There are over 71 recognized cat breeds with dozens of different colors, patterns, and fur types out there. Each cat breed has their own personality and quirks. If you’re looking for unique cat breeds that offer something just a little different from your typical tabby cat, check out these exotic cat breeds.
» You might be interested to know if Sphynx Cats are Hypoallergenic.
Buying or adopting a cat is a big event in your household. You want to make sure you get a breed of cat that fits into your lifestyle and has a personality you enjoy, whether that be blue eyed cat breeds, or ones with lots of energy and a unique face.
All of these unique cat breeds have characteristics that make them stunning visually as well as personally. You might find that one of these cats fits right into your life.
8 Unique Cat Breeds
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat that appeared in England in the 1950s. They have a soft, downy coat with waves as if he had just stepped out of a hair styling salon, but they also have a velvety, short undercoat. You can’t truly appreciate this unique coat until you have had an opportunity to feel the velvety soft texture.
This cat has a truly extraordinary appearance. The Devon’s ears are very large and often quite pointy. They are wide at the base and set low on the head. Their head is also short and wide. These cats are hypoallergenic and don’t shed much.
Scottish Fold
As the name would imply, the origins of the Scottish Fold cat can be traced to Scotland. What makes this cat unique is their folded down ears that are placed forward on her head, giving her face a rounded, owl-like appearance.
Scottish Fold cats have large eyes and display a calm, sweet expression. The Scottish Fold cat has curved mouth, small nose, and prominent whiskers are often described as resembling a “smiling cat” appearance.
The most notable feature of the Scottish Shorthair is, of course, its ears. The Scottish Shorthair’s ears can range from very small to medium-sized. The fold in a shorthair’s ear can range widely, from a slight curve at the tip of the ear, to a tightly curved pattern. If you love this cute and cuddly cat you really should check out the Scottish Fold Munchkin.
North American Bobcat
With its clear, calm expression and natural intelligence flashing across its eyes, the American Bobtail has grown in popularity during the past several years. The American Bobtail is well known for its well-muscled appearance, its strong, rolling gait, and overall sense of power and intelligence.
If you’re looking for a highly energetic and expressive pet that loves to play, an American Bobtail may be just what you’ve been looking for! He looks wild, but he’s quite domesticated.
Although the name may indicate otherwise, the American Bobtail is not a “wild” breed. Rather, American Bobtails descend from bobtailed cats that have traditionally been located in the American Southwest.
Abyssinian cat
The Abyssinian cat is considered one of the oldest breeds of cats since they can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt. They are gorgeous animals with a sleek, muscular body, an arched neck, elegantly shaped eyes, and large ears.
Unlike their other feline counterparts, these cats are not happy if left alone for long periods of time, and so it would be best to consider adding this kind of cat to a family rather than to a singles’ household.
Abyssinian cats do not usually fall under the lap cat category, but they are very inquisitive and always curious around their humans. Plus they are fiercely loyal.
Havana Brown
There are several theories about how the Havana Brown cat got its name. Some people believe it was named after the rabbit of the same color, some people believe they were named after the cigar.
Their eyes are green in color, oval in shape, and lower on the face than other cats. This gives the appearance of a cat looking down its nose. The result of which, makes the cat appear to have an alert appearance. Very little is actually known about this breed.
Croshca (Siberian Longhair)
Croshcas are an ancient breed of longhaired cats. This breed was thought to be a combination of all modern longhaired cats including both the Angora and the Persian. Sometimes it is referred to as simply the “Siberian Cat” or the “Siberia”.
This breed was common to Russia. They have a thick fur, waterproof, oily coat that protects them from the cold. In Russia at the time people could not have pets, pedigreed or otherwise, because of the food shortage, so this cat was very rare.
Another interesting fact about these cats is that they are believed to be hypoallergenic. People, who are usually allergic to cats, seem to tolerate this cat fairly easily.
Sphynx
In 1966 a domestic house cat gave birth to a hairless kitten somewhere in Toronto, Canada. It was discovered through many scientific tests, to be a natural mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence.
These are some of the rarest domestic cats in existence. The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; some have very light “fuzz” close to their bodies, which makes it feel like a warm peach. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and toes.
The texture of the Sphynx skin has been likened to suede, or faux leather, or a heated chamois. They come in a wide variety of cat colors. The color is seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that they do have.
One of the questions most frequently asked is “Don’t they get cold?” Well, of course, if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for a hairless cat too. Don’t be surprised to find this kitty under the covers with you or curled up with all your clothes.
» Read about 7 Things You Didn’t Know About the Sphynx Cat.
Sokoke
Sokoke cats have nice long legs and a medium build torso. They have very dense short coat without any undercoat. Their markings can be compared with a cheetah. The most usual colors are light brown, dark chestnut and chocolate.
In the wild, Sokoke cats are never found to be white, but domesticated types come sometimes in a white tabby. The body of a Sokoke cat is very muscular and elegant. Their back legs are longer than the front legs; it allows the cats to run very fast. The tail is long and whip-like.
Sokoke Cats are very rare, perhaps the rarest cat breed in the world. Only about 100 exist today. Cat and feline societies have been trying to promote the breeding of this rare breed, but finding breeders are very difficult.
Some countries do not have breeding standards, so most attempts are restricted to the United States and the United Kingdom. Hopefully this breed will come back before it becomes extinct.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for unique cat breeds to decide which one you want to bring home with you, or if you just want to see what other breeds and cat types are out there, this article has introduced 8 unique breeds that you might not have known about before.
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