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| Print | By Jo Singer | February 27, 2009 2:28 PM

By: Jo Singer

Is "spare change" burning a hole in your pocket? Are you searching for an exotic kitty which will turn people's heads as you walk through your neighborhood; kitty in tow on a leash? Do you want to be the envy of all your cat loving friends? I do believe I have a solution of you.

While I must admit that I have seen some very unusual appearing cats during the 40 plus years I have lived with them, but now I can truly say that I have seen it all. What will "exotic" cat breeders think of next?

As far as unique is concerned, this kitty fits the bill to a "T", but for sure it is a hefty bill. With a price tag of about $22,000 (not a typo, folks), you may become the proud owner of the fairly new breed Ashera™. There's a long waiting list, but if patience is not your strong suit, you can be bumped up to the top for a paltry additional $6,000. But please remember to add in the $1,500+ fee for personal delivery.

Hybrid or designer cats are no longer unique -- the Toyger, Serengeti, Bengal and Savannah are a few of the more popular ones. Some are even recognized and eligible for competition in cat shows. Through selective breeding of the African serval, the Asian leopard cat and the domestic cat, Lifestyle Pets has developed what Forbes.com called "the world's largest, rarest and most exotic" housecat.

The Ashera is advertised as a sweet and lovable pet, yet at 30 pounds when fully matured I suspect it may not make the top ten in the hit parade of purrfect lap cats. Almost the same size of a cocker spaniel, this is a very large feline which will be sure to need lots of exercise.

If you are wondering about the Ashera's dietary requirements, Lifestyle Pets assures potential buyers that they eat the same cat food as any ordinary housecat, although it is recommended that premium foods are best for them. But then there is the issue of quantity. It might be wise to bring a motorized grocery cart to the supermarket during your weekly shopping trips when you purchase sufficient amounts of cat food to satisfy your new kitty's considerable appetite.

For sure the Ashera is a truly remarkable cat. However while it may be affordable for those who are affluent, I seriously wonder about all the needy cats longing for homes languishing in shelters around the country. Part of me "gets" the allure of sharing one's home with a beautiful and unique cat upon which to dote, but it seems to me its price tag would defray the cost of feeding hundreds of pets awaiting adoption.

How do you feel about the Ashera cat? Would you think twice about spending big bucks on one cat, when the money could help so many others? Leave a comment with your thoughts.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (225) , Breeds (6) , Cats (79)

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Anonymous February 27, 2009 4:50 PM

Have Mercy! This is one expensive kitty. But after my thoughts have digested the price, it doesn't really surprise me. When you hear of a race horse that cost $16,000,000, races five times and flops, then goes to stud for $5000, it doesn't sound so far fetched. Oh heck, what am I saying? That is too much for a cat!

Anonymous February 27, 2009 5:24 PM

I would LOVE to have a Bengal or Savannah...but feel it would have to be my 'only' pet...do regular cats get along with these bigger species...or rather, would a Savannah tolerate siblings?

Anonymous February 27, 2009 7:42 PM

It is a gorgeous animal, no doubt. Because of the size of the kitty, I'd be interested to hear something about the breed's tempermant.

Anonymous February 27, 2009 7:58 PM

I am against the breeding of domestic animals with wild animals to get designer hybrids. There is no guarantee that the wild nature present in these cats won't dominate over the domestic one. There is an inherent risk both to the owner (who was stupid enough to pay $22,000 for a cat) and the animal.

Anonymous February 27, 2009 8:25 PM

The "allure of sharing one's home with a beautiful and unique cat upon which to dote" is realized by me every day in living with my two wonderful, entertaining and loving rescued cats. It breaks my heart when I think of all those perfectly delightful beautiful cats and kittens being killed every day in animal shelters for the lack of good homes. Please, people, these new breeds are "trophy" pets. If you want a really good cat, one that will be forever grateful for the gift of a good life, go to your local animal shelter and get one...or get two...there are always plenty of them there just waiting to be adopted and to love you unconditionally.

Skylark

Anonymous February 28, 2009 8:24 AM

I hate to see cats on leaders, why oh why do people take these beautiful creatures and use them as status symbols.Cats should be free spirits ! I wish people would let cats be cats !
Ruth,England

Anonymous February 28, 2009 10:47 AM

Sorry, but I am a BIG advocate for the underdog... in this case the 'undercat.' I am strictly a rescuer of cats, that for no good reason, have been discarded like a bag of trash. I have NO respect for people who spend this kind of money for such a cat. There is absolutely NO reason to keep breeding certain types of animals as there are millions of unwanted cats and dogs euthanized each year in shelters, not to even mention the ones that can be rescued that are trying to survive on their own out in this cruel world. I would NEVER support such a sale of a cat like that one. My heart is with those less fortunate...that is why I have 33 rescues living with me at this time, and I get no financial help from anyone! I work 2 jobs so I can keep up with the cost of food and litter and vet bills.

Anonymous March 5, 2009 7:29 AM

They say that a fool and his money are easily parted and how true int he case of anyone idiotic enough to buy an Ashera. The man behind the Ashera and the founder of lifestyle pets is a convicted fraudster.

http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2007/07/31/bred_to_be_furry_and_allergy_free/?page=1
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20061025-9999-1b25ashera.html

DNA evidence has already proven that the Ashera cats on sale from Lifestyle pets are really Savannahs.

http://ashera-savannah-cat.blogspot.com/2008/06/dna-evidence-proves-that-ashera-is.html

fotos de ninas desnudas July 21, 2009 11:08 AM

nice! i'm gonna make my own blog

Don August 21, 2009 1:51 PM

Well most people with lots of capital did not get it by careing about too many others besides themselves, let alone an animal, but my feelings are the same, if the price of one animal could take care of 200, then thats the unselfish thing to do, but it all goes back to the original statement. Have a great day and God bless

CATS August 28, 2009 10:38 PM

WHO CARE'S IF YOU GOT IT THEN GO FOR IT , I HAVE 2 HYRBIDS AND YES THEY ALL GET ALONG ,AND WITH THE DOG SO STOP HATEING PEOPLE .AND YES USE A LEADER SO THEY DON'T GET AWAY AND OR HIT BYE A CAR .

galena33610 September 1, 2009 1:47 PM

I would love to own a savannah f1, but the pricing is to extreme for a short lived pet, i have a blue and gold macaw which was worth every penny considering it will out live me, now thats an investment, if breeders want good homes for their cats or are they in it for money only, sometimes a good home out weighs the latter.

Anonymous September 6, 2009 12:46 PM

you can adopt serval, bengals, safari cats, and some day this 22,000 dollar cat! I have found them on line. A male serval is the only thing that sprays more than a female! In nature these wildcats do not bury there waste, so in your house it is difficult to get them to use a litter box! Many people have to donate a whole room to there hybrid cat and that room is safe gaurded against urine. In other words you can adopt one of these cats once the owner finds out what they have

Anonymous November 4, 2009 1:43 AM

I heard that a lot of these cats are "hypoallergenic." I'm sure that if you are really allergic to cats and reaaaaaaaally want "the ultimate cat experience" then fine. If allergies arn't an issue, just adopt a regular cat.

I also think that... well... these are living things too and if someone wants it as an accessory or as a "trophy pet", then they dont deserve to own an animal at all. However, if you reaaaaaaaaally want one of these magnificent cats, you need to take time to prepare and really decide if you want to spend the time and the money so you can take care of this animal. I'm sure that if you care for it properly it would make an excellent pet and ... call me crazy... be worth the money in the end. I mean... people spend TONS of money on meaningless things like new cars,new tvs and computers, and even jewelry. At first, a $22,000 cat sounded absolutely absurd, but i guess 30 yrs (ashera lifespan) of unconditional love is better than any object that will mean nothing to you in 10 yrs.

Anonymous November 16, 2009 6:01 PM

I would love one!!!!!! They are so pretty I can't have not having one!!!! I would pay whatever it takes to get one yes . . . $22,000

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