Felines come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. If you're a cat lover, you probably know the Persian, American Shorthair, and Siamese cats, which are some typical cat species that are kept as pets by enthusiasts. But even so, purebred cats make up only a small percentage of cats in the United States. So, when it comes to rare cat breeds – they are hard to find, often in limited supply, and require long queues in breeders or catteries.
Here are the 10 rarest cat breeds.
1. Scottish folding cat
Named for its cute folding ears, the Scottish folding cat has a unique appearance. Ear folding is produced by a gene that affects ear cartilage, but since this gene is not completely dominant, not all Scottish folding cats have ear folding. Anyway, these cats are cute. The original Scottish folding cat was a Scottish barn cat that was bred throughout the UK in the 60s of the 20th century for its unique folding ears. Now, they are popular pets among celebrities around the globe, including American singer Taylor Swift.
Overview of the breed
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
Physical characteristics: medium-sized body; small ears folded forward and downward; Medium coat
2. Norwegian Forest Cat
The origin of the Norwegian forest cat breed can be seen from the name. Known in Norway as skogkatt, it is a natural European breed descended from a domestic cat first introduced by the ancient Romans. Norse mythology indicates that this cat has been around in Norway for hundreds of years. The Norwegian Forest cat became popular in the 80s of the 20th century, and many people fell in love with this cat because of its playful personality and natural athletic ability.
Overview of the breed
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Weight: 13 to 20 pounds
Physical characteristics: long, multi-colored double coat; Larger body size; Almond-shaped eyes
3. Sphinx
The Sphinx breed is easily recognizable by its obvious physical features - huge ears and hairless body. These cats are good pets for those with severe allergies. Because they don't have hair, these felines are almost always cold, meaning they're almost always looking for a snuggle. The current Sphinx breed in the United States is the descendant of cats from Minnesota and Canada, which have natural variations that prevent hair growth. While there are a few other hairless breeds, the Sphinx breed is unique in that it is particularly sociable. Sphinx dogs love their owners and are affectionate and playful.
Overview of the breed
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
Physical characteristics: hairless; Varying skin color; The head is angular
4. Egyptian fur cat
As the only naturally domesticated spotted cat breed, the Egyptian fur cat is often sought after for its attractive fur. But in addition to their glamorous appearance, these cats are also known for their premium companionship and hunting abilities. Originally considered a pet of the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago, the Egyptian Fur Cat is probably one of the oldest domestic cat breeds.
Overview of the breed
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 7 to 9 pounds
Physical characteristics: sporty body; natural spotted coat; Medium size; Rounded head
5. Korat cat
The history of the Korat cat dates back thousands of years. Native to Thailand, this variety was first discovered in ancient artifacts from the 13th century. In the 19th century, they were introduced to Europe and became known as the "Blue Siamese" cat because of their pure blue fur, relatively petite body, and wide, bright eyes. After the 50s of the 20th century, Korat cats gradually went to the world and were loved by more people.
Overview of the breed
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Physical characteristics: muscular body; short blue-gray coat; heart-shaped face; Glowing green eyes
6. British Shorthair
If you're looking for a clumsy or mischievous feline companion, then the British Shorthair might not be for you. Instead, their personalities are quiet, peaceful, and generally reserved. English shorthair cats are native to England, although they may have been imported from the Roman invasion of England in the first century AD. British shorthair cats are also known as British blue cats because they have blue-gray fur. This is a relatively uncommon breed, but they are known to be first-class companions.
Overview of the breed
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 7 to 17 pounds
Physical characteristics: short and dense coat; Colors include white, black, red, cream, blue, etc
7. Peter Bard
The history of Peterbad cats is not long, but it is interesting. This unique cat was first reported in the 80s of the 20th century in a small town called Don in Russia. Since it does not grow hair, it is called the Don cat. In 1993, the new breed was sent to St. Petersburg, Russia, where scientists mated an excellent oriental shorthair with a Sphynx cat. One of their kittens became the basis for the Peterbad breed.
Overview of the breed
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
Physical characteristics: slender body; Hairless; large, pointed ears; The head is triangular in shape
8. Minsky cat
Hybrid the Munchkin with the Sphinx and you get a Minsky cat. The short body of the Minsky cat comes from the Monchkin cat, and its extremely sparse hair comes from the Sphynx cat - which gives you a glimpse of a cat like no other. In 2000, the first official kitten came from Boston, Massachusetts. Five years later, the number of Minsky cats has increased to about 50.
Overview of the breed
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Physical characteristics: small body; short legs; There are almost no hairs, only sparse hairs around the limbs; The head is rounded
9. American Bobtail
Although the American Bobtail has a similar body to wild lynx, these cats are fully domesticated and make good pets. This unique breed can be hard to find. American bobtails have been present in North America since the 60s of the 20th century, but did not become popular until the 2000s. The original bobtail was a cat found in an Arizona motel where experts believe it was abandoned. Due to its wild appearance and distinctive short tail, this cat may be a hybrid breed of a lynx and a domestic cat.
Overview of the breed
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 7 to 16 pounds
Physical characteristics: short, curved tail; almond-shaped eyes; Have any color or pattern; Coat lengths vary.
10. Lapil the Cat
Named for its curly or wavy hair, the Lapier cat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The coat can be tight rings or long corkscrew-style curls. The Lapier cat is a spontaneous genetic mutation in a litter of common tabby cats in Oregon in the 80s of the 20th century. In the 90s of the 20th century, the Feline Society suggested starting a breeding program for this unique, rare coat quality of cats.