Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
More than two hundred different cat breeds create an incredible variety of mustachioed pussies. Among them there are bald ones and with a thick “fur coat”, friendly and not very friendly, playful and calm. One thing unites them – they are incredibly beautiful. And, although it cannot be said that one breed is better than another, there is a certain difference between them. This is the price. Here is the list of the most expensive breeds in the world.
Cats are worth their weight in gold: top 9 most expensive breeds in the world
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
| Cats are worth their weight in gold: top 9 most expensive breeds in the world | 9 | Maine Coon | up to 3000 $ |
| 8 | Norwegian forest cat | UP TO 3000 $ | |
| 7 | American curl | UP TO 3000 $ | |
| 6 | Toyger | UP TO 3000 $ | |
| 5 | Bengali | UP TO 4000 $ | |
| 4 | Safari | up to 8000 $ | |
| 3 | Khao Mani | up to $ 10,000 | |
| 2 | Chausie | UP TO $ 10,000 | |
| 1 | Savannah | UP TO $ 22,000 |
Maine Coon
Rating: 4.2
Price: up to 3000 $
Until recently, it was this domestic cat breed from the United States that was considered the largest in the world. The history of the origin of the furry giants is still not exactly clear. According to one of the legends, the Maine Coon appeared from the crossing of a cat and a raccoon (allegedly, this is confirmed by the color characteristic of a wild animal and a long fluffy tail). The first representatives of the breed lived on farms, performing the function of reliable guardians of the harvest. At the beginning of the 20th century, the breed gained fame, but gained worldwide popularity only after the 60s.
Breed standards: massive head with long mustache and high cheekbones. On the tips of the ears there are small fluffy tassels like those of a lynx. The muscles are well developed, while the body is distinguished by grace. Paws are long, shaggy. The tail is elongated and very fluffy. At the withers, some individuals reach 45 cm. Weight: 4.5-7 kg (cats), 7-13 kg (cats). For Maine Coons, later adulthood is characteristic: individuals of this breed reach maturity only by 5 years.
Character: despite the formidable appearance, representatives of the breed are distinguished by a friendly, affectionate disposition. Although they quickly become attached to their owners, they nevertheless tolerate loneliness well. They get along well with other pets, with the exception of birds and hamsters, in which they will be happy to launch their claws: Maine Coons have a highly developed hunting instinct. Cats of this breed are distinguished by considerable curiosity, playful, love outdoor games.
Features of care: although the harsh animal is perfectly adapted even to a cold climate, it requires regular care. At least 3 times a week, the cat must be carefully combed with a special comb, and every six months, he should be given water procedures. Some people are intimidated by the thought of how to drag into the bath and keep a hefty cat from trying to avoid such joy. In fact, Maine Coons love to splash in the water: the kitty will be happy to play with the water running from the tap.
Norwegian forest cat
Rating: 4.3
Price: up to 3000 $
The origin of the breed is shrouded in many legends. If you believe the myths of Scandinavia, it was this cat who was the constant companion of the god Thor, and over time became an assistant to the Vikings at sea: he caught mice on the ship. Felinology, however, adhere to a different version, considering that the first representatives of the breed appeared as a result of breeding from Angora, brought into the country 400 years ago. The breed was officially registered only in 1977. Today it is one of the most popular and expensive in the world.
Breed Standards: Has a muscular body with strong legs. Wedge-shaped head, erect ears with small tassels at the tips. Fluffy tail. The eyes are almond-shaped, always in harmony with the coat in color. A pronounced feature of the breed is the 'collar' and 'pants' on the legs. Weight: 4-6 kg (cat), 6-9 kg (cat). At the withers they reach 40 cm. Like Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats usually reach maturity very late – by the age of 5, so they often behave like small children.
Character: balanced disposition, curiosity, developed intellect. It becomes attached to the owner, preferring to spend most of the time in his company, purring a song. It is noticed that cats, oddly enough, differ in a more affectionate disposition. Cats are more proud and independent. The Norwegian gets along well with other pets, not claiming leadership. Doesn't get bored with loud meows, although it has a much louder voice than many other breeds.
Features of care: needs regular training, so it will be glad to walk in the fresh air (you can regularly walk with your pet on a leash). Wool requires careful maintenance (you should comb the fluff at least a couple of times a week). But bathing the 'beast' is too often not worth it (only if it stains its fur in something).
American curl
Rating: 4.4
Price: up to 3000 $
The unique and expensive breed was bred in the States and officially registered in 1986. 5 years earlier, breeders had discovered a cat with unusual ears, which gave an equally unusual litter. This was the starting point for the creation of a new breed. Over the years of breeding, many varieties of American Curl color have been created, one thing has remained unchanged – bent ears. For a relatively short period of its existence, the breed managed to fall in love with the whole world and get into the ranking of the most expensive cats.
Breed standards: Well developed rectangular body with medium length legs. The head is wedge-shaped. The eyes resemble an ellipse in shape, their color does not depend at all on the color of the animal. The coat is of two types – short and long. In the first case, the hairline is incredibly shiny, in the second – luxurious density. A distinctive feature is the ears bent outward at a right angle. Ear shells are much tougher than most feline breeds. Weight – 3-7 kg. At the withers they reach 33 cm.
Personality: American Curl is a very kind cat who loves the owner's affection and returns it a hundredfold. The animal is very curious, has a playful disposition, unchanged throughout life. Representatives of the breed are peaceful with other animals, they love children. They do not tolerate prolonged loneliness – they can become depressed.
Features of care: for a short-haired curl, care is simple – it is enough to comb his coat once a week and thoroughly, and, most importantly, carefully clean the ears. Long-haired individuals will have to be combed out more often – at least a couple of times a week. Water procedures should not be very frequent: 2-3 times every six months is enough.
Important! Curls do not like being touched by the ears. This must also be conveyed to children. And any attempts to smooth the ears will cause painful sensations to the pet and can lead to disturbances in the structure of the auricle.
Toyger
Rating: 4.5
Price: up to 3000 $
This large cat breed is similar in color to a tiger and it is no coincidence. The creator of toyger claims to have done this in order to draw people's attention to the conservation of the tiger population in the wild. It's no secret that these animals have long been on the verge of extinction. It is noteworthy that the breed is not called 'tiger' (tiger in translation from English), but namely toyger, which means 'toy tiger'. Mostly Bengals participated in the selection of toyger. The breed was created in 2006 and officially recognized a year later. At his very first TICA championship, the toyger surprised everyone with its speed and agility, recalling with its habits a real tiger.
Breed standards: massive skeleton with well-developed muscles. Powerful chest, long neck, round head with a wide nose. Round, expressive eyes and ears with rounded tips. The tail is long and powerful. The coat is short, dense and silky to the touch at the same time.
Personality: very calm, kind animal. At the same time, it boasts enviable energy and mobility. Loves active games. Toyger is very curious, playful, friendly towards other pets, including dogs. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by obedience, good learning ability, and need early socialization.
Features of care: toyger does not require complex care. It is enough 3-4 times a month to go over his coat with a special comb. The only thing that needs constant inspection and care is the toyger's ears. This is his weak point. The animal must have constant access to food: even if the cat has a diet, you should not leave the bowl completely empty. Toygers drink a lot of water – there should always be plenty of it.
Bengali
Rating: 4.6
Price: up to 4000 $
This graceful and beautiful animal has a short history: the breed originated in the middle of the 20th century. An American geneticist in the 60s went to Thailand and in one of the local markets in Bangkok saw Bengal kittens, which were sold to tourists as a living souvenir. She bought herself one too. The unique animal inspired Jean Mill to create a fundamentally new breed with a predator appearance and an affectionate feline disposition. This is how the Bengal cat was bred.
Breed standards: Strong, elongated body. The hind legs are also slightly elongated. Medium length tail with black tip. The coat is short and thick. The main feature is the presence of a leopard pattern. The ears are short, set wide apart. Weight: 5-6 kg. At the withers they reach 32 cm.
Personality: the breed uniquely combines the features of a wild predator and a traditional domestic cat. Bengals are excellent hunters who love active games that involve 'hunting'. A well-bred individual is distinguished by an affectionate disposition, curiosity and considerable ingenuity. They love children and pets (except birds and rodents). They love to swim.
Features of care: do not require special care – it is enough to comb out the cat's fur and trim the claws once a month. He does not need water procedures, but he will be happy to play with water.
Important! Some breed owners mistakenly believe that Bengal cats need to eat raw meat. This is not only undesirable, but also potentially dangerous for the pet. You should make a choice in favor of thermally processed 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, safari is not recognized by all felinological organizations, therefore it is considered experimental. It is a hybrid of Geoffroy's South African wild cat and Bengal / Siamese. Initially, the breed was bred to study and solve the problem of leukemia, so common in domestic cats and unfamiliar to wild cats.
Breed Standards: The appearance of the breed is identical to primitive cats that lived in the wild. It is one of the largest feline species in the world. Slender, muscular body with a broad chest and strong, fairly long legs. Large head with well-defined cheekbones and a prominent nose. Thick wool with a water-repellent effect. Weight: cats – from 8 kg, cats – from 13 kg.
Personality: affectionate, friendly. They get along well with people, surprisingly easily get along with other pets (with the exception of rodents and birds). They love to spend time with their owners, quickly becoming attached to them. They are distinguished by playfulness, energy, they love active entertainment: they frolic both with toys and in the water. Safaris love to swim and can even join their host in the shower.
Features of care: once a week, it is recommended to take care of the ears and eyes. It is enough to wipe the ears with a cotton swab dipped in a special veterinary composition. A weak chamomile broth is quite suitable for the eyes. Safaris are very fond of swimming, but do not abuse water procedures: once every 3 months is enough.
Khao Mani
Rating: 4.8
Price: up to $ 10,000
An unusual and expensive breed with an ancient pedigree. It is very difficult to trace the origin of kao mani. It first appeared several hundred years ago in Thailand. In translation, the name means 'white jewel'. Sometimes this breed is also called the Diamond Eye ('diamond eye'). In ancient times, the possession of a kao mani was considered a royal privilege inaccessible to mere mortals. Today, for good money, anyone can afford this fluffy luxury.
Breed Standards: Kao Mani are medium in size and well muscled. They have medium length limbs and tail. The ears are set high and moderately large. The coat is white, dense, smooth. Almond-shaped eyes of blue, yellow, green. Also, cats of the Kao Mani breed are characterized by heterochromia (multi-colored eyes for the breed are very rare and the most preferred option).
Character: cheerful, friendly, easy to communicate with people and animals cat. Differs in vigor, curiosity, sometimes they are too 'talkative', but at the same time they never allow themselves manifestations of aggression. She needs socialization and love of the owner: you cannot leave her alone for a long time and, even more so, neglect her: they will be offended forever or, even worse, may fall into depression, become embittered.
Features of care: practically does not need it. The main thing is to provide adequate nutrition, a comfortable place to sleep and a sufficient amount of attention (it is also desirable to have a companion). Brush your coat once a week.
Council. The diet of kao mani should not be dominated by coarse food, since cats of this variety have sensitive gums. Also, representatives of the breed are sensitive to ultraviolet light: you should regularly check the condition of the skin, especially in the area behind the ears.
Chausie
Rating: 4.9
Price: up to $ 10,000
A new cat breed officially listed in 1995. A wild domestic cat is about a chausie. Outwardly, the representatives of the breed are similar to the Abyssinians, but at the same time the blood of jungle cats flows in their veins. These two animals laid the foundation for a unique breed.
Breed Standards: Medium-sized cat with strong cheekbones and an elongated nose similar in profile to a wild animal. The ears are straight with small tassels at the ends. The body is muscular, long, with equally long and powerful legs. The tail is very long: it is more than half the length of the body. Weight: up to 15 kg (males), females are slightly less, but at the same time they are much more energetic.
Personality: Although the breeders tried to completely remove the 'wild' traits from the Chausie, they did not succeed completely. And, nevertheless, these animals are very sociable, friendly, outgoing, attached to humans, but at the same time have an independent and proud disposition. Although you should not leave them alone for a long time: they need attention. They get along well with other pets (especially dogs). They are often friendly to children, but they require respectful attitude (it is important for the owner of the Chausie to understand that the cat is not a toy, but a full-fledged member of the family).
Features of care: they do not need careful care, but periodic combing of the coat will not hurt (during the shedding period). Chausi will be happy with water treatments (not necessarily swimming – just water games). Since the breed is large enough, it is recommended to keep it in a spacious apartment, or even better – in a country house.
Council. As a descendant of wild cats, the Chausie is used to stocking up on food. Even if he is full, he will surely hide the remnants of food somewhere that the owners will find when cleaning. But do not scold the pet – this is normal behavior for such an animal.
Savannah
Rating: 5.0
Price: up to $ 22,000
One of the most beautiful, rare and expensive cat breeds in the world. These short-haired cats were bred back in 1986. The Savannah breed combines the beauty of a wild beast with an agreeable 'domestic' character: this is the result of the amazing friendship of the African Serval and the Siamese cat. The breed standard was approved in 2001.
Breed Standards: Long, slender, yet muscular body with broad chest and strong hips. Flexible neck and long legs with jet black or dark brown pads. The head is small, like the ears, widened towards the base, the nose is slightly convex. A striking feature of the breed is a smooth, short coat with spots reminiscent of a leopard skin.
Personality: Despite a dangerous ancestor, the Savannah has a calm, absolutely balanced character. Strongly attached to the owner, supportive of all family members. But he does not like strangers (he simply ignores them) and does not get along well with pets (the exception is the simultaneous appearance in the house with another animal). Savannah loves to hunt, jump, swim, so it is advisable to get a cat for those who live in a private house. The ability to jump high and far, innate curiosity and irrepressible energy make the pet incredibly playful and active.
Features of care: Savannah cats love to swim, play in the water, so they are recommended to walk in the fresh air (the ideal option is to live in a country house). They do not need combing and bathing: it is enough to comb the pet's hair during the molting period and arrange water procedures a couple of times a year.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
