Rare Cat Breeds: 15 Rarest Cat Breeds

Cats are one of the most popular pets in family homes around the world. According to statistics, most owners choose mongrel cats or mestizos as pets. Now, there are more than 200 breeds of cats in the world, but only 5-10 are popular and widespread.

English Cat Fanciers’ The Association (international cat association) annually publishes statistics on the number of global registrations of different breeds. The breeds that took the last 10 places in this report can be called the rare cat breeds in the world.

Each uncommon breed is unique in its own way and has bright and specific features of appearance and character. To choose the appropriate future pet, you need to know the distinctive features of each rare breed.

1. Exotic Ashera

This breed of feline was introduced in 2007 by a biotechnology company. Ashera also claimed that the “leopard” cat is one of the largest and most expensive. But Ashera is a savannah breed, known since the 80s. The hybrid was the result of crossing two breeds – a Bengal cat and an African serval.

The public immediately positively accepted Ashera for its unusual leopard color. The length of the body can reach one meter, and the weight can be up to 35 pounds. Another advantage of the breed is hypoallergenic wool. Life expectancy is 15 years.

This breed gets along well with children and does not show aggression to other pets. It is a great family pet. Curious pets, they are constantly on the move, exploring new territories – not only at home but also on the street.

2. Norwegian Forest cat

The Norwegian forest cat belongs to semi-long-haired breeds.

This is a medium-sized domestic adult feline weighing up to 22 pounds (males have weighed more than females). Height at the withers – up to 15 inches. The main distinguishing feature of the Norwegian forest cat is a beautiful, thick, and fluffy coat of light gray or red color.

This domestic cat perfectly combines strength, agility, and grace.

At home, the animal had to survive in difficult conditions; thus, nature has endowed it with strong immunity and lush, thick fur, providing comfort in any weather. These pets have a powerful chest and well-developed muscles.

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, the character of Norwegian cats has changed dramatically. They have become more affectionate and accommodating, and developed hunting instincts have been сignificantly blunted. This cat has a soft, affectionate, noble, and completely non-aggressive character and quickly becomes attached to the owner and treats children well. ^[1]

3. Serengeti

The Serengeti is a rare breed that is very expensive — the average cost of a kitten is $2,000. The Bengali-oriental hybrid has the coloring of a serval and is named after the African reserve.

In addition to meowing, the Serengeti makes a lot of sounds that cannot be heard from any other cat. The animal is very large and can weigh up to 33 pounds.

Domestic Serengeti’s are sociable, energetic, stubborn, and playful animals that love nature walks and active games very much. Despite the wild nature, the Serengeti is friendly to people. These long-legged, lean runners need regular walks. They are brave, inquisitive, and social.

4. Caracat

Caracats are direct descendants of the steppe lynx – caracal and domestic cats. This pet has a wild appearance. It is a new breed – appeared only 30 years ago — and it happened by accident.

Adult caracat weigh up to 22 pounds, and their height at the withers up to 15 inches. The most common is the red color, but there are also black-spotted and silver caracat. An inherited characteristic feature is the dark outer side of the ears.

5. Khao Manee

Very beautiful and unusual in appearance, the Khao Manee is considered an exotic and expensive breed with a centuries-old history. For hundreds of years, khao-mani (“white shiny jewel”) could be kept and bred exclusively by the kings of Thailand.

The animal’s eye color is rare — either bright blue or emerald green. This is a bright and unique breed that is currently rarely found. Kao-Mani pets have a shiny, smooth, snow-white color. They are kind and calm animals.

These are extremely social domestic cats, so it’s best to buy them for those who already have a pet (or buy two kittens at once).

6. Munchkin  

The Munchkin is an unusual and amazing animal. With an average body length, the animal’s paws are very short and strong. Therefore, cats of this breed resemble dachshunds. Now, Munchkins are gaining popularity more and more due to their cute and funny appearance.

Munchkins are a very healthy breed with no specific diseases. Its lifespan is 13-16 years, and it has a calm and friendly temperament.

7. Toyger

Unusual and rare, the Toyger is a wonderful and graceful animal with the habits of a real tiger. This cat resembles its “older brothers” in color, which is how the breed got its name; however, not only the color and pattern on its coat connects the Toyger, and the tiger — their habits are also similar. This is an active cat who likes to spend time on the move, playing and hunting.

The Toyger is cute and companionable and gets along well with people of any age, including children, despite its wild origin. However, Toygers prefer to keep a small distance because of their innate pride and independence.

READ MORE: Toyger Breed Profile

8. Burmilla

Of English origin, the Burmilla is an exciting and fairly new breed, bred due to crossing the popular Persian and Burmese cats. Always expensive and rare, recent interest in this beautiful pet is growing. The Burmilla is a medium-sized animal weighing up to 15 pounds; its height at the withers is about 15 inches.

This rare cat breed has an extraordinary appearance – the color of its coat resembles a pearl: light with gray and silver reflections and is short, soft, silky, and very pleasant to the touch.

The Burmilla is an intelligent and kind animal, well-suited for living with people, as it is not prone to aggression and has a sweet, calm, and good-natured character. This pet really likes to be talked to, and it listens attentively. It does not tolerate loneliness, so it is not recommended to leave it alone for long periods of time, as it will be very bored. The pet is very vulnerable and is unlikely to forgive betrayal. In addition, these cats are very intolerant of a change in environment. ^[3]

READ MORE: Burmilla Breed Profile

9. Chausie

The Chausie, another unusual and rare representative of the feline family, was obtained in the USA by crossing a domestic Abyssinian and a wild reed cat. The animal has a brown color, a short and shiny coat, and resembles a wild cat. The Chausie is a noble and intelligent domestic cat, and they, like dogs, tend to choose one owner for life. It is a great family pet.

READ MORE: Chausie Full Breed Profile

10. Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a medium-sized, shorthair rare cat breed with a spotted coloration. The weight of an adult animal is 6-13 pounds. The cat is very kind, affectionate, calm, and curious.

According to legend, these rare cat breeds originated from cats of ancient Egypt. The coat color is light gray, the spots are dark (almost black). Mau is an Egyptian word meaning “cat.”

This breed comes from an unusual cat discovered in Cairo. It is believed that she was transported to Rome in 1953 by a Russian princess. ^[2]

RELATED: Egyptian Mau Cat Breed Profile

11. American Curl

The American Curl is a beautiful, affectionate and kind domestic cat breed. Bred in the USA at the end of the last century, the American Curl is a perfect human companion. Cats of this breed have long or short hair of various colors and a strong physique.

A distinctive feature is its ears, which are wrapped back. This feature is caused by a genetic mutation that does not affect the animal’s health; on the contrary, cats of this breed are distinguished by a strong immune system.

READ MORE: Small Cat Breeds

12. Serval

The Serval (Bush), an amazing and rare cat with real predator habits, is rarely kept as a pet. It is a large cat with an elegant build: the body is slender, the paws are long, the head is small.

The animal’s coat is yellowish-golden with black spots all over its body. The character of the Serval is calm but, like all predators, very active. A country house with a fenced territory for walking is better suited for such a pet, as it will be uncomfortable in a city apartment.

READ MORE: Serval Cats

13. Turkish Van

The rare and expensive Turkish Van is distinguished by a peaceful and affectionate disposition. Adult cats are of medium size (males are much larger than females). The cat’s coat – semi-long and fluffy – is more often light shades.

The Turkish Van is an intelligent cat and loves affection. These pets are usually very energetic and sociable. They are very fond of jumping, climbing (as high as possible) and running (they often want their owner to run with them!).

14. Elf

The Elf, a rare cat breed that resembles the popular sphinx, has no fur. The Elf, bred in the USA by crossing the Canadian sphinx and the American curl, is unusual and memorable.

By nature, they are very affectionate and friendly pets and get along well with family members and children. Elves are very sociable and attention-loving. Quick-witted, they quickly find a common language with everyone.

15. Savannah

The African Savannah is a very beautiful, elegant, noble and expensive pet. The result of crossing the Serval with a domestic pet, the Savannah – despite its wild origin and appearance – is a gentle, affectionate and kind animal who gets along well with children and adults. Savannahs need activity; it’s an integral part of their temperament, and you will often need to engage in outdoor games and walk in the fresh air with a cat of this breed.

Any cat, regardless of breed, with the right approach and upbringing, will become a faithful companion to a person and bring joy to the house. The cat-world is diverse, and everyone can find a true friend for many years.

FAQs

Article Sources:

1. “Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Information.” Vetstreet, vetstreet.com/cats/norwegian-forest-cat.
2. “Egyptian Mau Cat Breed – Facts and Traits.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 8 Oct. 2021, hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/egyptian-mau.
3. “The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cats.” Amazon, amazon.com/Complete-Illustrated-Encyclopedia-Cats/dp/1435105400.