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Many pet enthusiasts are willing to dig deep into their wallets for an exceptional pedigree cat. This includes exotic cats that resemble genuine wild felines. Rare cat breeds, such as those derived from wildcat hybrids, often come with a hefty price tag. We're about to introduce ten of the most expensive cat breeds.
The Savannah, measuring up to 1.20 metres in length, is the largest recognised cat breed. It is a wildcat hybrid, resulting from breeding the African wildcat Serval with domestic cats. Due to their impressive stature and striking fur, Savannahs resemble a mini cheetah suitable for the living room. However, the first generations of the crossbreed bring much of the original wildcat behaviour with them. Consequently, in many countries, they require special government permits to keep as wild animals.
Direct descendants of the Serval and domestic cat are very costly in the first generations. Even a Savannah from the F3 or F4 generation may cost thousands, provided it comes from a reputable source. In a small flat, this wild beauty is not comfortable. Ideally, it needs a secured garden where it can romp around.
2. Bengal Cat
In the 1960s, the first crossings of Asian leopard cats with domestic cats took place. To achieve the current Bengal type with its distinctive wild look, Egyptian Mau, American Shorthair and Oriental Shorthair were added to the Bengal’s gene pool over the decades.
Today, Bengal cats form a distinct breed. They require lots of stimulation and are somewhat wilder than other feline friends. However, most Bengals love their cuddling sessions with their owner. Even novices are impressed by the extraordinary wildcat-look fur. This exclusivity has its price: Bengal pet lovers’ items typically start from £1,000 and upwards.
The Bengal cat’s wild appearance makes it an exotic and expensive breed
3. Safari Cat
If you’re thinking “Safari Cat – never heard of it,” you’re likely in good company. The Safari cat is extremely rare and correspondingly expensive. There are thought to be fewer than 100 Safari cats worldwide.
This breed is also a hybrid: researchers crossed the small-spotted genet with ordinary domestic cats. Not only is their appearance unusual, but so is their genetic background. The small-spotted genet has one more pair of chromosomes than the domestic cat, making breeding particularly challenging. Prospective owners should thoroughly research the keeping of hybrid cats and the background of the animals.
4. Caracat
The Caracat is a hybrid between the Caracal and a domesticated cat. The first Caracat came about by chance in a Moscow zoo, where in 1998 a feral cat mated with a Caracal. About ten years later, American breeders attempted a deliberate breeding of the Caracat, crossing the Caracal with Abyssinian cats. In Germany, the Maine Coon was to be the Caracal’s suitable counterpart. All these efforts at deliberate breeding ultimately led nowhere.
Individual Caracats cost several thousand pounds. Although this places the Caracat among the most expensive cat breeds, the animals are hardly available through legitimate means today.
5. Sphynx Cat
Those who love nearly hairless cats such as the Canadian Sphynx or the Don Sphynx from Russia are willing to pay a lot for individual feline friends. The so-called “Naked Cats” are considered something very special, thus ranking among the most expensive cat breeds.
Prices for both Sphynx breeds start at a reputable breeder from £800, which is slightly higher than most other breeds. Many breeders only let their charges go to enthusiasts for around £1,00 or more – breeding animals are even pricier.
Caution: Anyone choosing a Sphynx should pay attention to existing whiskers.
Hairless Sphynx cats are a subject of debate and rank among the most expensive cat breeds
6. Peterbald
The Peterbald from Russia is also hairless. It is descended from Russian Don Sphynx who were crossed with Oriental cat breeds. The Peterbald has a long muzzle and large, widely spaced ears. In addition to the naked variety, the Peterbald also comes with velvety or slightly curly fur.
The prices are a bit higher than for the Sphynx breeds. As there are very few breeders outside Russia, acquiring a Peterbald in Europe is challenging.
7. Ceylon Cat
Neither naked nor a hybrid: the Ceylon is a natural beauty. This cat breed originated on the island of Sri Lanka – formerly Ceylon. In the 1960s, cat lovers brought them to Italy, and from there, they spread across Europe. Today it is popular in Italy, but only occasionally found elsewhere. Hence, a pedigreed Ceylon in Europe is rare.
Characteristic is the agouti base colour with stripes on the legs, tail and face. A distinctive “M” graces the forehead of the Ceylon cat.
8. Sokoke Cat
The Sokoke is a true exotic, originating from the Sokoke Arabuke Rainforest in East Africa. From here, a litter made its way to Denmark in the 1980s, where breeders took a shine to the attractive cat. In 1993, the Fédération Internationale Féline recognised the breed.
Nowadays, most Sokoke cats in Europe are in Denmark. The English name for them is “African Shorthair.” Those wishing to welcome a Sokoke from reputable breeding into their home must pay at least £1,000 for this expensive cat breed.
The Peterbald is something of a rarity in Europe, which is reflected in its price tag
9. Balinese Cat
Contrary to its name, the Balinese cat does not originate from Bali. This breed is a variant of the Siamese cat with semi-long fur, bred since the 1920s. As the independently recognised Balinese cat is rare, it is on average more expensive than more commonly found breeds.
If you are looking for a long-haired Siamese cat, the Balinese cat is a good choice, but it comes with a high price tag
10. Korat Cat
The Korat hails from Thailand but has been conquering the hearts of cat connoisseurs worldwide for decades. In Thailand, it is also known as “Maeo Dok-Lao,” which translates to “cat of the colour of clouds before the rain” and describes the noble grey fur of the Korat.
In its native region, the Korat was considered a lucky charm, not to be sold but to be given away. Pedigree Korats are rare in Europe. Reputable breeders will screen breeding animals for Gangliosidosis, a hereditary disease found in Korats.
The Korat cat, originating from Thailand and also known as Maeo Dok-Lao, is admired worldwide for its elegant grey coat
Are These Truly the Ten Most Expensive Cat Breeds?
The prices of cat breeds and individual feline friends from award-winning lines vary. You may find a Holy Birman from rare lines costing more than a Balinese cat. Other hybrids such as the Viverral or the Kanaani may be pricier than those mentioned here, yet they are hard to find.
Oriental Shorthair variants, such as the Havana, can also fetch high prices, but they do not form a separate breed. Many rare cat breeds fall within similar price ranges. For instance, the Singapura, known as the world’s smallest cat, can also be purchased from £1,000.
Expensive Cats Attract Scammers
The rarer and more exclusive the cat breed, the more scammers take notice. More than one Savannah from sketchy sources turns out to be an Oriental Shorthair mix. That doesn’t make them less lovable, but understandably, owners feel cheated.
So, when considering rare cat breeds, ensure you find a reputable breeder. If you’re offered a Peterbald with a pedigree you can’t make sense of from Russia, seek expert help! Cat breed organisations will assist you in locating trustworthy breeders.
Tip: Have a look at animal rescues. There are always exotic-looking cats in need of new homes. Keen to get involved in animal rescue? Discover ways to help in our article on cat protection support.
Sabrina Quente
Animals have accompanied me for as long as I can remember - there is hardly a child's photo without a budgie on my head or a cat on my lap. For more than ten years, I have been writing as an editor about various topics ranging from health insurance to cat ownership. Always with me: my cat Mimi, who is the best source of inspiration for many texts and knows when it's time for a break from writing.
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