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You probably already know the classic cat breedsie tuxedos, tabbies and calicos. There are also some rare ones cat breeds you may have never heard of. For example, the Kurilian Bobtail has a super short tail (like a wild lynx). The Devon Rex, on the other hand, has a curly coat. Or there’s the Minikin, with its short, corgi-esque legs. Read more about 16 of the rarest cats below!
1. The American Bobtail Cat
The American Bobtail is so named for its cute, stubby 1-3 inch tail (compared to most cats, which have 9-12 inch tails). They are generally quite calm and friendly and tend to cuddle (a typical lap cat).
The American Bobtail first appeared on the market in the 1960s, when a Siamese cat was crossed with a male tabby with a bobtail. This gave them deep-set, almond-shaped eyes and, of course, a bobtail! American Bobtails are known for their beautifully striped or spotted coats, which can be either longhair or shorthair. Their hind legs are quite long compared to their front legs for a cat, similar to a bear!
2. The Kurilian Bobtail Cat
The Kurilian Bobtail gets its name from its home origin, the Russian Kuril Islands. It is believed that this beautiful, short-tailed cat developed from a genetic mutation that then became common, resulting in an unusually short tail. Kurilian Bobtails are quite stocky, similar to bobcats, with striped or spotted long or short fur. They are quite gentle and easygoing, making them ideal for households with children or cat-friendly pets (including dogs). Kurilian Bobtails are also very loving and playful!
3. The Sokoke Cat
The Sokoke cat is said to be the rarest cat in the world. The Sosoke is not a man-made breed, but a naturally occurring, small wild cat that can only be found in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Preserve in Kenya (Africa). These long-limbed striped cats have unique, thickly striped stripes as if drawn on them with charcoal. Despite their wild origins, Sosoke Cats love to follow their humans, whether you’re cleaning or watching TV!
4. The Devon Rex Cat
The Devon Rex is a rare, unique looking cat that originated in England in the 1950’s. These lovable cats have an unusually short muzzle, high cheekbones, exceptionally large, bat-like ears, and a distinctive, wavy coat. They are energetic little felines, and quite charming, mischievous and playful!
5. The Turkish Angora Cat
Turkish Angoras are super sweet, sensitive cats (in fact, they have been known to have some difficulty with change, but otherwise they are calm by nature). Appear around the 18th century in Central Anatolia (ancient Turkey) they quickly became popular not only for their exceptional grace, but also for their extraordinary, silky coat. This comes in black, blue, red, tortoiseshell, brown, cream, classic and mackerel, and is said to positively shimmer!
6. The brown cat of Havana
The Havana Brown originated in the 1950s when a group of cat enthusiasts bred black domestic cats with Siamese cats. The result is a cat that is slender and long-limbed, yet very muscular. The Havana brown also shares the long face and charming almond-shaped eyes of their Siamese ancestor. If you can get the friendship of a Havana Brown cat, you’ll have a friend for life, but they can still be a bit of a loner at times!
7. The Burmilla Cat
The Burmilla cat is the result of the 4th generation breeding of the Burmese cat and the Chincilla Persian. Due to the time-consuming breeding process, the Burmilla is definitely one of the rarest cats out there (selling around $800-$1200). Burmilla cats have cute forever baby faces, as well as matching kitten-like behaviors. They have distinctive black rims around their eyes and noses and very soft fur. The Burmilla is a sweet companion animal as they tend to work closely with their owners, are not needy and are extremely loyal!
8. The LaPerm Cat
The LaPerm Cat has a very unique, naturally curly coat! The LaPerm appeared relatively recently, in the 1980s, and is the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation that caused their fur to curl (much like a lamb’s). This is the most distinguishing feature of the rare LaPerm cats, along with their friendly lap cat tendencies. Their coats are also pretty low maintenance, as they shed less than straight coat cats!
9. The Egyptian Mau Cat
While many cats are striped, few are spotted like the Egyptian Mau. This gives it a very unique and rare look! As their name implies, Egyptian Mau cats originated in ancient Egypt. In terms of personality, the Egyptian Mau is usually playful and loyal. This is a medium to small spotted cat capable of super speed. The fastest domestic cat, the Egyptian Mau, can run a whopping 30 MPH!
10. The Korat Cat
The Korat is a rarely heard but worth hearing cat that is native to Thailand. Korats are best known for their breathtaking, silver-blue coats. They have broad, almond-shaped, often green eyes, and they are affectionate, lively and small (with females weighing only 6-8 pounds). They are loved for their personality and the rich color of their fur!
11. The Minskin Cat
The Minskin is an extremely rare combination of the Munchkin (with their super short short legs), Burmese, the Devon Rex (with their wavy coat) and the Sphynx. The result is a cute, short-legged, stocky cat (it’s basically the feline equivalent of a sausage dog or corgi). Minskin cats are very cuddly (compared to hot water bottles) and have warm skin and super short, velvety fur!
12. The Peterbald Cat
The Peterbald is essentially a hairless Oriental Shorthair. They were created quite recently, in 1994, by breeding an Oriental Shorthair with a Sphynx! Peterbald cats have long muzzles, high cheekbones, and chiseled features (thanks to both sides of their ancestry) that give them an impressively regal look. Personally, the Peterbald cat would get along well with most people (and pets). They are extremely affectionate and playful!
13. The Chartreux Cat
The Chartreux is a well known hunter and world famous mouser! This rare cat breed is coveted not only for its thick, plush, water-repellent coat. Chartreux cats have large, round eyes and are distinguished by a truly beautiful blue-gray coat (ranging from ashen to dark gray). The Chartreux cat likes to chirp and talk (politely). This is a gentle cat who will likely pick out a favorite person to bond with and follow!
14. The Sphynx Cat
You’ve probably seen a Sphynx cat before, if not in person, than online. These hairless cats have a truly unique look that people either love or hate. They came into existence in 1996 when a male cat was born without fur. This man was then bred to create more cats with the same hairless look – the Sphynx!
Sphynx cats have beautifully shaped facial features, including large, almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones that look regal. Sphynx cats live up to their regal and regal looks, with a sociable, benevolent nature that makes them highly sought after!
15. The Tonkinese Cat
The Tonkinese is a unique, quite rare combination of Siamese and Burmese cats. These cats are remarkably intelligent, but also quite active and vocal. They have the long limbs of a Siamese cat, combined with the plush fur and round face of a Burmese cat. The result is a really cute, soft critter with bright eyes!
16. The Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is, in one word, royal. This is a huge cat breed roaming wild in Norway, and they think Vikings may have brought them first. These cats are quite large and look even bigger thanks to their ultra-thick, fluffy coats (made to withstand the fierce weather of Northern Norway). These are some of the fluffiest cats you’ll find, and they have big, affectionate personalities to match – perfect for any cat lover!
So there you have it: the top 16 rarest cats. As you can see, there is a wide variety of cat breeds. Some of the rarest, which you may not have heard of, and they are often distinguished by unique features such as short legs or curly hair!
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