it. Persians kittens from breeders can range from $1,300 to $5,000 depending on fur color and breeder reputation [2]. White and blue-eyed Persians tend to demand the highest pricing. Adoption fees for adult Persians are lower, averaging $100-$300 through a rescue organization.
Persian cat ownership requires commitment to daily grooming and potential health issues like breathing difficulties and tear staining due to their squished faces. Responsible breeding to reduce exaggeration of facial features is important for the breed’s health. But with proper care and attention, the gentle and affectionate Persian makes a delightful companion.
The Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx is a unique hairless cat breed known for its wrinkled skin and energetic personality. Originally developed in Canada in the 1960s, the Sphynx became an officially recognized breed in the late 1990s. Though hairless, the Sphynx is not actually hypoallergenic as its skin produces oils that can still cause allergic reactions.
This exotic-looking cat commands premium prices due to its rarity and unique appearance. Sphynx kittens typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 from a reputable breeder, with show-quality cats going for even higher prices. On average, pet-quality Sphynx cats are priced around $2,000. Their hairlessness requires regular bathing and care, adding to ownership costs over their 10-15 year lifespan.
As with any purebred cat, it’s important to buy Sphynx cats only from responsible, ethical breeders. Kittens should be well-socialized, and screened for genetic disorders common in the breed like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Prospective owners should also prepare for the increased veterinary costs and special care required by these unusual felines. When acquired responsibly, the Sphynx makes a lively, affectionate companion for the right owner.
Other Expensive Cat Breeds
In addition to the top most expensive breeds discussed, there are several other cat breeds that can also command high price tags from breeders and buyers:
The Peterbald is a hairless cat breed that originated in Russia in the 1990s. They typically sell for $5,000.
The Scottish Fold’s unique folded ears are the result of a genetic mutation. Kittens of this breed have sold for up to $3,000.
The Sphynx cat is a hairless breed that requires regular bathing. They can sell for over $3,000 for kittens.
While not as pricey as the top breeds, these other exotic and rare cats still command premium prices from cat lovers around the world.
What Makes These Cats Expensive
There are several key factors that drive up the costs of exotic and purebred cats like the Ashera, Savannah, Bengal, and others:
Scarcity: Many of these cats are relatively new breeds and have limited numbers available, especially from reputable breeders. Their rarity means higher demand and limits supply, increasing prices.
Exotic Genes: Cross-breeding exotic cats like the Asian Leopard Cat to create the Bengal, or the African Serval to create the Savannah, introduces unique and exotic features. The extensive effort to develop these breeds and propagate their wild genes commands higher prices.
Health Testing and Care: Reputable breeders invest tremendous resources into genetic and health testing, medical care, socialization, and overall wellbeing for their cats and kittens. These costs factor into pricing for the breeder to remain sustainable.
Proper breeding requires careful selection of parent cats, small litter sizes, and extensive care – all of which drive up costs. But the resulting exotic cats can command premium pricing due to their scarcity, wild attributes, and overall health.
Responsible Breeding and Ownership
While expensive cats may seem attractive, it’s important that breeders and owners act responsibly to avoid exploitation of the animals. Responsible breeding starts with health testing parent cats for genetic diseases common to the breed. Kittens should also undergo veterinary health checks before being homed. Breeders have a responsibility to care for unsold kittens until they find suitable homes, not just abandon them. Kittens should remain with the mother until at least 12 weeks old.
Prospective owners must carefully research breeds to find one suitable for their lifestyle. These cats need environmental enrichment to prevent boredom. Owners should budget for food, veterinary care, insurance, grooming, toys etc. Cats can live over 10 years so buying one is a long-term commitment. While expensive cats are striking, a loving mixed breed from a shelter could be a better, more affordable option for many owners.
Breeders should limit the number of litters per year and avoid inbreeding. They must screen potential owners to ensure the cat is going to a good home. Overbreeding exotic cats just to profit from their rarity is unethical. Following breeder guidelines helps prevent cat exploitation and improves welfare.
Conclusion
In summary, the most expensive cat breeds in the world are the Ashera, Savannah, Bengal, Persian, and Sphynx. These breeds can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000 depending on their rarity, demand, and special attributes. The Ashera is the most expensive at around $125,000 because it is extremely rare with only about 100 bred worldwide. The Savannah and Bengal also command high prices due to their exotic crossbreeds and wildcat-like appearances. Persians and Sphynx are prized for their beautiful long fur or lack of fur. While these cats may have hefty price tags, it’s important to only support responsible breeding and make sure you can properly care for such a cat before purchasing one.
