What are the Most Expensive Cat Breeds?

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular cat breed, you could be in for a surprise at how much you’ll have to pay. Cat adoption costs can vary quite a bit. Though many animal rescue organizations adopt out cats at a flat rate, breeders and even some shelters base their fees on breed. Generally speaking, feline breeds that are rarer (i.e. more exclusive) and in high demand will come with a higher price tag.

And while typical cat adoption fees in Canada and run anywhere between $50 and $300 as of 2025 depending on where you look, some cats far exceed this. For some cat breeds, spending well over $1,000 is nothing out of the ordinary. So, which kitties are the most expensive? Let’s take a look.

Top 10 most expensive cat breeds

On top of the type of cat, pet adoption costs can vary based on factors like your location, a cat’s age, and the place you’re adopting from. For example, more experienced breeders and those who provide more training and veterinary care upfront may charge more. Some breeders will do spaying/neutering and initial vaccines before you adopt, but in other cases this will fall on you.

If you’re interested in one of the expensive kitties listed below, you’ll want to try reaching out to different breeders and/or cat adoption organizations near you to ask about adoption fees and what is included. To help you get an idea of what to expect in the meantime, we’ve compiled a list of the most expensive cat breeds based on breeding association guides and adoption costs seen among breeders around North America.

Note: all costs are in USD and were determined by reviewing the adoption fees publicly listed by breeders registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

1. Savannah

Average adoption cost range: $1,500 to $4,500+

Savannahs surely are fascinating cats. They’re actually a hybrid breed, brought into existence by crossing a domestic cat with a serval, a wild African feline. They’re sought after for their striking appearances, having beautiful, elongated features and sleek coats resembling their wild ancestors. They also tend to be highly intelligent, energetic, and social. Legal ownership depends on location, however, as some places regulate hybrid cats.

According to the Savannah Cat Association, adoption costs tend to be more expensive the more closely related a cat is to its African serval ancestor. And if you’re looking at adopting a cat to breed your own Savannahs, you can expect to pay at least $1,000 above the baseline costs. Female first generation (closest to their serval ancestor) Savannahs who are able to breed are the most expensive Savannahs of all, costing between $15,000 and $18,000 on average.

2. Toyger

Average adoption cost range: $1,800 to $3,500

Contrary to what the breed’s name implies, this cat is not actually a toy tiger. Instead, it’s an adorable domestic cat (no wild ancestry here) with a gorgeous striped coat that resembles its big cat namesake. First developed as a designer cat breed in the 1980s from crossing a Bengal cat with a striped Domestic Shorthair, these beautiful kitties have been gaining momentum ever since.

Looking at what Toyger breeders charge across North America today, you can expect to pay around $2,000 for one of these kittens. Some have nevertheless gone for as much as $5,000.

3. Sphynx

Average adoption cost range: $1,500 to $3,000

The Sphynx cat is a unique breed known for its hairless, wrinkled skin, large ears, and affectionate personality. Despite their lack of fur, they are warm to the touch and love cuddling for warmth — a behavior that’s helped build them a solid fan base over time.

These cats are actually so coveted that there have been multiple reports over the years of people in both the U.S. and Canada shaving other kittens and trying to pass them off as Sphynxes. These cats typically cost less and don’t come with an established pedigree. For real Sphynx kittens from a breeder, you’re looking at spending close to $1,500 or more. Some Sphynx catteries and enthusiast websites mention these cats going up to $10,000 in some cases, but it’s unclear where this number comes from.

4. Persian

Average adoption cost range: $1,000 to $3,000

With long, luxurious coats and round faces with big, expressive eyes, it’s no wonder Persians are highly sought-after pets. They also tend to be friendly and calm in nature, adding to their appeal. They’re not the rarest cats, but the Persian’s high popularity can make it an expensive cat breed indeed.

So, what can you expect to pay when adopting one? Prices vary widly for Persians, perhaps even more so than a lot of other felines on this list. There are 36 Persian catteries listed on the CFA’s breeder directory, for example, and they all charge different prices. Some cats go for as little as $500, while others may be adopted for as much as $5,000. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay a bit less than that. But then there’s the most expensive Persian kittens we came across in 2025, who were listed for $10,000.

5. Bengal

Average adoption cost range: $1,000 to $2,700

Not to be confused with the fearsome and wild Bengal tiger, the Bengal cat is a sought-after family pet known for its beautiful spotted and marbled coat. First developed by crossing an Asian leopard cat with domestic breeds, Bengals have emerged as their own domestic cat breed recognized by most fancier associations. It is also one of the most popular cat breeds today.

For Bengal rescues, adoption fees can be surprisingly low (between $100 and $350). However, purebreds from established Bengal breeders cost considerably more. In some cases, a single Bengal cat can cost as much as $6000.

6. Scottish Fold

Average adoption cost range: $500 to $2,800

Another winner on the list of the most popular cat breeds is the Scottish Fold. If you’ve never seen one before, you might be surprised to learn that they have distinctive folded ears, which accentuate their eyes and make them look like big, furry owls. They are affectionate and playful, adding to their popularity.

It may therefore come as no surprise that these kitties are on the expensive side. Scottish Folds must be bred carefully to retain their trademark ears and stay healthy in the process. Going with a trusted Scottish Fold breeder means having to pay adoption fees between $800 and $2,200, with some places asking for upwards of $3,000.

7. Russian Blue

Average adoption cost range: $600 to $2,500

Though they’re believed to come from Russia, these cats are interesting in that there’s little known about their history prior to the late 1800s. According to breeders, blue cats or “Archangel cats” from Russia are believed to have been brought around Europe by sailors, after which English and Scandinavian versions of them were combined to produce the modern Russian Blue. But as mysterious as their early origins may be, they are beloved today for their dense, plush shorthair coats in gorgeous gray-blue coloring.

Like other expensive cat breeds, the cost of a Russian Blue depends largely on the breeder’s experience and reputation, the cat’s lineage (including health), location, and whether the cat is intended to be a regular pet or meant for shows or breeding. Looking at cats from Russian Blue breeders across the United States, most were around $2,000, with some outliers at $400 and $3,500.

8. Himalayan

Average adoption cost range: $350 to $2,000+

Himalayan cats are popular for their stunning appearance, combining the long, luxurious coat of a Persian with the striking blue eyes and color-point markings of a Siamese. While a lot of cats have similar features to the Himalayan with mixed ancestry, a pedigreed Himalayan is naturally likely to come at a higher cost.

If you’re not looking for a show-quality or breeding Himalayan — a.k.a. you want a “pet quality” cat — you can expect to spend somewhere between $400 and $1,000 with a CFA or TICA-registered breeder. But if you want more than that or are looking for a pet with a more established pedigree and health history, the cost is likely to go up. One breeder we came across listed Himalayan kittens for $4000, with a $500 reservation fee on top.

9. Maine Coon

Average adoption cost range: $400 to $1,700

The Maine Coon has been one of the most popular cat breeds for the past three decades. They’re the largest domestic cat breed in the world, beloved for their huge size and friendly demeanors. Their long, flowy coats and tufted ears only add to their appeal, making it no surprise that they tend to come at a higher adoption cost.

According to Maine Coon Central’s list of approved rescue centers, Maine Coons start between $100 and $400 at shelters, with some charging even more for purebred kittens. Among TICA-registered breeders, costs range from between $1,000 to upwards of $4,000 for a show cat.

10. Peterbald

Average adoption cost range: $500 to $1,500

The Sphynx isn’t the only hairless kitty among the most expensive cats. Meet the Peterbald, a mostly bald cat of Russian origin with an angular head, whip-like tail, and expressive almond-shaped eyes (fun fact: they also have webbed feet). The Peterbald is also known as the “Russian Sphynx.”

There aren’t many TICA-registered Peterbald breeders in the United States or Canada, and the breed isn’t yet officially recognized by the CFA. This is also a seldom-seen breed among rescues and shelters. But among Peterbald catteries that are active, costs across the board range from just shy of $500 to around $1,500.

Protect your expensive cat breed

You don’t need an expensive cat to find your best friend. But while you are considering adoption costs when looking at cats, be sure to think about how you’re going to protect their health as well.

Getting a good cat insurance policy helps with unexpected veterinary bills, which can include treatment for illnesses, injuries, and genetic conditions common in purebred cats.

Learn more about pet insurance coverage for cats and how it can help.