No Ordinary Cats Here: The 35 Unique Felines That Are Rarely Found In Shelters

By Larissa C

When it comes to domestic animals, everyone should look into adoption. There are so many cats and dogs that don’t have a home. They’ve already been through so much; now they just want a family and some affection. And we can give them that for free! But it’s not that easy to get a pet when you want to adopt a rare breed. In adoption centers, the chances are that you’ll only find the most common breeds. If you want a rare cat or dog, you’ll undoubtedly need to pay for them. Did you know that some people pay up to $125,000 for a rare breed? But don’t worry — some rare breeds are relatively affordable. Whether you’re considering getting a special cat, or you’re just interested in the topic, here are 35 rarest and most expensive cat breeds in the world!

#35: The Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest cats are incredibly popular for a reason. Actually, scratch that. There are many reasons why so many people want to get their hands on these cats. Norwegians are not only larger than the average cat, but they’re also smarter.

Image courtesy of Billie_thenorwigeanforestcat/Instagram

If you’re interested in having one of these gentle and intelligent babies at home, you better be willing to spend up to $700. And you should consider the climate you live in. These cats are furry and are built for colder climates.

#34: The Egyptian Mau Cat

Who said that cats are cold and distant? The person who came up with that rumor certainly never had an Egyptian Mau. One of the main traits of these cats is that they’re outgoing and really affectionate towards their humans.

Image courtesy of Ellipse_mau/Instagram

As you can see, these cats have an interesting coating. The dark spots make this a rare breed, thus they are more expensive than the average cat. However, the Egyptian Mau is one of the most affordable rare breeds, and you can get one for up to $800.

#33: The Korat

Are you looking for a good luck charm? You might find one in a Korat cat. We’re not sure why these cats are believed to bring good luck to the owner, but maybe it’s because they’re so pretty. With their blue-grey fur, these cats can win anyone’s heart over.

Image courtesy of BHermessonofzeus/Instagram

Korat cats are quite friendly, and they’ll love you forever. If you want a cuddly animal, look no further — this is the cat for you. And the good news is that you can get one of these cats for approximately $800!

#32: The Selkirk Rex

People jokingly describe Selkirk Rex cats as a cat in sheep’s clothing, likely due to their crimped hair. But unlike the original saying, these cats are nothing like menacing wolves. On the contrary, the Selkirk Rex cat is known to be loving and playful.

Image courtesy of Vivalakitty.pl/Instagram

If you’re interested in getting one of these adorable cats, it’s important to remember that their fur requires a lot of attention. You’ll likely have to brush your cat’s hair daily to keep it from getting all tangled up. The Selkirk Rex breed costs approximately $800.

#31: Siamese Cats

Despite what you might think, the Siamese cat is actually a rare breed. These beautiful cats are well-known and popular all over the world, especially because of their bright blue eyes and color points on their faces, tails, paws, and ears.

Image courtesy of Novalunathesiamese/Instagram

Siamese cats are incredibly smart, to the point that they can ‘speak’ to you! Well, they can’t actually produce words as we know them, but Siamese cats are pretty vocal and will meow like they’re having a conversation with you. To have one at home, you’ll have to pay up to $1000.

#30: Devon Rex Cats

In some animals, there is a specific gene known as the Rex [gene] that gives them curly hair. Remember the Selkirk Rex and its sheep-like coat? The Devon Rex could be considered a cousin of the Selkirk, as they both have the Rex gene.

Image courtesy of Barroner_devonrex/Instagram

While the Devon Rex has much shorter hair, it is just as affectionate as the Selkirk Rex. But Devon Rex cats are much smarter (as you can tell by their unique face) and can learn lots of tricks, as long as you know how to teach them. The Devon Rex costs approximately $1000.

#29: The Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coons are a natural breed from North America. These cats are among the largest domestic cats (they can get as big as a small child) in the world, and they’re also among the cutest. Their big size comes with a big heart; these cats are loving and friendly.

Image courtesy of Maddiecooncat/Instagram

While some Maine Coon cats are pretty calm, these beautiful creatures are pretty intelligent and can learn to do things you won’t be too pleased with (like opening the doors). Another thing to consider is their price: a Maine Coon can cost you up to $1000.

#28: The American Wirehair

Another North America-native cat breed is the American Wirehair. These cats are much smaller than the Maine Coon, but they also make great companions. The American Wirehair is the perfect cat for active people looking for a pet that’ll match their energy.

Image courtesy of Jonaspapier/Instagram

This breed is known for being independent, making them perfect for small families who can’t keep an eye on the cat the whole time. They’re also known for their wiry hair (hence the name). An American Wirehair can cost you up to $1200!

#27: The American Curl

If you’re wondering how the American Curl breed earned its name, all you need to do is to take a look at their ears. These cats are easy to identify thanks to their uniquely-shaped ears and silky hair, as you’ll see in the picture below. 

Image courtesy of Necochan_necochan/Instagram

The “Curl” refers to the way that their ears are curled backward. And as you can tell by this adorable baby’s face, these cats are pretty friendly and docile — and they’re also pretty energetic. If you want an American Curl cat, you’ll have to pay roughly $1200.

#26: The Ragdoll Cat

For many pet lovers, having a dog at home is more advantageous because these animals are known to be loyal and loving. Cats, on the other hand, get a bad rap and are known to be nonchalant and borderline rude. If you want a dog-like cat, you should consider getting a Ragdoll cat.

Image courtesy of lolly.grams/Instagram

They were first bred in the 1960s and are some of the sweetest cats you’ll ever see. They’ll follow you around and have no problems if you want to hold them in your arms all day. Their cost, however, is not as sweet — a Ragdoll cat costs up to $1300.

#25: The Pixie-bob Cat

While this breed shares a name (kind of) with bobcats, they’re not really related. At least, not more than any other cat. So don’t worry if you’re considering raising a Pixie-bob at home. These cats are pretty laid-back and sweet, unlike actual wild bobcats.

Image courtesy of _pb.cat/Instagram

Pixie-bob cats are quite rare, so this means that you’ll have to pay something like $1500 to get your hands on one of those. And you can make sure that you’re actually acquiring a Pixie-bob by checking their bobbed tail and if they have an extra toe (most Pixie-bob cats do).

#24: The Ocicat

Are you into wild cats? Unfortunately, you can’t raise one of those at home because they’re not domestic animals and are just too dangerous to be around humans in general. But you can always raise a miniature wild cat-looking cat. 

Image courtesy of Kechanov_sergey/Instagram

This is the Ocicat, a mixed breed of Siamese and Abyssinian. As you can see, this cat looks like a wild cat, but it is actually one of the sweetest and most intelligent cats you can hope to have. If you want one of these beautiful cats, you just have to pay $1500 for a baby Ocicat.

#23: The Turkish Angora

There is no doubt that the Turkish Angora is one of the prettiest cats ever. If you want a fluffy friend, this is one of the ideal breeds for you. On top of being cute and fluffy, Turkish Angora cats are also really loving and will make for great company.

Image courtesy of tiffany_says_meoow/Instagram

If you have kids, you might also like to know that your children will certainly have a great time with this playful cat. Just remind everyone to respect the cat’s boundaries. The main downside is that a Turkish Angora can cost up to $1500.

#22: The Japanese Bobtail

Lots of breeders cut off their pet’s ears and or tails — this is sad, but it’s the harsh reality. And if you know a breeder who’s selling pets with docked tails, don’t hesitate to report them! But if you see this next cat with a docked tail, don’t worry.

Image courtesy of Yumiino/Instagram

As you can see, this Japanese Bobtail cat has a stubby tail — but that’s not the result of anyone’s cruelty. That’s just how these cats are born, hence their name. They can cost up to $1600, but it’s certainly worth it. These cats are loving and playful, and they’ll even learn to respond when you call their names!

#21: The Munchkin Cat

Just like some dog people like smaller breeds, so do cat people. And one of the smallest breeds you can find is the Munchkin Cat. These adorably tiny creatures are known for their short legs and for being sociable and quick to learn new tricks.

Image courtesy of jerry__jolly/Instagram

But don’t be fooled by their size — these cuties have a big personality! And all the adorableness that comes with these kitten-like cats has a relatively high cost. A Munchkin cat can cost up to $2000, which is a lot of money for just one pet!

#20: The Siberian Cat

Siberian cats are especially known for their beautiful and thick coat. If you’re interested in one of these and you live in a hotter climate, you’ll need to do a bunch of things to keep your Siberian cat comfy and cool.

Image courtesy of venice_siberian/Instagram

Pet lovers are particularly fond of Siberian cats because they’re really pretty, but also because they’re quite friendly. Whether you have children or other pets, it’s highly likely that your new cat will along with them just fine. When it comes to price, a Siberian cat costs approximately $2000.

#19: The British Shorthair

If you’re looking for a pedigreed breed, the British Shorthair might be one of the best options. Not only are these cats calm and affectionate, but they’re also really cute with their plush coat. We mean, look at that face…

Image courtesy of xiaotawang/Instagram

Isn’t this one of the most adorable cats you’ve ever seen? We just want to hug this cat all day! But, unfortunately, British Shorthair cats don’t like to be carried around and prefer to have their own space. If you want a British Shorthair, you might have to pay up to $2000.

#18: The Sphynx Cat

One of the most popular cat breeds in the world is the Sphynx cat. These cats are unmistakable — they’re that famous cat breed that has little or no fur at all. You’ve probably seen these cats in a movie or two. 

Image courtesy of nakedusty/Instagram

The first thing to keep in mind about Sphynx cats is that it’s expensive to buy them, and they’re really high maintenance. Because these cats have no fur, you’ll need to take care of their skin and bathe them constantly. A Sphynx kitten can cost up to $2,000.

#17: Singapura Cat

If you want a small cat, look no further than a Singapura cat. This is supposedly the smallest cat breed in the world! These cats can weigh between 4 to 8 pounds. If you have kids at home, they’ll have to be careful to avoid hurting this small and fragile feline.

Image courtesy of singapura.leon/Instagram

Singapura cats are really friendly and sociable. So, even if they’re tiny, they’ll still want to spend all day playing with other pets and kids. You just have to make sure that everyone is well-behaved when they play with the cat. A Singapura cat will cost something like $2000.

#16: The Serengeti Cat

It’s not hard to spot a Serengeti cat. Just try to find the most elegant cat of them all, and that’s it! All jokes aside, these cats are easily recognized by their long legs, slightly round ears, and triangular facial structure.

Image courtesy of batcatrascal/Instagram

Because this is one of the youngest breeds (the first Serengeti was developed in the mid-1990s), they are pretty rare. These cats are pretty and loving, and they enjoy playing with other pets. If you want one of these, you should know that a Serengeti cat can cost up to $2000.

#15: The Bombay Cat

Unfortunately, lots of people have associated black cats with bad luck over the years — and that’s quite dangerous to these animals because some people have gone as far as harming them so as to not have bad luck bestowed upon them.

Image courtesy of thecat.negrito/Instagram

But there’s nothing “unlucky” about black cats. In fact, they are among the prettiest cats in the world. And the Bombay cat is here to prove that. This strikingly beautiful cat certainly reminds us of black panthers. However, they’re relatively expensive: a Bombay cat costs up to $2000.

#14: The Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian cats may look feral, but they’re far from that. These cats are friendly, playful, and pretty affectionate. And don’t even get us started on their beauty. Abyssinian cats are often considered the “supermodels” of cats — and you can totally see why:

Image courtesy of simonthemountainlion/Instagram

Can you get any more photogenic than that? As you can see, this cat has beautiful almond-shaped eyes — one of the main characteristics of Abyssinians. They’re also pretty friendly, even if they don’t always want to be around their owners. These cats cost around $2,200.

#13: The Exotic Shorthair Cat

Do you live in an apartment, and you want to get a cat? There’s no point in getting a playful cat — they won’t have enough space to romp around and let out all that energy. Instead, you should get an easy-going cat, and the Exotic Shorthair might be ideal for you.

Image courtesy of fuifuithecat/Instagram

Well, they might not look very friendly, but Exotic Shorthairs are pretty social and love being held in their owner’s arms. They’re also pretty calm, which makes them ideal for smaller environments. The downside is that these cats are pretty expensive, costing up to $2,200.

#12: The Himalayan Cat

If you’re looking for a talkative cat to keep you company, the Himalayan cat is a great option. These cats are quite vocal and really sweet and cuddly, so they’ll love to stay around you when you’re in the house. 

Image courtesy of nistardust/Instagram

The downside of getting a Himalayan cat (in addition to their price) is that they’re high-maintenance cats. You’ll probably have to groom your cat’s coat almost daily. As for the cost, you can expect to pay around $2,500 to get a Himalayan cat.

#11: The Russian Blue Cat

Russian Blue cats are known for their dense coat that comes only in different shades of grey. They’re also pretty friendly, but they also like to have their own space, so don’t feel offended if your Russian Blue cat rejects your affections every now and then.

Image courtesy of fudac/Instagram

One interesting thing about these cats is that, while they’ll get along with every person and pet in your home, the Russian Blue cat will choose one specific human to be their “person.” It might be you — but it might be your partner or one of your kids! These cats are also quite expensive, costing up to $3,000.

#10: The Scottish Fold Cat

Grey Scottish Fold cats look like they’re not even real. That’s because these cats are known for having dense coats, and the shades of grey help make it look unreal. However, these cats may come in many different colors, as you can see in this picture:

Image courtesy of yams.thefold/Instagram

Another trait of these cats is that they have folded ears, a condition caused by a genetic mutation. If you get one of these, keep in mind that Scottish Fold cats are prone to health problems (thanks to the aforementioned mutation), so you’ll have to be careful with them. These cats are pretty rare and can cost up to $3,000.

#09: The Kinkalow Cat

Kinkalow cats were born out of a mixture of Munchkin cats and American Curl cats — hence why these adorable things have short legs and curled ears. Don’t let those tiny legs fool you. Kinkalows can jump onto high places!

Image courtesy of chikuching/Instagram

These cats are pretty friendly and playful, which is why they quickly won over many people’s hearts. They were only developed in the mid-1990s! They might be tiny cats, but they certainly come at a high price: a Kinkalow cat can cost up to $3000!

#08: The Minskin

Unlike Sphynx cats — who have no hair — Minskin cats have a tiny bit of hair in different spots on their bodies. That’s because the person who developed this breed wanted a cat that didn’t have much hair, but that wasn’t as hairless as a Sphynx.

Image courtesy of nocoatcats/Instagram

Truth be told, Minskin cats are not nearly as beautiful as Abyssinians, but it’s the personality that counts, right? Well, in this case, these cats are great — they’re really friendly and energetic and love receiving affection from their owners. They are one of the most expensive breeds, though, and can cost up to $5,000.

#07: The Toyger Cat

What do you get when you have a cat that kind of looks like a tiger? You get a Toyger. The name comes from “toy tiger,” and once you take a look at the picture of the kitty below, you’ll understand why. 

Image courtesy of halo.bryar.toygers/Instagram

Toyger cats might look like tigers, but they’re not wild. On the contrary, these cats are friendly and really intelligent. Because of their unique coat that looks very similar to a tiger’s coat, these cats are considered very rare. Hence why you might have to pay up to $5,000 for one.

#06: The Peterbald Cat

As you probably know, Sphynx cats are not the only hairless cats. Peterbald cats, as you can tell by the name, are also hairless — but they’re not related to Sphynx cats. These cats have longer faces and whiskers, which is not the case with Sphynx cats.

Image courtesy of mrkittyandpopeye/Instagram

Peterbald cats are considered one of the rarest breeds in the world because very few people only breed them. Because of that, they are pretty expensive. But it’s worth paying up to $5,000 for a Peterbald — these cats are intelligent and just as loyal and affectionate as a dog!

#05: Persian Cats

It’s impossible to talk about fluffy cats and not mention the Persian cat breed. These beautiful cats are really popular, mostly thanks to their unique looks. Persian cats have a flat nose and large round eyes whose color will vary depending on their coat.

Image courtesy of uyu_nekko/Instagram

If you want a laid-back cat, the Persian might be ideal for you. These cats are pretty calm and sweet, which makes them the perfect pets for a household that has children and other pets. The downside is that these cats are really expensive, costing up to $5,500.

#04: Bengal Cats

When you look at a Bengal cat, you might have a hard time believing that they’re not feral, wild cats that can harm you at any given moment. But the truth is that these cats are incredibly sweet and will be very loyal friends to you.

Image courtesy of aryas.diary/Instagram

As you can guess, these cats were not born from a natural mutation. It was an American breeder who managed to successfully create a breed out of an Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat. If you want to get a wild-looking cat like this, you’ll have to pay something like $10,000.

#03: Khao Manee Cat

We have finally reached the top 3 rarest (and, consequently, most expensive) cats in the world. The Khao Manee cat is one of them. While this breed has been around for hundreds of years, it was only recently registered by The International Cat Association.

Image courtesy of chlowiesemok/Instagram

Khao Manee cats’ eyes are the star of the show. They can only come in two different colors: blue or gold. But some Khao Manee cats have odd-colored eyes with one eye blue and the other gold! Another thing to know about these cats is that they’re really expensive and cost up to $11,000.

#02: The Savannah Cat

Savannah cats are a mixture of a wild cat and a domestic cat, hence why they have this wild appearance. However, these cats are not feral at all. In fact, they’re really sweet when it comes to their owners, though they’re pretty wary of strangers.

Image courtesy of serval_magic_cattery/Instagram

Fun fact: they don’t despise water, and you can even train them to play fetch. Because they’re so adventurous and tall, these cats require a lot of space. But that’s not a problem for these cat owners. If they can pay up to $25,000 for a Savannah cat, they probably live in a mansion.

#01: The Ashera Cat

The rarest breed in the world is the Ashera cat. That’s because they’re one of the newest hybrid breeds and stopped being produced a while ago because it’s hard to tell how exactly this cat breed was developed. Many believe that they were a mixture of a wild cat, a leopard, and a domestic cat.

Image courtesy of Kona_and_kai/Instagram

But it is true that the Ashera looks like a wild cat, and not just because of its face and coat — this cat can literally reach 4’9″ and weigh almost 33 pounds. Because they’re so rare and the company originally created only 100 Ashera cats, they can cost anywhere between $17,000 and $125,000!