Your greatest initial task will be to locate a reputable breeder. It is suggested you research this extensively and contact as many sources as possible. Cost is determined by species and will also vary by locality, age of the cat and breeder. Several hundred to several thousand dollars is the average for the most available species - though the purchase price is only a tiny percentage of your total overall cost to own the cat. Again, your greatest initial task will be to locate a reputable breeder with healthy, unrelated stock rather than find the lowest cost.
Requirements vary from city to city and state to state.
Since exotic cat species vary from smaller than a house cat to larger than a pony, the need for a permit is frequently based on species or size. Federal permits are required for interstate transactions involving all exotic cats through either or both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. First, you must determine what the word 'pet' means. Although many species of wild cat have been in captivity for several generations, they are not behaviorally domesticated. An exotic cat which shares a strong rapport with you will display affection and need to be with you.