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- American Bobtail. Origin: United States. Size: Medium to Large. Color/Patterns: Tabby. Lifespan: 13 to 15 years. American Bobtail – Very cute and unique because of their bobbed tails, American Bobtails are a definite eye-catcher.
- American Curl. Origin: United States. Size: Medium. Color/Patterns: Solid, Tortoiseshell, Bicolor, Tabby. Lifespan: 12 to 16 years. American Curl – Named for their unique ear shape, the American Curl has curled ears.
- Balinese. Origin: United States. Size: Medium. Color/Patterns: Pointed. Lifespan: 15 to 20 years. Balinese – These cats are very similar to the beloved Siamese cats, with the only difference being that the Balinese cats have somewhat longer hair.
- Bombay. Origin: United States. Size: Medium. Color/Patterns: Multiple. Lifespan: 15 to 20 years. Bombay –Bombay cats look like mini versions of a panther. Totally black and very beautiful, these cats are easily trained.
- Devon Rex
- Kurilian Bobtail
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Minskin
- Egyptian Mau
- Tonkinese
- Serengeti
- Chartreux
- Peterbald
- Korat
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This impish cat breed earned its name from its place of origin: Devonshire, England. With its large ears and playful mug, it’s no wonder the Devon Rex earned the monikers “Pixie Cat” and “Alien Cat.” This is a cat known for its silliness. The delightful Devon Rex loves to play and interact with people.
While popular in its birthplace, Russia, the Kurilian Bobtail is rarely spotted in North America. In fact, according to The International Cat Association, there are less than 100 Kurilian Bobtails in the United States. Interested parties, be forewarned: these cats are notorious shedders. Whether their coat is long or short, it’s going to require mo...
Nearly declared extinct during WWII, the Norwegian Forest Cat sports a thick, waterproof coat that protects it against the freezing winters of Scandinavia. Their large, hardy staturemay look imposing, but they’re a social and people-oriented breed. The Norwegian Forest cat has a loyal fanbase in Europe, but they’re rarely found in the United States...
Here’s a rare cat breed with an appearance that’s about as unique as it gets. The Minskin combines the traits of its ancestor breeds, the hairless Sphynx and the diminutive Munchkin cat. The adorable Minskin is a newer cat breed that was recognized by the International Cat Association as an official breed in 2008.
Outgoing and exotic, the Egyptian Maudefinitely makes the list of rare cat breeds. It’s also one of the few domestic cat breeds with naturally occurring spots on its coat. Fun Fact: this rare cat breed is a speed demon, with speeds recorded up to 30 miles per hour!
Hailing from Canada, the lovely and uncommon Tonkinese catis a cross between the Burmese and the Siamese. Blending these two breeds created a line of cats that are intelligent, engaging, and vocal. It’s hard not to be won over by their signature aquamarine-colored eyes.
With the intention of creating a domestic cat with an exotic, wild appearance, the Serengetiwas developed by crossing a Bengal with an Oriental Shorthair. They’re a relatively newer breed, with a handful of breeders in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Russia. Aside from their regal looks, the Serengeti is an active feline who requires a lo...
Affectionately referred to as “the smiling blue cat of France,” this rare breed has a history steeped in legend. It’s been said that the Chartreux enjoyed a quiet, monastic life when they were brought to the Carthusian monasteries of France by Crusaders. Although the Chartreux is considered the National Cat of France, they’ve only recently appeared...
The small number of Peterbald breeders makes this cat one of the rarest in the world. Originating in Russia, the Peterbald can be either completely hairless or have short hairs resembling “peach fuzz.” Their charming personalities and remarkable athletic feats make us wish there were more of these beautiful cats in the world!
The silvery-blue Korat is one cat you’re unlikely to see in the United States. Limits on the cat’s breeding have been placed by its homeland, Thailand, making it a rarity outside the country. According to PetMD, “Perhaps, as tradition would dictate, limits on breeding and population are quietly imposed. This could be so that only the upper hierarch...
Learn about 14 of the rarest cat breeds in the world, from the Devon Rex to the Sokoke. Discover their origins, characteristics, and why they are so hard to find.
- Scottish Fold. Named after their cute folded ears, Scottish Fold cats have a unique look. The folds are produced by a gene that affects ear cartilage, but because the gene isn’t completely dominant, not all Scottish folds have folded ears.
- Norwegian Forest Cat. The name gives away the origins of the Norwegian forest cat breed. Called the skogkatt in Norway, it is a natural European breed descended from domestic cats first introduced by the ancient Romans.
- Sphynx. The sphynx breed is easily identified by its distinct physical features—giant ears and hairless body. These cats are excellent pets for those who suffer from severe allergies.
- Egyptian Mau. As the only natural domesticated breed of spotted cat, the Egyptian mau is often sought for its stunning coat. But besides their ravishing good looks, these cats are also known for their quality companionship and hunting prowess.
- Scottish Fold Cat Breed. Scottish Fold cats, named for their unusual folded ears and striking, yellowish-orange eye colors, these kitties just love to be around people.
- Norwegian Forest Cat. Larger than your average cat, the Norwegian Forest Cat Breed are rather elegant kitties. They have long legs and bushy tails that are often as long as their bodies.
- Turkish Angora. Turkish Angora cats are known for their long, silky coats, which often become longest around the cat’s neck. They are an adorable combination of large cat ears, almond-shaped eyes, and small to medium-sized heads.
- American Bobtail. With a short tail, tufted ears, and toes, and a slightly short neck, the American Bobtail cat breed screams cuddle me. The American bobtail was a feral cat that was not bred until the 1960s.
- Serengeti. The Serengeti cat is a breed of domestic cat that was developed to resemble the appearance of a wild African serval. These cats are known for their long legs, short hair, and distinctive spotted coat.
- Korat. One cat that is uncommon in the United States is the silvery-blue Korat. The Korat cat is uncommon outside of Thailand because the country has restrictions on breeding it.
- Devon Rex. The Devon Rex is a breed of cat known for its unique physical appearance and playful personality, with its origin in England. They have short, wavy coat that is soft to the touch and are often described as having a “pixie” or “elfin” appearance due to their large ears.
- Norwegian Forest Cat. The Norwegian Forest Cat, also known as the “Wegie,” is a large, semi-long-haired breed that is native to Norway. They are an ancient breed and were once considered the “house cat” of the Vikings.
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Feb 18, 2019 · The number of recognized cat breeds in the world varies by organization and is either 44 (Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)), 49 (Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)), or 73 (The International Cat Association (TICA)).
Feb 18, 2020 · Learn about the history, personality and appearance of these adorable and exotic cat breeds that are recognized by the CFA. See pictures of American Bobtail, Bombay, Ocicat, Japanese Bobtail, Egyptian Mau and more.
