Persian cats are one of the most popular breeds of cats. They are known for their long, flowing coats, sweet personalities, and beautiful appearance. Persian cats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and some colors are considered more rare and valuable than others.
Overview of Persian Cat Colors
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Persian cats can come in over 80 different coat colors and patterns! Here are some of the main categories of Persian cat colors:
- Solid Colors – These include white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac.
- Silver & Golden – Examples are silver, golden, chinchilla silver, and shaded golden.
- Smoke Colors – Colors like black smoke, blue smoke, cream smoke.
- Tabby Colors – Shaded, spotted, patched tabbies.
- Parti-Colors – Tortoiseshells, calicos, bi-colors.
- Himalayan Pattern – Pointed cats with color just on the extremities.
While any Persian cat is valuable, certain colors are considered more rare and special. The most expensive Persian cat colors are mainly within the categories of tabby, bi-color/calico, and Himalayan pattern.
Rarest & Most Expensive Persian Cat Colors
Silver Tabby
One of the rarest and most expensive colors in Persian cats is the silver tabby. This is where a cat has a silver coated background with tabby stripes overlaying it. The dramatic contrast of the silver and tabby markings is absolutely gorgeous.
Silver tabby Persians are very difficult to breed. The genes for the silver coloring and tabby patterns both must be present. Even when breeding silver tabby parent cats, the kittens often do not inherit the combination of genes necessary to produce the silver tabby look.
Because of their rarity, silver tabby Persian kittens can cost $2000 to over $5000. At adulthood when they are show quality, the price rises even higher up to $10,000 or more.
Blue-Eyed White
A stunning white Persian cat with bright blue eyes is highly coveted. White cats with deep blue eyes are the result of a double recessive gene being passed down from both parents. This makes the combination very uncommon.
Additionally, deafness is often linked to the same white fur and blue eyed genes. Responsible Persian cat breeders carefully screen to ensure kittens are not deaf before placing them.
Due to the genetic lottery needed, blue-eyed white Persian kittens are priced from $2000 to $5000. Show quality adults can go for $5000 to $10,000+.
Calico and Dilute Calico
A calico Persian has white fur with large orange and black splotches spread over their body. Dilute calicos, also called dilutes, have an almost pastel look with patches of blue, lavender and cream instead.
Calicos and dilute calicos are rare because the coat pattern requires two X chromosomes. This means almost all calicos are female. Additionally, the colorful patched genes must be present.
These beautiful bi-colored cats have price tags starting at $2000 as kittens. Champion show quality adults can sell for $5000 or more.
Chocolate Persian
The chocolate coat color is highly desired in Persian cats. It produces a rich, warm, milk chocolate brown color. However, chocolate is one of the most difficult Persian colors to produce.
Both parents must carry the recessive chocolate color gene. Even with two chocolate carriers bred, average litter odds are only about 1 in 4 kittens born will have the chocolate coat.
These exceptionally rare kittens sell for $2000 to $5000. At adulthood, show-quality chocolate Persians will be priced from $5000 to $10,000 based on quality.
Lilac Persian
An equally sought-after Persian color is the lilac, which is a light tan or pinkish grey. Like chocolate cats, breeding lilac Persians is challenging because it is recessive.
Both the sire and dam must carry the recessive lilac gene in order to potentially produce lilac kittens. Even with two lilac gene carriers, only 25% of the litter on average will inherit the lilac coloring.
Because of the genetics involved, lilac Persians are scarce. Kittens sell for $2000 to $5000, while show-worthy adults range from $5000 to $10,000.
Himalayan Pattern
The Himalayan pattern features a white or cream coat with color restricted to the facial mask, ears, legs and tail. It produces a highly striking look.
Since the Himalayan gene causes color to only appear on the cooler points of the body, breeding cats to have this pattern is challenging. It requires both parents to carry the temperature-sensitive Himalayan gene.
A Himalayan Persian kitten costs $2000 to $5000. Upon maturity, an adult show-quality Himalayan Persian can cost anywhere from $5000 to $10,000+ based on how well they exemplify the ideal.
Factors That Increase Value
In addition to rare colors, there are other factors that make a Persian cat more valuable. These include:
- Markings – Distinctive facial markings, white gloves/boots, or bold necklaces increase appeal.
- Eye color – Vivid green, gold, blue, or odd/matched eyes.
- Coat quality – Silkier, longer fur coats add value.
- Show success – Proven show champions command higher pricing.
- Bloodlines – Persians descending from prize winning lineages.
- Breeder reputation – Kittens from top niche breeders.
While already pricey based on color, Persian cats with multiple of these exceptional traits will be priced at the higher end of the ranges listed earlier.
Average Price by Color
Although any Persian cat is considered valuable, the colors covered above are the rarest and most prized. Here is an overview of the average price ranges for Persian kittens and adults based on their color:
| Color | Kitten Price Range | Adult Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Tabby | $2000 – $5000 | $5000 – $10,000+ |
| Blue-Eyed White | $2000 – $5000 | $5000 – $10,000+ |
| Calico/Dilute Calico | $2000 – $5000 | $5000+ |
| Chocolate | $2000 – $5000 | $5000 – $10,000+ |
| Lilac | $2000 – $5000 | $5000 – $10,000+ |
| Himalayan Pattern | $2000 – $5000 | $5000 – $10,000+ |
| Other colors/patterns | $500 – $2000 | $1000 – $5000 |
As seen, the rarest coloring types can sell for staggering amounts over $10,000 for show-quality adults. Even as kittens, these top tier colors sell for thousands.
More common Persian colors and patterns still sell for respectable prices due to the overall popularity of the breed. But the most exotic and difficult to produce colors command the highest premiums.
Why Are Some Colors More Valuable?
There are a few key reasons why certain Persian cat colors are pricier than others:
- Rarity – Colors derived from recessive genes or random chance are exceptionally rare.
- Difficult to breed – Some colors require very specific parental genes unlikely to occur together.
- Beauty – Unique colors and striking contrast patterns are highly desirable.
- Prestige – Standing out in competitive cat shows drives up pricing.
- Status symbols – Some want the most rare and luxurious looking cats.
Due to being uncommon and having stunning appearances, the top color variations are very sought after by breeders and buyers alike. The law of supply and demand kicks in, allowing top breeders to charge premium prices for these privileged cats.
Health Considerations
While fancy colors are appealing, be aware of potential health problems associated with some varieties:
- Deafness – White cats with blue eyes have higher deafness risk.
- Sensitive skin – Lilac and chocolatePersians sunburn easier.
- Breathing issues – Extreme faces in Persians can cause airway blockages.
- Birthing difficulties – Himalayan’s color linked genes may complicate birth.
Reputable breeders screen for deafness, have health guarantees, and aim to breed healthy cats. Be sure to ask about health testing done.
Also consider adopting a Persian in need rather than supporting irresponsible kitten mills focused only on profits.
Finding a Rare Persian Kitten
Here are some tips for finding reputable breeders of rare and expensive Persian kittens:
- Search national cat breeder associations online for member breeders.
- Attend cat shows to connect with breeders and view cats in person.
- Check breeder websites for upcoming litters, pricing, and waitlists.
- Confirm health testing and ask detailed questions before putting down a deposit.
- Request references and reviews of other kitten buyers.
Expect long waitlists, early deposits, and extensive buyer screening when trying to purchase very rare Persian colors. But working with the right breeder is worth it to find a healthy, beautiful kitten.
Conclusion
Persian cats are prized for their gorgeous flowing coats and sweet personalities. When it comes to the most expensive color variations, rarities like silvers tabbies, calicos, Himalayans, and chocolate browns take top honors.
These colors command premium pricing due to possessing rare genetics, having strikingly beautiful contrasting patterns, and being highly coveted amongst cat fanciers. Prices for the rarest Persians can easily extend into the multiple thousands range.
However, be sure to prioritize kitten health over exotic looks when searching for your perfect Persian. Do your homework to find responsible breeders who carefully nurture prized Persian color pedigrees while emphasizing health and welfare.
