9 most expensive cat breeds in the world

More than two hundred different feline breeds create an incredible variety of whiskered fluffy. Among them there are bald and with thick “fur coat”, friendly and not very friendly, playful and calm. They have one thing in common: they are incredibly beautiful. And although we cannot say that one breed is better than another, there is a definite difference between the two. It’s price. Here’s a ranking of the world’s most expensive breeds.

Cats worth their weight in gold: top 9 most expensive breeds in the world

Maine Coon

Rating: 4.2

Price: up to $ 3000

Until recently this domestic cat breed from the USA was considered to be the biggest in the world. The furry giants’ origin story is still not exactly clear. According to one legend, the Maine Coon is a cross between a cat and a raccoon (supposedly confirmed by the color typical of a wild animal and a long fluffy tail). The first representatives of the breed lived on farms, serving as reliable guards of the harvest. The breed became famous in the early 20th century, but gained worldwide popularity only after the 60s.

Breed standards: massive head with long whiskers and high cheekbones. On the tips of the ears – small fluffy tassels like a lynx. Excellent muscularity and graceful body. Paws long, shaggy. The tail is elongated and very fluffy. At withers, some individuals reach 45 cm. Weight: 4.5-7 kg (cats), 7-13 kg (cats). It is characteristic for Maine Coons to grow up later: individuals of this breed reach adulthood only at the age of 5.

Character: despite its formidable appearance, the representatives of the breed have a friendly and affectionate disposition. Though they quickly become attached to their owners, they can stand loneliness very well. They co-exist well with other pets, with the exception of birds and hamsters, where they are happy to get their claws into: Maine Coons have a strong hunting instinct. Cats of this breed are quite curious, playful and like active games.

Peculiarities of care: though a severe animal is well adapted even to the cold climate, it requires regular care. At least 3 times a week a cat should be thoroughly combed with a special comb, and every six months to arrange him a bath. Some people are intimidated by the thought of getting them into the bathtub and keeping the big cat from trying to avoid such a joy. Actually Maine Coons adore splashing in water: the kitty will be glad to play with the water running from the tap.

The Norwegian Forest Cat

Rating: 4.3

Price: up to $ 3000

The origin of the breed is shrouded in many legends. According to Scandinavian myths, this cat was the constant companion of the god Thor and eventually became the Vikings’ assistant at sea: he caught mice on the ship. But felinologists hold to another version, believing that the first representatives of the breed appeared as a result of breeding from Angoras, brought into the country 400 years ago. Officially registered as a breed only in 1977. Today it is one of the most popular and expensive in the world.

Breed standards: has a muscular body with strong paws. Wedge-shaped head, pointed ears with small tassels at the tips. Fluffy tail. Almond-shaped eyes, always in harmony with the fur. Significant features of the breed – “collar” and “panties” on the legs. Weight: 4-6 kg (cat), 6-9 kg (cat). At the withers reach 40 cm. Similarly to Maine Coons, Norwegian Wildcats reach maturity usually very late – by 5 years, so they often behave like small children.

Character: balanced character, inquisitiveness, high intelligence. It gets attached to its owner preferring to spend most of its time in the owner’s company, purring a song. It has been noticed that cats are strangely more affectionate in temperament. Cats, on the other hand, are more proud and independent. Norwegian gets along perfectly with other pets, with no pretensions to leadership. Does not annoy with its loud meowing, though it has a much louder voice than many other breeds.

Peculiarities of care: it needs regular exercises, so it will be glad to go for walks in the open air (it is possible to walk it regularly on a leash). Its coat needs a thorough care (combing out the fluffy hair at least a couple of times a week). But it is not recommended to bathe “the beast” too often (only if he gets his coat dirty).

American Curl

Rating: 4.4

Price: up to $ 3000

A unique and expensive breed was bred in the States and officially registered in 1986. Five years before breeders found a cat with unusual ears that gave equally unusual offspring. That was the starting point for the creation of the new breed. Over the years of breeding there have been created many color varieties of American Curl, the only thing that has not changed is the bent ears. For a relatively short period of its existence the breed has managed to fall in love with the whole world and get into the rating of the most expensive cats.

Breed standards: Well-developed rectangular body with medium-length legs. Cuneiform head. The eyes are ellipse-shaped, their color does not depend on the color of the animal. Its coat comes in two types: short and long. In the first case the hair coat is distinguished by incredible shine, in the second – by luxurious density. A distinctive feature – the ears bent outside at a right angle. Ear shells are much stiffer than most cat breeds. Body weight 3-7 kg. At the withers they reach 33 cm.

Character: the American Call is a very kind cat that loves affection from her owner and returns it a hundredfold. The animal is very inquisitive and has a playful temperament that remains unchanged throughout its life. Representatives of the breed are friendly with other animals, they like children. Do not tolerate prolonged loneliness – may become depressed.

Peculiarities of care: the care of a short-haired rabbit is very simple. Once a week it is enough to comb its hair and, more importantly, to brush its ears gently. Long-haired animals need to be brushed more often, at least a couple of times a week. Water procedures should not be too frequent: 2-3 times per half a year is enough.

Important! Kerls don’t like to be touched by the ears. This also needs to be conveyed to the children. Any attempts to smooth the ears cause pain to the pet and may lead to disturbances in the structure of the auricle.

Toiger

Rating: 4.5

Price: up to $3,000

This large cat breed is similar in color to a tiger and it is no coincidence. The tiger’s creator says she did it to draw people’s attention to keeping the tiger population in the wild. It is no secret that these animals have long been on the verge of extinction. It is noteworthy that the breed is not called “tiger”, but “toger”.), but it is called a “tiger”, which means “toy tiger. In the selection of the Teuger participated mainly Bengals. The breed was created in 2006 and officially recognized a year later. At his first TICA championship the Tiger surprised everyone with its speed and quickness, reminding with its behavior of a real tiger.

Standards of the breed: massive skeleton with well-developed muscles. Strong chest, long neck, round head with a wide nose. Round expressive eyes and ears with rounded tips. The tail is long and powerful. Wool is short, dense and silky to the touch at the same time.

Character: very calm, kind animal. At the same time can boast of enviable energy and mobility. Very fond of active games. Toyger is very curious, playful, friendly to other pets, dogs included. Representatives of the breed are obedient, well-trained, need early socialization.

Peculiarities of care: The Teuger does not require complicated care. It is enough to pass him 3-4 times a month with a special comb. The only thing that needs constant examination and care are the ears of Teuger. That’s his weak spot. The cat must have access to food at all times: even if he is on a fixed diet, you shouldn’t leave his bowl too empty. Toigers drink a lot of water – there must always be enough of it.

Bengal

Rating: 4.6

Price: up to $4000

This graceful and beautiful animal has a short history: the breed originated in the mid-20th century. An American geneticist biologist in the 60s went to Thailand and at one of the local markets in Bangkok saw Bengal kittens that were sold to tourists as living souvenirs. She bought herself one as well. The unique animal inspired Jean Mill to create an entirely new breed with a predator-like appearance and an affectionate feline disposition. That’s how the Bengal cat was bred.

Breed standards: Strong, elongated torso. Hind legs are also slightly elongated. Medium length tail with a black tip. The wool is short and thick. The main attribute – the presence of a leopard pattern. The ears are short and widely spaced. Weight: 5-6 kg. At the withers reach 32 cm.

Character: the breed has a unique combination of the features of a wild carnivore and a traditional house cat. Bengals are excellent hunters, adoring active games that involve “hunting”. A well-behaved individual is characterized by an affectionate disposition, curiosity and considerable intelligence. They love children and pets (except birds and rodents). They love to bathe.

Peculiarities of care: not much care, it is enough to comb out the cat’s fur and trim the claws once a month. Does not need water procedures, but will be happy to play with water.

Important! Some owners of the breed mistakenly believed that Bengal cats should eat raw meat. Not only is it undesirable, but it’s also potentially dangerous for your pet. Choose heat-treated meat or premium food.

Safari

Rating: 4.7

Price: up to $8000

One of the most unusual, expensive and controversial cat breeds of our time. At the moment the Safari is not recognized by all felinological organizations, so it is considered experimental. It is a hybrid of a South African wild cat Joffrua and a Bengal/Siamese. Originally the breed was bred to study and solve the problem of leukemia, so often found in domestic cats and unfamiliar to wild ones.

Breed standards: the appearance of the breed is identical to the primitive cats that lived in the wild. This is one of the biggest cat species in the world. Slender, muscular body with a broad chest and strong, long enough legs. Large head with well defined cheekbones and prominent nose. Tight coat with water repellent effect. Weight: cats – from 8 kg, cats – from 13 kg.

Character: gentle, friendly. Great with people, surprisingly easy to get along with other pets (except rodents and birds). They like to spend time with their owners, quickly becoming attached to them. They are playful, energetic, like active entertainment: frolic with toys as well as in the water. Safari loves to bathe and may even join their owner in the shower.

Special care: once a week ears and eyes care is recommended. The ears should only be rubbed with a cotton swab moistened with a special veterinary compound. A weak chamomile decoction will do for the eyes. Safari’s love to bathe, but you should not abuse the water procedures: Once every 3 months is enough.

Kao Mani

Rating: 4.8

Price: up to $10,000

Unusual and expensive breed with ancient pedigree. Tracing the origins of the Cao Mani is very difficult. First introduced several hundred years ago in Thailand. Translation of the name means “white jewel. Sometimes this breed is also called the Diamond Eye. In ancient times owning a Khao Mani was considered a royal privilege unavailable to mere mortals. Today, for good money, anyone can afford this furry luxury.

Breed standards: The Cao Mani is medium in size and well muscled. Have medium length limbs and tail. Ears are high and moderately large. The coat is white, thick and smooth. Almond-shaped, blue, yellow, green eyes. Also Cao Mani cats are characterized by heterochromia (multi-colored eyes are very rare and the most preferable for the breed).

Character: cheerful, friendly, easygoing with people and animals cat. Characterized by vigor, curiosity, at times can be too “talkative”, but never allow themselves aggression. Needs socialization and love of the owner: can not leave her alone for a long time and, all the more, neglect her: forever offended, or worse, can become depressed, embittered.

Peculiarities of the care: practically does not need it. The main thing is to provide them with good food, a comfortable place to sleep and enough attention (a companion is also desirable). Brushing the coat once a week.

Advice. Cao Mani’s diet should not be dominated by rough food, as cats of this variety have sensitive gums. Also members of the breed are sensitive to ultraviolet light: the skin condition should be checked regularly, especially in the area behind the ears.

Chauzy

Rating: 4.9

Price: up to $10 000

A new breed of cat, officially listed in 1995. The wild domestic cat is about the Chauzy. Externally the breed representatives look like Abyssinians but they have the blood of reed cats in their veins. These two animals are the origin of the unique breed.

Breed standards: medium-sized cat with powerful cheekbones and an elongated nose similar in profile to a wild animal. Ears are straight with small tassels on the tips. Body muscular, long, with equally long and powerful paws. Tail very long: makes up more than half of its body length. Weight: up to 15 kg (males), females – a little less, but they are much more vigorous.

Character: although breeders have tried to remove the “wild” traits of the Chauzi completely, it was not possible to do it completely. And, nevertheless, these animals are very sociable, friendly, contactable, attached to people, but they have an independent and proud temper. Don’t leave them alone for too long, though: they need attention. Excellent at getting along with other pets (especially dogs). Children are often friendly, but they must be treated with respect (the owner of the chauzy needs to understand that the cat is not a toy, but a full-fledged member of the family).

Peculiarities of care: do not need a thorough care, but periodic combing out the hair does not hurt (during the moulting period). Chauzis will enjoy water activities (not necessarily bathing, just water play). Since the breed is quite large, it is recommended to keep it in a spacious apartment, and even better – in a country house.

Advice. As a descendant of feral cats, Chauzy is used to stockpiling food. Even if he is full, the remains of food are sure to hide somewhere, which the owners will find during cleaning. But do not scold the pet – this is normal behavior for such an animal.

Savannah

Rating: 5.0

Price: up to $22000

One of the most beautiful, rare and expensive cat breeds in the world. These short-haired cats were bred in not too distant 1986. The Savannah breed combines the beauty of a wild animal and an easy-going “domestic” character: this is the result of an amazing friendship between the African Serval and the Siamese cat. The breed standard was approved in 2001.

The standard of the breed: long, slender but muscular body with a broad chest and firm hips. Flexible neck and long legs with coal-black or dark brown paw pads. The head is small, as are the ears, extended to the base, and the nose is slightly convex. The breed is noted for its sleek, short fur with spots reminiscent of leopard skin.

Character: despite its dangerous ancestor, the Savannah cat is characterized by a calm and absolutely balanced character. It becomes very attached to its owner and is benevolent towards all family members. But does not like strangers (simply ignore them) and does not get along well with pets (exception – simultaneous appearance in the house with another animal). The Savannah loves to hunt, jump and swim, so it’s recommended to get a cat if you live in a private house. Its ability to jump high and far, its innate curiosity and irrepressible energy make it an incredibly playful and active pet.

Care peculiarities: savannah cats like to swim and play in the water, that’s why they are recommended to go for walks in the open air (ideal – living in a country house). They don’t need combing and bathing: it’s enough to comb the pet during the moulting period and water a couple of times a year.