The 10 Most Expensive Cat Breeds To Insure

Quick Take

• Several of the most expensive cats to insure aren't exotic rarities. They're breeds sitting on couches across America right now. See the American Shorthair →
• One breed on this list can go into cardiac arrest during routine surgery, even something as standard as a sterilization procedure. Explore the Bengal's risks →
• The gap in annual premiums between the #10 and #1 spots is far wider than most cat owners would guess. See the top premium →
• A breed celebrated for its low-maintenance coat still ranks among the priciest to insure, and the reason has nothing to do with grooming. Why the Sphynx costs so much →

Is your fluff ball one of the 10 most expensive cat breeds to insure? It may be because most of the cats on the list are common breeds found in many homes. The cost of feline pet insurance varies depending on several factors, including breed, age, gender, location, and the deductible you choose. Some cat breeds are prone to genetic conditions, which may require regular veterinary care and medication. The age of the cat is also significant; starting at around seven years of age, cats have higher insurance premiums. Gender is another factor. Some insurers may charge slightly lower premiums for female cats compared to males, as male cats are statistically more likely to have certain health claims. Continue reading to discover if your cat is one of the 10 most expensive cat breeds to insure.

10. American Shorthair

The American shorthair originated in Europe and arrived in the United States during the 1600s. They were used as protectors of grain harvests plagued by rats and mice. Farmers specifically selected this breed because of their sharp hunting abilities and soon started to breed them.

However, their playful and loving personalities soon made them a popular choice for domestic life, and the rest is history. They are now found in homes across the U.S. and are affectionate and intelligent companions.

Because of their years spent as a working breed, the American shorthair is a sturdy and healthy breed. Their average lifespan is between 15 and 20 years, but they are prone to several health issues.

The American shorthair is susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which, if left untreated, can cause heart failure. That’s why taking your cat to the vet for regular checkups is essential.

If American shorthair cats don’t get enough exercise or are overfed, they can become obese, which leads to several severe health issues. American shorthairs should not be free-fed, as they tend to overeat. Instead, feed them two to three small meals a day.

American shorthairs are prone to renal failure. Unfortunately, older cats seem more susceptible to this illness than younger felines. This is one of the reasons they are among the most expensive cat breeds to insure in the world.

Annual Premium: $288.00; Monthly Premium: $24.00

9. Himalayan

The Himalayan cat is a gorgeous mix between a Siamese and a Persian. Himalayans have starred in movies, including as Sassy in “Homeward Bound” and as Mr. Jinx in “Meet the Fockers.” They inherited their long, silky coat from the Persian cat. They inherited their beautiful coloring and sapphire blue eyes from the Siamese.

Himalayans are often described as dog-like because of their affectionate, laid-back, and loyal nature, which is one of the reasons they are such good candidates for movies.

The average lifespan for Himalayan cats is 12 to 15 years, but because they inherit genes from two different breeds, they are susceptible to numerous health issues. Because they have long fur and shed a lot, they are prone to hairballs.

Himalayans can suffer from polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). They are also prone to feline hyperesthesia syndrome. This neurological disorder causes the cat to severely bite and lick certain areas of their bodies, predominantly their backs, limbs, and tails.

Annual Premium: $396.00; Monthly Premium: $33.00

8. Siberian Forest Cat

Siberian Forest cats are also known as Moscow Longhairs or simply Siberian cats. They are a medium to large breed with long, fluffy coats and massive bodies. Males typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds, while females are slightly smaller.

These cats are vigilant, powerful, playful, and curious. They are a landrace breed, which means they have adapted over time to their surroundings. That’s why they have such thick, warm coats, which they need for Russia’s frigid winters.

These felines can live for 8 to 10 years and are generally healthy. However, they are prone to HCM. This condition enlarges the heart muscle, causing it to become less functional.

That’s why it is essential to purchase purebred cats only from reputable breeders. Reputable breeders screen for health issues throughout the breeding pair’s lives to ensure healthy kittens.

Annual Premium: $336.00; Monthly Premium: $28.00

7. Maine Coon

The Maine coon is a massive cat breed notorious for its loving and social personality. Their giant bodies can measure up to 40 inches long, and males typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.

When cared for properly, these cats have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. But they are prone to some health issues, including hip dysplasia and arthritis. Maine Coons are also susceptible to HCM. However, if you buy a Maine coon from a reputable breeder, they will screen for any health concerns in all their kittens and breeding pairs.

Annual Premium: 360.00; Monthly Premium: $30.00

6. Ragdoll

Ragdoll cats are a large breed known for their gentle, loving, and patient nature. Although massive, this breed is quite laid-back but with a playful and cuddly side. These cats make great family members and thrive around children. They enjoy a lot of attention and extra petting whenever they can.

Ragdolls are a relatively new breed, which makes their genetic pool very small. As a result, irresponsible breeders are responsible for inbreeding these cats, which leads to numerous medical conditions.

If these fluffy felines are bred responsibly, and no inbreeding has occurred, they can live between 13 and 18 years. However, Ragdolls are susceptible to a few health issues, including HCM and urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause bladder stones that may require surgery.

Annual Premium: $396.00; Monthly Premium: $33.00

5. Persian

The Persian is one of the most sought-after cat breeds in the world and has been around since the 1600s. It’s hard not to love this breed with its long, soft coat, chubby body, and squished face.

Persian cats are a medium-sized breed known for their loving nature, never one to turn down attention and cuddles. Persians come in several colors, including cream, red, blue, black, smoke tortoiseshell, and blue-cream smoke.

However, grooming Persians is a serious matter. They require thorough brushing daily to prevent their flowing coat from knotting and matting.

If Persians are cared for properly, they can live between 10 and 15 years. However, as with all domestic cats, they are susceptible to a few health conditions and should be monitored closely for any symptoms.

Their most common ailments are polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PKD causes kidney failure and is a hereditary disease, while PRA causes blindness because it damages the retina.

Persians often suffer from numerous eye and dental issues because of their flat faces and shortened jaws, so special attention should be paid to these areas.

Annual Premium: $396.00; Monthly Premium: $33.00

4. Siamese 

The Siamese cat breed was introduced in the U.S. in the late 19th century and was highly sought after through the mid-20th century. Siamese cats are very intelligent and charming. However, their need for constant attention makes them seem dog-like.

These curious kitties can live for 15 to 20 years. But Siamese cats are prone to a few health issues, such as:

• Asthma
• Amyloidosis (liver disease)
• Cancer
• Dental disease

While reputable breeders screen for these conditions, they may still appear later in life.

Annual Premium: $672.00; Monthly Premium: $56.00

3. Russian Blue

The name says it all; this cat is in demand because of its spectacular blue-gray coat that complements its piercing green eyes. They are faithful companions who love routine and can be set in their ways.

However, Russian blues can be quite shy, requiring patience and a gentle approach to help them become comfortable. These cats are relatively common in the United States, where their price can vary from $400 to $600.

With proper care, Russian Blues can live between 15 and 20 years and are generally considered healthy cats. However, there are a few conditions that commonly occur in this breed.

Russian blues are enthusiastic eaters and gain weight quickly. Obesity is a serious problem in this breed, and owners should strictly monitor their cats’ diets at all times. In addition, Russian blues can develop progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This disease causes damage to the retina and eventually leads to loss of sight.

Russian Blues may suffer from PKD, a condition in which groups of cysts develop in the kidneys, causing them to enlarge and stop functioning. It is a genetic disease that can be prevented by breeding only healthy cats that have been screened for this condition.

Annual Premium: $684.00; Monthly Premium: $57.00

2. Bengal

Bengal cats are an agile, large-sized breed that typically weighs between 8 and 15 pounds. They are a popular breed because of their thick, short coats covered in rosettes, similar to a leopard, and stripes on their legs, like those of a Bengal tiger.

They come in colors like silver, brown, and snow, and have soft fur. Their coat makes them unique because they are the only domestic cat breed with rosettes inherited from their wild Asian leopard genes.

Some bengals have spotted or marbled coats, which are also in demand and absolutely breathtaking. Due to the short length of their fur, Bengals only require a thorough brushing once a week to remove any loose hair or dead skin cells.

These cats are generally healthy and can live between 9 and 15 years. However, as with most domestic breeds, they are prone to three severe health issues, which is why Bengals are ranked among the most expensive cat breeds to insure.

If you have a Bengal cat, there are three health problems you should always be on the lookout for:

These cats can be highly sensitive to anesthetics, which can be a significant and expensive problem if they ever need surgery, including sterilization. Their reaction might be so severe that they could suffer from cardiac arrest.

Bengal cats may suffer from HCM, which causes the heart muscle to thicken. This illness predominantly affects older cats and can lead to blood clots, heart failure, or a shorter lifespan.

Bengal cats are prone to PRA, which causes significant deterioration of the retina and eventually blindness.

Annual Premium: $768.00; Monthly Premium: $64.00

1. Sphynx

It’s not hard to spot a Sphynx cat due to its hairless body. While some people are put off by their looks, many cat lovers worship this breed, which is notorious for its wacky and engaging nature. In addition, they are extremely intelligent and loyal.

Sphynxes make great family pets and are great with children because of their loving and friendly personalities. However, they require a lot of attention and can sometimes become needy. These cats are quite rare, making them one of the most expensive cat breeds. A Sphynx cat can cost from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on lineage and breeder reputation.

The Sphynx has an average lifespan of 9 to 15 years, but they are still susceptible to a few health problems, including:

• Skin issues due to their lack of hair (greasy and oily skin)
• Heart Disease (HCM)
• Hereditary myopathy (Muscle disease that can affect their walking)

Because they lack hair to absorb the natural oils on their skin, Sphynx cats should be bathed weekly.

Annual Premium: $852.00; Monthly Premium: $71.00