There are more than 250 cat breeds in the world: hairless and furry, wayward and friendly, tender and freedom loving. But there’s one thing that unites all of them: they’re incredibly beautiful.
We at SmallJoys wondered about how much the most expensive breeds were, and, to tell the truth, we were surprised. We invite you to see the prices of the most exotic representatives of the world of cats.
Norwegian Forest cat
This cat’s ancestors were bred by Vikings 2,000 years ago. Nice and furry, this cat can stand harsh frost and is a great hunter. A kitten’s price varies from $600 to $3,000.
Himalayan cat
This breed looks much like a Persian cat, but it’s characterized by blue eyes and colorpoint coloring (light body with dark face, feet, ears, and tail). Himalayan cats were bred in 1950 in the USA. Himalayans are tender, obedient, and friendly cats with a calm temper. A kitten costs from $500 to $1,300.
Scottish Fold
The calling card of Scottish Folds is cute ears that, unlike other cats, don’t stick up — they hang. This unusual feature is a result of genetic mutation. These cats are extremely clever. They easily get along with other family members and are always ready to play. One more distinctive feature of Scottish Folds is that they can stand on their hind legs and observe things they’re interested in. A kitten costs from $200 to $1,500.
Peterbald
The Peterbald, also known as the Petersburg Sphynx, was bred in Russia in 1994. These elegant cats have slim bodies, elongated heads, and large extended ears. The body can be bald or fuzzy. Peterbalds are sociable, tender tempered, and easy to train. This kitty will cost you from $400 to $1,200.
Egyptian Mau
The appearance of these cats has changed little for 3,000 years — since the time of Ancient Egypt. These cats have not only a spotted coat but also spotted skin. To become an owner of an Ancient Egyptian cat you will pay from $500 to $1,500.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the largest cat breeds. Its representatives can weigh from 5 to 15 kg (11 to 33 lb), and a mature cat’s body can reach 1.23 m (4 ft) in length. However, despite its fearsome appearance, these are affectionate, gentle, and playful animals. This giant kitty’s price ranges between $600 and $1,500.
LaPerm
This is one of the most unusual breeds that appeared in 1980 in the USA. In addition to their curly hair, these cats have one more specific feature: they’re hypoallergenic. That’s why they’re a perfect choice for families with allergy sufferers. A kitten of this breed costs from $200 to $2,000.
Russian Blue
This is one of the most popular shorthair cat breeds. It became known outside Russia in 1893. As the belief says, this cat brings good luck to the house. You can buy this lucky charm for $400 to $2,000.
Serengeti cat
This breed begins its history in California in 1994. A mature Serengeti’s weight is about 8-12 kg (17.6-26.4 lb). They have well-developed bodies, large ears, a spotted coat, and very long legs. You can buy this cat for $600 to $2,000.
Elf cat
This young cat breed was developed in the USA in 2006. The Elfs are unbelievably friendly, smart, mischievous, communicative, curious, and devoted creatures. Those who’re eager to buy this unique cat will have to pay a rather large sum of money — $2,000.
Toyger
This large cat breed resembles a tiger with its coat pattern, and it explains the name’s origin. The breed’s founder states that the Toyger was developed to inspire people to think about tiger preservation in the wild. You can get inspired for $500 to $3,000.
American Curl
This breed was developed in California in 1981. The newborn kittens can hardly be told apart from the full-grown cats, but as early as the 10th day of their life their ears start turning back, like little horns. This specific feature touches hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can join the American Curl admirers for $1,000 to $3,000.
Bengal cat
This breed was developed by crossing an Asian Leopard сat with a domestic cat. These cats love to swim, and, despite their impressive size (4-8 kg or 8.8-17.6 lb), they often climb their owner’s shoulders. This awesome mini leopard costs $1,000 to $4,000.
Safari
This rare breed appeared by crossing a domestic and a South American wild Geoffroy’s cat. The first representatives of the breed were developed in the USA in the 1970s for the purposes of studying leukemia. A mature cat weighs 11 kg (24.2 lb) on average. You can become an owner of a domestic predator for $4,000 to $8,000.
Khao Manee
We can find the earliest references to this breed in Tamra Maew, or ’Cat Book Poems’ (1350-1767). In ancient Siam, Khao Manee lived only with the royal families and were considered to be a symbol of luck, longevity, and wealth. This lucky charm sells for $7,000 to $11,000.
Chausie
This is one of the rarest cat breeds. It was developed by crossing a domestic and a jungle cat. These are very sociable animals, and it’s hard for them to bear loneliness. Chausies will be happy with any company, whether it’s a human, other cats, or even a dog. A kitten’s price varies from $8,000 to $10,000.
Caracal
The Caracal is in danger of extinction. Several years ago, this breed moved from the category of wild predators to exclusive and expensive pets. That’s why buying a kitten for $7,000 to $10,000 can help to preserve this unique species.
Savannah cat
This breed was developed by crossing an African Serval and a domestic cat. They’re the largest cats: a mature cat weighs an average of 15 kg (33 lb) and reaches 60 cm (1.9 ft) in height. Savannah cats are known for their high level of intelligence, calm temper, curiosity, and active nature. They love taking a bath, walking outdoors, and games. To get such a wonderful cat, you need to have lots of space for it to play — as well as $4,000 to $22,000.
Ashera
The Ashera is the most exotic domestic cat in the world. It was bred by crossing a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat. As the breed’s founders say, an Ashera is hypoallergenic, but there’s still discussion concerning this question. You can become a proud owner of this majestic kitty for $22,000 to $100,000.