Why This Feline Can Set Cat Lovers Back $22K

— -- Unlike your traditional orange Tabby cat, the Savannah, weighing in at 20 to 25 pounds, is large in size and in price -- costing cat lovers close to the price of a brand new car.

The breed can cost over $20,000, but there’s a reason why this spotted feline comes with such a hefty price tag.

"The Savannah Cat is the most sought after companion animal in the world today," Savannah breeder Cynthia King, of Indiana, told ABC News. "They are known not only for their exotic and dramatic looks, but also for their high level of intelligence and their loving temperament, which is dog-like.”

King, who has been breeding Savannahs for 14 years, said depending on quality and generation of breeding, the price of this unique feline can start from $1,500 and can fetch up to $22,000.

Creating a Savannah starts by cross-breeding the following domestic cats: the Egyptian Mau, Oriental Shorthair, Ocicat and Domestic Short Hair, King said.

"One of these breeds of cat is bred to a male African Serval and the resulting progeny are F1 -- First Generation or Filial Generation 1 Savannahs," she said.

In addition to Savannahs being a rarity, their beautiful, leopard-like appearance and friendly demeanor make them a desirable family pet.

"Most Savannah cats enjoy walking on a leash, playing in water, a game of fetch and can be taught any number of commands," King said. "They are unlike many other cat breeds who hide when strangers come around. A Savannah will greet a stranger at the door just like a dog would and seemingly join in on human conversations, staying close by to monitor everything."

The Savannah cat has a life expectancy of 20 years, King said, can be seen by regular veterinarians, and receive the same vaccines as other cats.