When it comes to these pricy cats, their gorgeous aesthetic is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, a lot of them connect to humans and other domestic animals in ways that are genuinely unique to them.
Read on to learn more about the most expensive cat breeds ever!
1. Bengal Cats
- Price range: $1,500 – $2,500
- Lifespan: 12 – 18 years
When people think of expensive cat breeds, Bengal cats are often the first thing that comes to mind. That said, you might be surprised to find out they’re on the cheaper end of the swanky cat spectrum!
Being a not-so-distant relative of leopards, these cats are as hyper as they come. For this reason, before getting a Bengal cat, you need to be sure you can match its energy. From biting on furniture to climbing up unusual spots (even by cat standards), their behavior can be equal part endearing and energy-consuming!
If you can work with that, you’ll be rewarded with an extremely smart feline that’ll have you laughing at their horseplay on the daily. Just be sure to set them up with a private nook for when they’re ready to chill, especially if there’s another pet in the house.
2. Persian Cats
- Price range: $1,000 – $5,000
- Lifespan: 12 – 18 years
If you have experience with more common cat breeds, Persians tend to be pretty similar without necessarily breaking the bank. Above all else, they love their beauty sleep, and they prefer a quiet environment if they can get it. At the same time, they aren’t as sassy as some of their brethren, and they won’t randomly start playing hard-to-get once their needs are met.
Every cat likes to be groomed, but Persians in particular really get a kick out of it. That’s good news for you as they’re among the furriest cats you could ever keep, meaning they need a lot of care. Still, it never feels like a chore – nothing beats running your fingers through their coat after a hard day’s work!
If you decide to adopt a Persian cat, be warned that it might take a while to gain its trust. Once it’s comfortable, though, you’ll have it eating out of the palm of your hand, literally and figuratively!
3. Maine Coons
- Price range: $1,000 – $4,000
- Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
All the most expensive cat breeds have their charm, but Maine Coons might be the most conventionally loveable of them all. You can chalk a lot of it up to their thick coat – it’s hard to find a cuddlier cat than these beautiful balls of fur!
Speaking of their coat, these guys are extremely prone to shedding, so expect to be doing a lot of sweeping. On the other hand, the upside is that they’re more or less waterproof, hence their affinity for rolling around in puddles!
A lot of people say that Maine Coons have a lot in common with dogs, which would explain why the two get along so well. Naturally, you’ll want to expose them to one another gradually, but on average, these cats tend to make the first move with their doggy housemates.
Also, Maine Coons are some of the most relaxed cats, so they make a great addition to households with small, inquisitive children.
4. Savannah Cats
- Price range: $1,000 – $20,000
- Lifespan: 12 – 20 years
Fair warning: if you’re used to cats that laze around the house and sleep half the day, you’re not going to get that with Savannahs. Still, you can rest assured that raising them is extremely fulfilling – just be sure to adopt one as a kitten if you have the option.
Savannahs are unique in that they like water more than most cats, so expect to see them sniffing around in the bathtub from time to time. After all, they’re a mix of a serval and a domestic cat, which is why they’re more quirky and exploratory than the average tabby!
Similar to Maine Coons, Savannah cats make great playmates for dogs, and their behavior is more canine-like than that of most other cats. By and large, they’re very receptive to training, and they tend to be loyal to the core if you treat them right.
5. Sphynx Cats
- Price range: $1,500 – $3,000
- Lifespan: 8 – 14 years
Despite them being costly, there’s a long list of reasons to adopt a Sphynx cat, the main one being their unique look. Their origins can be traced back to Canada, where the rescue of several bald cats gave us one of the most distinguished feline breeds ever!
These exotic cats are up there as some of the smartest of all time, making them an ideal companion for an affectionate human. Also, besides being adorable in their own unique way, the lack of fur is a big part of the reason Sphynxes are considered hypoallergenic cats.
One thing you should know about Sphynx cats is that the cleaning process works differently than with other cats. With no fur to soak in any of the oil, all the muck sticks to the skin, especially the wrinkles. If you decide to keep one of these beauties, you’ll need to invest in a special shampoo for bald cats.
Finally, keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for a Sphynx to die before the age of ten. You can generally expect them to live the average feline lifespan, but there are more outliers among Sphynxes than most other domestic cat breeds.
