ADVERTISEMENT
10. Norwegian Forest Cat
Discover the charm of the Norwegian Forest cat, an exquisite and rare breed originating from Northern Europe, designed for the colder climates. Fascinatingly, its roots may trace back to short-haired cats brought to Norway by Vikings circa 1000 AD, interbreeding with Siberian and Turkish Angora breeds over time.
Surviving a critical period during World War II, the Norwegian Forest Cat owes its existence to the dedicated efforts of the Norwegian Forest Cat Club.
Prospective owners should note potential health concerns, including susceptibility to kidney and heart diseases. While the average cost is approximately $600, the price may vary based on the cat’s quality and appearance. Embrace the allure of this remarkable feline companion with a rich history.
9. Egyptian Mau
Now, let’s talk about the Egyptian Mau, another expensive cat breed. It’s a small to medium-sized cat known for its natural spots. Unlike other breeds like the Bahraini Dilmun Cat, the Egyptian Mau’s spots are unique because they only appear on the tip of the coat. The breed originated in 1952.
While some claim the Egyptian Mau comes from Egypt, DNA testing suggests a different story. It’s believed to have North American and European origins and is considered one of the ancestors of the modern domestic cat. The Egyptian Mau stands out physically, especially with its shorter front legs. To recognize this cat, look for a long, dark stripe from its head to the tail.
When it comes to temperament, the Egyptian Mau is friendly and loyal, making it a great choice for families with kids.
8. British Short Hair
You might have come across videos of the British Shorthair cat on social media. Recognized for its sturdy build and wide face, the British Shorthair is not just a favorite among cat enthusiasts but also a costly breed. The price typically ranges from $500 to $1500, depending on where you buy one. Interestingly, this breed served as the inspiration for John Tenniel’s illustrations in Alice in Wonderland.
The British Shorthair has a long history, dating back to the first century. Initially brought to Europe by the Romans, it later interbred with other European cats, evolving into the charming breed we know today.
7. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a cat breed known for its unique ear deformity that makes its ears “fold.” It has an appearance described as “owl-like.” Before the 1960s, it was originally called Lops or Lop-Eared. In 1966, it officially became known as the Scottish Fold.
The original Scottish Fold was a white barn cat with a mutation in its ears. When its kittens also had folded ears, it became a registered new breed. If you’re thinking of getting a Scottish Fold, be aware that this breed is prone to various conditions like mites and deafness. That’s why Scottish Folds have been bred with other well-known cat breeds such as the British and American Shorthair.
6. Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx is one of the most expensive cat breeds. It’s known for having no hair on its body and gained popularity since the 1960s through selective breeding. However, a common misconception is that it is completely hairless. In reality, its skin has a hair-like texture. The challenge with this cat is that it loses more body heat than other breeds.
If you decide to get a Sphynx, don’t be surprised by its outgoing nature. Despite their extroverted behavior, they are loyal and affectionate to their owners. This cat also has a demeanor more like a dog – it greets the owner and is friendly with strangers.
5. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is another cat breed on the list of the most expensive ones. It can be sold for up to $3000. If you’re looking for a cat with beautiful fur and a close bond with humans, this breed is a good choice. It’s known for its dense coat in a slate grey color and has been around for over a century.
As the name suggests, this cat originated in Arkhangelsk, Russia, and is sometimes called Archangel Blues. It’s believed that the cat was brought from the Archangel Isles and Northern Europe in the 1860s. During the Second World War, Russian Blue cats were in short supply, leading breeders to crossbreed them with Siamese cats.
This cat can be a long-term companion, with a lifespan ranging from 10 to 20 years. In some cases, Russian Blue cats have even lived up to 25 years.
4. Peterbald
The Peterbald is one of the most expensive cats you can buy if you have a lot of money to spend. It originated from Russia and looks similar to Oriental Shorthairs. There are different types of Peterbald cats, some with a straight coat and others born bald. What makes them unique is that they have a gene that causes them to lose hair.
This cat is smart and has a sweet temperament. It’s a good choice if you already have other cats or if you have children.
Looking at the history of the Peterbald, it’s a more recent cat breed. It was developed in 1994 in St. Petersburg, Russia, as a result of an experiment involving the Sphynx cat.
3. Bengal Cat
The Bengal Cat is one of the expensive cat breeds we’ve listed. It was created to resemble a wild cat, looking similar to an ocelot or a leopard. This resemblance isn’t surprising because it was bred by mixing with Asian Leopard cats, which are wild cats from South and East Asia.
If you’re worried that Bengal Cats might have a wild temperament, don’t be concerned anymore. They’ve been bred with domestic cats, so they have the appearance of a wild cat but the friendly personality of a regular house cat.
Interestingly, the development of Bengal cats happened by accident. Asian Leopard Cats were bred with domestic cats for a different reason: to study their apparent immunity to feline leukemia.
2. Allerca Hypoallergenic Cat
Many people face a problem with cat allergies, and sometimes they have to give up their cats because of it. A common solution is to get used to the allergen, but the Allerca Hypoallergenic cat changes that. Now, you can be a cat owner even if you’re allergic to cats.
The Allerca Hypoallergenic cat is pricey, ranging from $6,000 to even $50,000. It might seem expensive, but for cat lovers with allergies, it’s a breakthrough they’re willing to pay for. Researchers who created this breed found that a protein in the cat’s saliva and skin, called Fel d1, is usually responsible for allergies. Switching to this breed works for many, but some owners still report minor allergic reactions.
1. Ashera Cat
The Ashera Cat is a very special kind of pet. It’s kind of like the Bengal cat because it comes from Asian Leopard cats. This cat is known for its spots that make it look like a leopard, and it’s super expensive, costing up to $125,000.
People say you can take these cats for a walk with a leash, and they’re good with kids. But, it’s smart to keep them warm in the winter because they originally come from a hot place. So, you might want to use a heated blanket for them.
ADVERTISEMENT
