You know about cat breeds like Persian and Siamese, right? After all, they are beautiful, with an interesting personality and beautiful appearance. But have ever heard of a Devon Rex or a Peterbald? or Budmilla? Chances are that you probably haven’t as these cats are one of the rarest cat breeds alive. There is a large number of breeds that can be defined as ‘rare’. We have selected 10. Check them out.
10. Peterbald
Country of origin: Russia
Peterbald was developed in Russia in 1194, and little is known about this breed. At first glance, this cat may look fragile and weak, but that’s far from the truth. Yes, they may look sensitive, because they don’t rich fur as the majority of cat has. However, their average body temperature hovers over 105 degrees. This helps them to maintain a speed metabolism to combat disease and illness, next to proper vaccination.
9. Cornish Rex
Country of origin: United Kingdom
This cat is mostly known for having almost a perfect hearing. Also, she also has bat-like ears, and in a way, she does resemblance to an English Greyhound. According to some old stories: radiation from the local mines in Cornwall, England. But, according to veterinarians, she can thank a genetic mutation to her odd look.
Over the years, breeders have crossed this cat with other types of cats including Burmese, Russian Blue, British Shorthairs, and Siamese, to improve Rex’s stamina and health. They are covered with small wavy fur all over their body and they surprisingly get hot-and-cold easily. They also come in different colors, and they have a dog-like personality. You have to admit that for a cat it’s rare.
8. LaPerm
Country of Origin: USA
The history of this breed started with a barn cat named Curly. Their most unique trait is their wavy and soft coat, similar to a poodle’s. Their coat comes in a variety of patterns and colors. Moreover, their coat can range from tight ringlets, wavy ringlets, or long corkscrew curls. Therefore, make sure that you stay informed about good feline grooming, so you can maintain her coat.
This breed was a spontaneous genetic mutation in a regular litter of tabby cats. So, the first LaPerm kitten was born in 1982 on a farm in Oregon owned by Linda Koehl. LaPerm is a young breed. Once this mutation occurred, over the next decade, Koehl did not try to selectively breed this unique curly-haired cat, so more of them were being born on the farm.
Eventually, Koehl decided to isolate a few of the curly-haired cats and eventually did discovered that the curly gene was dominant in both parents. Due to its wavy/curly hair, the breed was named LaPerm. Last but not least, they have gentle character and are great companions.
7. Turkish Van
Country of Origin: Eastern Anatolia (modern-day Iraq, Iran, southwest Soviet Union, and eastern Turkey)
This is one of the rarest cat breeds. Also, it’s one of the most ancient. It’s believed that this breed first appeared in the Middle Ages. The Turkish Van existed in the Eastern Anatolia region (modern-day Iraq, southwest Soviet Union, Eastern Turkey, and Iran). Many believe that isolation of this breed helped preserve its unique features. This cat comes with a waterproof and they enjoy swimming. So, if you see your Turkish Van taking a dip in the river or a bathtub, don’t be to surprised.
After all, originally they are from Lake Van, in eastern Turkey. Also, they are recognized by the striking red tail and red marked on their heads. Why is this cat so rare? For years, the Turkish Government wouldn’t allow kittens to be taken from their country, and that’s how isolation helped this cat to save its original appearance.
6. Ragamuffin
Country of Origin: California
The Ragamuffin is one of the newest cat breeds. This cat was first introduced in 2003, and they are often mistaken for Ragdoll’s, because of their soft coat, and thick and big eyes. Originally Ragamuffins originated from street cats. Although they have a long coat, this breed demands low-maintenance. Besides, they are not prone to clumping or matting. She is an ideal choice for those in apartments. But, as a placid cat, she will need interactive exercise to keep her in shape.
Make sure that you spend enough time playing with her. They are still rare and therefore not that popular, but thanks to their large size, strength, and friendly nature they will soon be well known and popular. So far, the Ragamuffin is a very uncommon breed.
5. Sokoke
Country of Origin: Kenya
The Sokoke is one of the rarest exotic cats, and their origin tracks back to Kenya. There weren’t any kind of genetic mutations, but this breed came to be from natural breeding. The Sokoke is known for being extremely peaceful and easy-going, and she is best known by the people of Kenya as the free-roaming cats along the coastal region of the country. They have a vibrantly striped coat.
4. Minskin
Country of Origin: USA
The Munchkin cat is is often seen as a feline version of a Dachshund, because of it’s short, sturdy, and little legs and low-slung torso. Just like the Manx and the Cornish Rex, the Munchkin arose from a spontaneous genetic mutation. Their short legs are caused by an autosomal dominant gene, which caused the long bones in their legs to grow shorter. Interestingly, a cat only needs one copy of the gene to inherit short legs, and to pass the trait along to its kittens.
The Munchkin gene is sometimes called the ‘lethal’ gene because if a Munchkin cat embryo receives one of these genes from each parent, it won’t survive. This is the main reason why breeders don’t mate two short-legged Munchkin cats together.
The Minskin was made from a cross between the Munchkin and the Sphynx. The Minskin has the hairless body of the Sphynx, and the short stature of the Munchkin. These hairless cats are known for being compact, and above everything else, for being friendly.
3. Korat
Country of Origin: Thailand
This ancient breed is originally from Thailand and the earliest records go up to 1350. The Korat was first mentioned in The Cat-Book of Poems or Smud Khoi of Cats, written by Ayudhya Period of Siamese History (1350-1767). According to this book, the Korat is one of the good luck cats of Thailand.
Interestingly, Korat only comes in one color, most commonly described as a silver-tipped blue. According to some records, the Korat was first seen in England in the 1800s, and as solid blue Siamese cats. When it comes to the States, the first pair of Korats were imported in 1959.
Korats have a mind of their own and they like to be in charge, and in a certain way they love to the ruler of the house. However, they love to learn new tricks and they like to go outside, and even walk on a leash.
2. Ojos Azules
Country of Origin: New Mexico
When translated from Spanish ‘ojos azules’ means ‘blue eyes’, and this breed is known for this unique appearance. The population of this breed is small, and they are not well-known besides the blue eyes trait. They were discovered in New Mexico in 1984, and according to some cat owners they are active, affectionate, and friendly.
Because of their blue eyes and nimble appearance they are easy to be recognized. Moreover, since the gene for the blue eyes in not restricted to any coat color or even pattering, it can appear in any cat at any time.
In general, they possess a lean body structure, long legs, and a slightly rounded forehead with a wedge-shaped head. Also, their coat is usually short and easy to maintain with regular grooming.
They usually live for 15 years, their character is playful and active, with a keen hunting instinct and amazing climbing capabilities.
1. Burmilla
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Yes, this cat looks glamorous as it sounds, with a shiny and a silvery coat, and with markings resembling eyeliner. This breed was unplanned, and it was an outcome as a combination of a Burmese and a Persian. This cat is difficulty found in the States but has been gaining popularity within Great Britain, where it can be found.
This may sound funny, but it’s a true story: in the late 1980s a janitor left a door open and two kittens (a Burmese and a chinchilla Persian) met, and their meeting resulted in Burmilla. Their offspring was so desirable and adorable that soon after the Burmilla came to be a new breed in the cat world.