Dogs may be man’s best friends, but cats prove to be just as valuable.
Different cat breeds come in various sizes, colors, and fur patterns. While there are plenty up for adoption in local shelters, some people are looking for ones with a particular look and personality.
As the second most popular household pet, cats are often considered a part of the family. Owners usually spare no expense when it comes to their fur baby’s health and happiness. In a recent article by Forbes, statistics show that on average, cat owners spend over $650 a year just on their pets.
This may be a small cost to pay if you’re after some of these priciest pets. From just over $1,000 to $20,000, here are the most valuable cat breeds in the world.
Persian
Ranging from $1,500 to $5,500 according to Reader’s Digest, the Persian is one of the oldest cat breeds. They can even be seen depicted in hieroglyphics as early as 1684 B.C.
Tracing their origins to the deserts of Persia, they’re now the most popular pedigreed cat breed in the US. The trademark characteristics of the Persian cat are a round, flat face and a thick, long coat. Their coat comes in almost every color and pattern imaginable for cats.
Usually gentle and quiet, Persian cats prefer a calm environment where they can lounge around with their family and bask in the sun. They’re also friendly and affectionate both with people and other pets.
Toyger
With an average price of $1,500 to $6,000, you too could become the owner of a mini tiger. Their genes are a mix of Bengal and a striped domestic shorthair though, so they have no actual tiger blood at all.
Toygers are highly intelligent and athletic, meaning they can be trained to fetch, run an obstacle course, and even walk on a leash.
Sphynx
Known for their hairless coat, Sphynx cats have a sophisticated and graceful look. Despite this, they’re still often playful and friendly with humans and animals.
Although they’re named after the Egyptian legendary sphinx, this breed hails from Canada in the 1960s. Because they barely have any hair, they love laying under the warmth of the sun or cuddling with their owners.
With an average cost of $3,500 to $6,000, their loyal and affectionate nature make them the perfect companions.
Bengal
Beautiful and exotic-looking, Bengal cats can fetch prices up to $10,000 or even more. Bengals were originally developed by breeding an Asian leopard cat with domestic cats like the Abyssinian, Egyptian Mau, or American shorthair.
Though experts only breed them with other Bengals now, they’ve retained the distinctive markings similar to leopards. This breed is very energetic, confident, and curious. They demand plenty of play time so they’re not the most low maintenance of pets.
Savannah
The elegant Savannah, which is a hybrid cross between an African serval and a domestic cat, can cost up to $20,000. Named after the serval’s habitat and similar to its wild cousin, Savannah cats are tall and lean with long legs and big ears.
Though they may look wilder than other domestic cats, this breed is sociable and highly intelligent while enjoying the domestic life.
Socialized Savannah cats sometimes develop dog-like personalities (following their humans around and asking for play time) while still maintaining the usual feline independence.
Banner image by engin akyurt via Unsplash.