Graceful and aristocratic: 16 most expensive cat breeds

First published: 07/06/2020

Photo: pixabay.com

Various breeds have appeared as a result of long breeding work or random genetic mutations. There are animal hybrids that emerged from crossing domestic cats with various species of wild cats. A breed acquires official status when it is registered and recognized by one of the felinological organizations.

The cost of a particular breed can be influenced by several factors:

• Rarity of representatives.
  The rarer a breed is, the more valuable and expensive it is.
• Class of purebred kittens.
  Felinologists have defined three classes for purebred pets:
  Pet
  - a pet without breeding rights, with the lowest cost.
• Breeding
  - with the right to breed, its price increases significantly.
• Show class
  - meets all breed standards, intended for exhibition work. The most expensive.

Rating:

1. Savannah
2. Chausie
3. Safari
4. Khao-mani
5. Toyger
6. Bengal cat
7. Peterbald
8. American Curl
9. Elf
10. Serengeti
11. Manx
12. Russian blue
13. Scottish fold
14. British shorthair cat
15. Maine Coon
16. Persian

Russian blue

The seventh line of the ranking is occupied by the Russian blue cat, which has a unique gray-blue color with a slight silver tint, for which it received its name.

The undercoat of representatives of the breed is very soft to the touch, allowing pets not to freeze in the cold season

The history of the breed begins at the end of the 19th century in England, where a blue cat named Kola was brought from Arkhangelsk. Today, these animals are not cheap - from 400 to 2000 dollars (26,000-130,000 rubles).

According to popular belief, the Russian Blue cat is a lucky talisman. It is believed that it attracts good luck and prosperity into the house and provides its owner with peace of mind.

Ten most expensive domestic cat breeds

TOP 10 most expensive cats is a list of domestic breeds recognized by the world's largest felinological systems.

Khao-mani

This is the oldest Thai variety, known back in the 14th century and glorified in the ancient manuscript “The Book of Poems about Cats.” "Kao-mani" is translated as "diamond eye". The coat color is only white, the eye color is blue, and cases of heterochromia are not uncommon.

Kao-mani are famous for their flexible, but energetic and cheerful disposition, they are smart and very attached to their owner.

Kittens can be purchased in single nurseries in France, Slovenia, the USA and Thailand for ten thousand dollars or more. These animals are very rare.

Nibelung

The “child of the fog” has only one color of semi-long fur - blue, and the color of its eyes is exclusively green. These cats are famous for their wonderful character. They are calm, silent, never take offense, and are sincerely and deeply devoted to a person.

Very rare cats of this breed can be purchased in the United States of America and France. The price of kittens is from ten thousand dollars.

Manx cat

This breed is the pride of Ireland. The name comes from the name of the island where the first individuals were found - Maine.

They are similar in appearance to a lynx, have a short tail and usually have tufts on their large ears. The length of the tail can vary - from complete absence to normal. Short wool - a variety of colors. Long-haired cats are separated into a separate breed - Cymrik.

The cost of kittens is from five hundred to four thousand dollars, depending on the class.

American Curl

Another American breed is also very rare and expensive. Its distinctive feature is its ears turned back. Moreover, kittens are born with normal ears, and in the period from two to ten days the ears begin to curl, finally transforming by five months.

They are smart, friendly, lively, and adore their owner and all members of the household.

The cost of kittens in US nurseries, of which there are not many, by the way, ranges from one to three thousand dollars.

Read more in the article about American Curls.

Russian blue

This breed has been known in the Arkhangelsk province of Tsarist Russia since the 16th century. The privileged favorites of kings and nobles almost completely died as a result of wars and revolutions. But they were revived through the efforts of American and European breeders; they returned to Russia in the eighties of the last century.

These cats are valued all over the world not only because of the beauty of their blue short hair and green eyes, but above all they are famous for their charming character. Complaisant, calm, silent, faithful and devoted pets invariably occupy one of the first places in the popularity ratings of breeds. The cost of kittens is from five hundred to two thousand dollars.

Serengeti

Breeder Karen Sauzman, crossing a Bengal and an Oriental, sought to obtain a domestic cat with the appearance of a wild one. She succeeded, the Serengeti looks like a smaller copy of the Serval.

Sociable, cheerful, active and loyal pets are mainly found in America. The price of kittens ranges from six hundred to two thousand dollars.

Laperm

This breed arose due to a random gene mutation. Their owner, an ordinary resident of America, did not suspect that she had cats unknown to felinologists, she was only amazed at the amazing appearance of the pets - their fur looked as if it had been permed.

It is generally accepted that LaPerm is a hypoallergenic breed. These animals are smart, loyal and energetic. Kittens cost from four hundred to two thousand dollars.

Canadian Sphynx

For many years, hairless cats were sometimes spontaneously born to ordinary, short-haired cats. But the development of the species began with a naked kitten found on the streets of Toronto. Lack of hair is the result of natural genetic mutations.

These pets need increased human attention and care. They quickly become hypothermic in winter, overheat in the sun in summer, and can easily get burned. They are obedient, friendly and loyal to their owner. The cost of pet-class kittens is about four hundred dollars, breeding and exhibition animals are much more expensive - from two thousand.

Read a lot of interesting things in the article about the Canadian sphinxes.

Himalayan cat

The result of crossing Persian and Siamese cats to obtain a long-haired individual with a color-point color. Usually the main background is light shades, the points are almost black.

These pets have a golden character - soft, calm, flexible, and not talkative. The cost of kittens from the nursery ranges from five hundred to one and a half thousand dollars.

Maine Coon

Before the Savannah took the leading place in size, it was considered the largest breed of domestic cat. Specimens up to one and a half meters in length including tail are known.

In the United States of America, they are called the raccoon cat because of a common fable about their origins from a raccoon and a wild female.

They have long hair of a wide variety of colors, a massive lower jaw and tufts on large ears.

The menacing appearance is deceptive; the character of these pets is calm and self-possessed. The cost of kittens is from six hundred to one and a half thousand dollars, depending on the class.

Read more in the article about Maine Coons.

Turkish van

One of the oldest domestic breeds.

The cost of kittens starts from $3000.

The breed is semi-longhaired. The classic colors are red and white and creamy white. The physique is average, the muscles are pronounced. The head has the shape of a truncated triangle, the ears are large with a wide base, the tips are slightly rounded. The large eyes are oval-shaped, set slightly obliquely, and can be light amber, blue or of different colors with pink edging.

The Turkish Van is energetic and sociable, with a melodious voice. The cat loves to run and jump, is not afraid of water at all and loves to swim.

Caracal, up to $15,000

This expensive animal is more like a lynx than a cat. This is a wild animal, a predator, the maintenance of which will require a lot of money, time and effort.

If you are not afraid of difficulties and also have the required amount, you can take a risk. In this case, you will not be the only exotic lover. There are many examples of “friendly relations” between caracals and humans.

Caracals are large animals, with an average weight of up to 19, maximum weight of up to 25 kilograms. They have a bright and interesting appearance. The lower part of the body is lighter, the ears are black, and there may be dark spots on the muzzle.

Character . It all depends on upbringing. We should not forget that this is a predator who can show aggression at any moment. Domesticated caracals do not pose a danger to humans.

Munchkin

This breed is very unusual. Due to their appearance, such cats are sometimes called dachshunds.

The cost of kittens can reach $4000.

The Munchkin has a body of medium length, but its paws are 2-3 times shorter than usual. The head is proportional to the body, the contour is rounded, high cheekbones protrude. The ears are medium or large, proportional to the head, have a wide base, and the tips are slightly rounded. Almond-shaped eyes are large or medium, the color is not related to color. The coat can be short or long.

The munchkin does not stand on its hind legs, but sits on its seat, resting its tail. The cat can spend a long time in this position; it looks like a kangaroo.

American Curl

American Curl

Representatives of this overseas breed of short-haired and semi-long-haired cats are touchingly gentle and restless. They captivate with their lovely silky fur and expressive eyes, but their main highlight is their ears that curl back and look like horns. The Curl's origins can be traced back to a stray black cat with long hair and funny ears who was adopted by California couple Joe and Grace Ruga in 1981. Shulamith, as the owners named the cat, became the ancestor of the breed that is popular today.

The amazing shape of the American Curl's ears is the result of a random mutation. Interestingly, the cubs are born with straight ears, and they begin to curl up in the first ten days of their life. Curls are very affectionate, intelligent, and playful. They love to communicate with people and are ready to be friends with all the animals in the house. American Curl babies cost between $1,000 and $3,000.

American Curl

Chausie

Cost - $8000-10000

The Chausie breed is very rare. It was obtained by crossing a swamp lynx and an Abyssinian cat. Distinctive features of its appearance are short fur, high legs, and their ears are quite large. And such a cat is also very graceful, she has an extraordinary, exquisite grace. Chausie cats are unusually intelligent and intelligent. And besides, they are almost always very playful - both kids and adults have fun and rejoice. They certainly need a lot of attention and communication. There is no way they can do without this. They love to communicate both with the owner himself and with other cats. They will even be able to make friends with a dog. That is, they definitely won’t let you get bored. At the same time, they are not at all aggressive; on the contrary, they are quite peaceful. And they also cost a huge amount - from 8 to 10 thousand dollars.

Ragdoll girl, 130 thousand rubles

Another breeder, from Vladivostok, offers to buy an eight-month-old Ragdoll girl for almost the same money, noting that she is vaccinated and has all the documents confirming her thoroughbred.

Cat Darksummer Apple Pie. Photo: courtesy of Bary Pride Ragdoll Kennel

The character of the Ragdoll fully corresponds to the name of the breed (translated as “rag doll”), they are calm and kind. Constant muscle relaxation makes them surprisingly pliable, and they simply hang on a person’s hands. However, this feature is also the Achilles heel of ragdolls: they, unlike other cats, do not know how to land on all fours and can get hurt if they fall even from a small height.

No. 11. Laperm

American cats developed in the 1980s through selective breeding. The resulting breed won worldwide approval only 10 years later. Laperms are animals with curly fur. They love to hunt and are very active, especially in the evening. Because of their innate curiosity, they will climb onto the highest cabinet and find out what is in the smallest hole under the baseboard.

The advantage of cats is that their fur is hypoallergenic. They become strongly attached to people, do not tire of expressing their love and do not tolerate loneliness.

The cost of kittens of the breed is estimated at 2 thousand dollars.

No. 9. Serengeti

A breed of domestic cats bred by Canadian scientists. To get the Serengeti, we had to cross a domestic cat with a Bengal cat. The resulting breed was named after an African reserve in Tanzania.

The weight of an adult Serengeti cat reaches 12 kg. The body is strong, the legs are long, the ears are large. The coat color is interesting, spotted. A sociable, playful breed that prefers constant movement. Serengeti cats are very peaceful and docile, they behave affectionately with people, but sometimes they can show character.

At the moment, the number of breeders breeding the breed is limited, which has affected the price of cats. The current cost of young individuals is 2 thousand dollars.

Designer cats

Even in order to qualify as an experimental breed, breeders need to work on selection with new animals, sometimes for decades. But cats of a new, unusual species are born, live, find new owners, love and recognition. True connoisseurs of exotics are looking for just such single specimens, a cat that no one else has. Such breeds are called designer.

Bristol

The Bristol is a hybrid animal obtained by crossing a very rare representative of the predatory cat nature, the Margay (long-tailed cat) and the American Shorthair.

Initially, these cats were recognized as an independent breed. But due to the lack of a gene pool and small numbers, they were excluded from the list. Today they are rare, so they are still considered a designer variety. Their cost starts from ten thousand dollars.

Leohaus

These unique kittens were obtained by Russian breeders in 2015. Several wild cats were used in the crossing - Asian Leopard cat, Ocelot and hybrid breeds - Chausie F1 (first generation hybrid), Bengal F3, domestic cats - Abyssinian cat and some others. Kittens of different colors were obtained, characterized by a wild appearance and grace, large sizes - the weight of a two-three year old cat reaches sixteen kilograms.

The animal of the first generation is well socialized and is absolutely not aggressive. He has a loyal character, like a dog. There have already been reports in the media about the new “domestic lynx”.

Selection work continues. A breed standard is being prepared for registration with TICA. The cost of kittens is from one to twenty thousand dollars, depending on individual characteristics.
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Hybrid cat breeds are the most expensive

Wild cats are very beautiful, but even tame kittens become unpredictable with the onset of puberty and can pose a real threat to humans. Often they have to be completely transferred to aviary keeping. But, if they are crossed with an ordinary domestic cat, new breeds appear that are much easier to socialize.

Savannah

Today it is the largest domestic cat. The hybrid breed is obtained by crossing a Serval and a domestic female (Bengal). In appearance it is close to the wild ancestor.

The new breed was registered in the felinological system only from the fourth stable generation. Hybrids of the first two generations are almost as large as the serval, but from the third they become significantly smaller. Now this is a fully developed species of domestic cat, registered in the United States of America in 2001.

Smart and beautiful pets are well socialized and devoted to their owner. The price of a kitten from a nursery is from 15 to 25 thousand dollars.

Read more in the article about savannas.

Chausie

The hybrid of the Nile cat Hausa and Abyssinian was registered in the USA as a full-fledged domestic breed only in 2013, although the experimental group appeared in 1995. Pets even of the fourth generation do not lose height and weight and are no different in size and structure from the wild ancestor. Complaisant and active cats are well socialized, have many of the traits of dogs, and are unconditionally loyal to their owner.

The complexity of breeding work is due to the fact that in approximately half of the cases tabby-colored kittens are born, and only solid ticked ones are acceptable as a standard. In Russia, so far you can only buy hybrids of the first and, very rarely, second generation from ten thousand dollars.

A lot of interesting things about Chausi or Hausi are written here.

Safari

Hybrid of a Geoffroy cat and an American Shorthair. Work on the breed began in the 70s of the last century. Its color resembles a Bengal cat, although its morphology is completely different.

Well socialized, gets along well with other animals. Kittens of the first and second generation cost 10-12 thousand dollars.

Bengal

This is the first and most successful experience of American breeders and geneticists. The Asian leopard cat (ALC) or small Asian leopard is absolutely not domesticated in the wild. But when crossing it with a domestic cat, by the fourth generation, unusually beautiful individuals are born that are remarkably socialized.

The shades of wool today are varied - from snow to charcoal, but always tabby. The most common color is gold, followed by silver.

A real Bengal for breeding can be bought for three thousand dollars, sometimes more.

Toyger

It is a “defective” version of the Bengal. The color is tabby, but its variety is mackerel. The spots merge into stripes reminiscent of a tiger.

In character and appearance, in everything except the coat pattern, they resemble a Bengal cat.

Read also about toygers here.

6.Peterbald

• Origin of the breed: Russia
• Weight: 3-5 kg
• Approximate price: $700-3500

Peterbald - from the English "bald Peter", in honor of the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter I. They are also called St. Petersburg Sphynxes, and they are also one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. They have slender shapes and a refined physique. Connoisseurs of cleanliness and talkativeness in animals will definitely love such a pet. Despite this, such cats need wiping their skin folds with napkins and frequent bathing. They will also have to clean the corners of their eyes. Sphynxes love sunbathing, but you need to approach this pastime with caution so that the cats do not get burned. They are unpretentious in food and eat a lot. The ideal nutrition option for them would be a combination of natural food and special feed.

No. 14. Canadian Sphynx

According to official sources, the breed appeared in the 1960s in Canada. According to rumors, smooth-haired cats were popular back in the days of the pharaohs and Incas.

Despite their formidable appearance, sphinxes are peace-loving codes with a friendly character. Such a pet continuously follows the person without irritating him with useless meows. Sphinxes sit quietly next to their owner, as if complementing him. An interesting property is that animals can freeze in one position for a long time, becoming like a porcelain figurine.

Sphinxes are very graceful - everything they do, how they move or rest, looks like high art. They rarely bother people, although sometimes they persistently ask to play with them. They are jealous of the object of affection.

The cost of a cat reaches 1.5 thousand dollars.

Savannah

Cost - $4000-22000

These cats are distinguished by a wonderful article. She looks full of dignity and nobility. Looking at Savannah, no one would ever say that this cat can be kept at home. However, they adapt perfectly to home conditions and get used to them very quickly. The breed has a spotted color that resembles the skin of a leopard. These are very sociable cats, and they love attention to themselves, and also show it to the owner and to other pets, if any. At the same time, you must remember that they definitely need fresh air, so you will need to organize constant walks. They also need space. Currently, this cat breed is the most expensive in the world, its cost ranges from 4 to 22 thousand dollars.

Animals Nature

Experimental breeds

Before the final registration of the breed in the largest felinological organizations, usually the American - TICF and the European - WCF, many years of selection work take place. Participation of cats in specialized exhibitions is mandatory; a breed standard must be drawn up and approved by experts. Only TICA allows animals that have not passed the required iterations to be registered as experimental breeds.

Many varieties are still in the “unrecognized” category. But this verdict is not final. After successful selection, animals can receive status in the “domestic cat” category. People are already interested in these cats today; most of them enjoy well-deserved popularity.

Caraquet

This is a very young variety, bred by Russian and American breeders at the beginning of the 21st century. Hybrids were obtained by crossing Caracal and Abyssinian, but so far they exist only in the first and second generations.

Beautiful, powerful, graceful cats are well socialized. They are practically no different in appearance from Caracal.

The price for them starts from fifteen thousand dollars in our country, in the USA it is much more expensive.

Read more in the article about caraquets.

Elf

The hairless cat with ears bent back was obtained as a result of selection work with two well-known breeds - the American Curl and the Canadian Sphynx.

Infinitely devoted to the owner, yearns when separated from him, playful and intelligent. While the variety, bred only in 2006, has not received recognition, experimental matings are continued by American breeders. Connoisseurs of rare cats fell in love with the newcomer and are looking forward to his development. The price for Elf ranges from six hundred to two and a half thousand dollars.

Bambino

Canadian Sphynxes and Munchkins took part in the selection. The cat combines two features of its ancestors - a naked body and short legs. In this case, kittens with limbs of normal length can be born in the litter.

So far they have only been accepted into TICA as an experimental breed. This touching and funny pet, reminiscent of a dachshund, incredibly loves to play pranks and play with unusual objects.

Very attached to the owner, retains the character of an eternal child for life. The first individuals are already ten years old. It is difficult to find these animals due to their rarity. The price for kittens starts from a thousand dollars.

Read a lot of interesting things about bambino here.

Laika

Very unusual kittens first appeared in 2010 in Virginia, probably as a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. Their fur is very sparse, a bald body is visible in places, and the undercoat is completely absent. They have large hairless ears, and the coloring resembles that of a roan horse. At first glance, these animals are not very beautiful, but they captivate with their gentle, playful and sociable disposition.

In Greek, “laika” means “wolf”. The name was given to the breed by analogy with a scary character from American horror films.

Registered as an experimental breed by TICA in 2012. The price for these unusual pets starts from one thousand dollars.

Cohona

Kohona literally means "naked, bare" in Hawaiian. It is also called the Hawaiian hairless cat and the Hawaiian rubber cat. Currently, there are no more than fifty representatives of this breed in the world. Unusual hairless kittens with “rubbery”, completely naked skin were born in Hawaii in the eighties of the last century.

Hairlessness is explained by a natural mutation. They differ from the Sphinx in a different body structure, the type of skin folds and the complete absence of any vegetation on the body. There are not even whiskers or eyebrows. They have a friendly and loyal character. The price for Kohona starts from a thousand dollars.

No. 4. Safari

Another expensive, hybrid type of pet, bred by crossing a regular cat and the Geoffroy breed. The first kittens appeared in the 70s in America. Initially used by scientists to understand the essence of leukemia.

From their ancestors, safari cats inherited an interesting spotted color, affection and tenderness. An adult weighs 10-12 kg. The body is long, elastic, matching strong paws. The coat is short and has a water-repellent effect. A very energetic breed with an easy-going character and a quick mind. Of all the selectively bred breeds, the Safari is the most good-natured. Her claws are long enough to leave a noticeable mark literally everywhere.

The cost of a safari kitten in a nursery reaches 8 thousand dollars.

No. 12. Maine Coon

Famous breed of large cats. The animals' ancestors lived in northeastern America in Maine. Thanks to their fluffy tail and striped coat color, Maine Coons look like raccoons (from the English “coon”). This is where the name came from.

The weight of adult cats reaches 15 kg. In fact, pets are similar in size to small dogs. The length of the body is on average 1 m. The appearance of the animal is specific and formidable, although in reality they are affectionate and gentle creatures. They have a calm, balanced character and are friendly towards other pets. A distinctive feature is “singing” or a kind of meowing. From the outside it seems as if Maine Coons are trying to talk.

To get a purebred kitten from a breeder, you will have to stock up on 1.5 thousand dollars.

No. 7. Toyger

A hybrid breed bred by American breeders in 1993. Recognized only 14 years later. Externally, the toyger cat looks like a small but real tiger. This was done deliberately so that people would start caring about the environment.

The weight of an adult animal reaches 10 kg. Despite the external analogy with wild nature, Toyger cats are docile, calm, and quickly remember the “rules”. They have excellent health and an elastic body. They get along well with children.

The price of a tiny tiger toyger in nurseries reaches 3 thousand dollars.

No. 13. British Shorthair

The real pride of Foggy Albion. A well-known breed of medium-sized cats with very soft, elastic fur. Received official recognition in 1984. The color of the "British" can be different. Popular options are chocolate, gray-silver, bluish, lilac. The muzzle is slightly round, which is why the appearance of the animals seems doll-like and very pretty.

The character of cats is primordially British - restrained, calm, balanced, with a pronounced sense of self-esteem. They do not like to sit on their hands, accompanying this process with dissatisfied meows. Representatives of the breed do not need the constant presence of people - they like solitude more than noisy company. If the British want to play, they will do everything to ensure that people comply with their request.

The price of a purebred British Shorthair kitten from a breeder can reach 1.5 thousand dollars.