Originally worshiped by the ancient Egyptians, felines have long carried a high status with humans. It is no surprise that felines today continue to be the ultimate companions.
Many cat owners are fine with adopting kitty companions from a shelter. However, some owners prefer the purebred variety, and these felines can come with a hefty price tag.
Why So Purr-fectly Expensive?
If you've ever looked for a breeder, you might have been surprised at the price some felines will fetch. Cats can cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. There are a few reasons why cats can be so pricey.
Purebred cats are generally more expensive than mixed-breed cats. Different cat breeds are priced because of the rarity of the breed and their popularity.
Ethically breeding cats is expensive. Breeders pay a lot of money for registration, showing costs and veterinary care for the mother cat and kittens.
Another reason why cats are expensive is their popularity. When a cat breed spikes in popularity because of looks or personality, people tend to "go with the trend." Cute cats that become popular tend to rake up higher prices for their breed.
The World's Golden Cats
Your cat may think he's the god of the household because you're an absolute sucker for him. However, some cats are even more godlike, not because of their place at home, but because of their price.
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Here are some of the most expensive cats you can find:
1. Savannah
Price: $1,000 to $50,000
One of the most expensive rare cat breeds, the Savannah was developed in 1986 as a result of cross-breeding a male African Serval with a female domestic Siamese cat.
Savannahs carry the markings of the African Serval. These cats also have the tall, slender figure of the Serval, which makes them look big compared to other domestic cats. Their temperaments are mild, which comes from their domestic cat bloodline.
2. Khao Manee
Price: $5,000 to $10,000
Beautiful and elegant in their pure white coats, the Khao Manee (pronounced as Cow Man-ee) is a rare cat breed that originates from Thailand. This cat is also called the 'Diamond Eye Cat' because of its eye color, which can be gold, bright blue, or odd-eyed, with one of each color.
These cats were originally bred for Thai royalty, and it shows in their temperaments. They are playful, friendly, and affectionate.
3. Bengal
Price: $1,500 to $10,000
Another hybrid cat breed, the Bengal comes from Asian leopards and domestic cats. The Bengal is a beautiful spotted cat with a thick, slender body similar to the Asian leopard. The wild-looking domesticated Bengal can weigh up to 17 pounds.
While Bengals are great companions, they can be a handful for first-time cat owners. Thanks to their curious nature, they need a lot of physical and mental enrichment. They like to be stimulated and play, so you should consider this if you want to get a Bengal.
4. Persian
Price: $1,500 to $5,000
Persians are one of the most popular cat breeds in the US. These cats are medium-sized, but they can grow quite big depending on their lineage. These cats are known for their trademark flat faces and snub noses, with long coats in varying shades and colors.
Persian kitties are affectionate, and a lot of owners prefer them because of their sweet, gentle natures. You'll find that Persians aren't very rare. You can probably get one for a cheaper price, but they might not be of pure pedigree.
5. Peterbald
Price: $1,700 to $3,000
Sometimes mistaken for a Sphynx, Peterbald cats are another hairless (or very little hair) cat breed. These cats are very loyal and affectionate and may sometimes have a "dog-like" personality.
The Peterbald cat is one of the most expensive cat breeds because there are very few breeders. Hairless cats are also relatively expensive (much like the Sphynx), so the prices of these cats are definitely high.
6. Scottish Fold
Price: $800 to $2,000
Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats with a dominant gene mutation that causes their ears to "fold." These cats are known for their roly-poly round bodies and faces. Their coats are soft to the touch with various shades and markings.
The Scottish Fold is an expensive cat because it can be quite difficult to breed. It cannot be bred with another folded-ear cat, as it may cause further genetic mutations. It can only be bred with an American or British shorthair, and the litters won't always produce a Scottish Fold kitten.
7. Ragdoll
Price: $1,000 to $1,500
The Ragdoll cat is another popular feline known for its distinct colorpoint coat and striking blue eyes. These cats can be quite large, with a luxurious, long coat that makes them look elegant when they strut.
These cats are very relaxed and affectionate, which makes them perfect for many family homes. Though relatively cheaper than other luxury cats, Ragdolls still pack a hefty $1,000 price point if they are bred with a reputable pedigree.
How Much Does It Cost To Care For These Cats?
Caring for these golden cats is no different from taking care of your regular fluffy feline. Since they are purebred cats, you may face some issues that other cat owners don't have. It's good to remember that some breeds are predisposed to specific illnesses and diseases.
- Cat food and treats: Your cat's food may cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per month or more if you chose specialized food. If you're the type who loves to spoil your precious feline, remember to add a few extra bucks for their daily treats.
- Toys: Cat toys can cost anywhere from $1 to $20. However, you may soon realize that your cat prefers the packaging a toy comes in—and it's free.
- Cat bedding and furniture: This isn't necessarily an area that you need to spend on every month, but beds and furniture can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 (or more.)
- Cat litter (and boxes): Aside from food and treats, you'll have to spend about $10 to $50 for cat litter. This is one cost you don't want to scrimp on.
- Grooming: Depending on the kind of cat that you own, you may need to send them to a grooming service once in a while. These services can cost anywhere from $5 to $100.
- Routine vet care: Taking care of cats also means they should have ready access to vet care. Routine health care can cost anywhere from $15 to $1,000, depending on what service your cat receives.
- Supplements and preventative medications: Not all cats require medication, but it's good to give them supplements for their health. Depending on their needs, supplements will cost about $10 to $50.
Priceless Purrfection
Sure, these priceless golden cats can be something we can dream of owning, but you can still get sweet cuddles from regular domesticated cats. Although less rare in breed, each has its own personality that can rival the most expensive of cats.
However, if you're really looking to own one of these expensive cats, make sure that you're capable of meeting its needs. Their hefty price point doesn't only refer to their breeds but also to their specific requirements. Regardless of which feline you choose, you will surely be rewarded with tons of happy purrs from your beloved feline.
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