The Most Unique Felines
Cats have been a companion to humans ever since humans first evolved to care for pets. In Ancient Egypt cats were even revered as gods, and boy, do they not let us forget it. But times have changed since then, and many new and exciting cat breeds have come into the world. These are 35 of the most unique and beautiful ones, unlike anything you've ever seen.
American Curl
The American Curl is a unique cat breed known for its distinctive backward-curled ears. Friendly, intelligent, and adaptable, they make excellent family pets. This breed emerged in California in the early 1980s and has both longhaired and shorthaired varieties.
Bombay
A beautiful void kitty! These creatures were specially bred to look like mini black panthers, with none of the dangers to humans that black panthers pose. They’re very affectionate pets and an ideal choice for a family looking for a cat to love.
Egyptian Mau
There are six different colors of Egyptian Mau cat: bronze, silver, smoke, caramel, black, and blue. (No, not bright blue. Blue by cat standards.) They’re thought to be the fastest domestic cats on Earth, and they make loyal and snuggly pets.
Ocicat
Ocicats are beautiful, but probably not the first thing to consider if you’re looking for a pet. They need a lot of physical activity and mental simulation, otherwise they’ll probably end up destroying things. They’re also quite loud, so bear that in mind.
Highlander
Highlander cats are very big, but they’re gentle giants. They’re very loyal, affectionate and sweet to their humans. They’re also very playful, so if you’re thinking of getting one, make sure you have enough time to devote to keeping it occupied.
Balinese
Balinese cats are an offshoot of Siamese cats, with long hair instead of short. They were named “Balinese” because they were as graceful as Balinese dancers, and they soon proved to live up to their name. They’re intelligent, curious cats.
Singapura
A cat so cute it almost has the word “purr” in its name. The Singapura is the smallest breed of cat out there, and it hails from Singapore, where it’s known as the Kucinta. Be warned, though, these animals do tend to have a lot of health problems.
LaPerm
The LaPerm cat takes its name from, you guessed it, its curly hair. They make good pets, as they’re affectionate plus they’re also hypoallergenic, meaning that people who are allergic to cats are less likely to be affected by them. And they’re so cute!
Ukrainian Levkoy
These cats are hairless, so they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you like hairless cats, the Ukrainian Levkoy just might be the pet for you. They’re friendly to both humans and other pets. They do need help to keep their skin healthy though.
Savannah
These cats descend from one very special kitty, a crossbreed of a serval and a Siamese named Savannah. They’re loyal and easily trainable cats, but some of them have problems with, not to be too blunt, pooping where they shouldn’t.
Chinchilla
The Chinchilla is a type of Persian cat, and is noted for its beautiful white fur, broad head, and big eyes. They’re the perfect pet in many ways, as they’re loyal and affectionate and respond well to training – but they don’t come cheap.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex cats are considered to look “odd” in comparison to other cats. But that’s exactly the sort of thing some pet owners like. They’re all descended from one curly-haired Devon-based cat, Kirlee, who had a unique mutation.
Minuet
The Minuet is a squishy-looking little fella, a cross between the Persian and Munchkin breeds. However, some people think that breeding these cats was irresponsible, as the Minuet has dwarfism and facial deformities, causing a lot of health issues.
Abyssinian
One of the most popular cat breeds of the ‘10s, the Abyssinian is named after the region of Africa which is now called Ethiopia. They’re not always the most easy pet, as they’re even more demanding than your average cat, but they do well in big groups of cats.
Bengal
The Bengal cat came into the world as the descendent of Asian Leopard cats and domestic cats. They have distinctive markings that many people prize, but unfortunately the breeding of them has also led to the animals having a lot of health issues.
Munchkin
Munchkin cats – named after the Munchkin people from classic movie The Wizard of Oz – are bred to have short legs. They’re cute, but they’re very controversial. Some people say it’s cruel to breed an animal to have a disadvantage, and some countries have even banned breeding them.
Lykoi
Lykois are absolutely fascinating creatures. They’ve been compared to werewolves of legend because of their distinctive looks, and of course that makes them even more popular with lovers of spooky pets. They’re also friendly, cuddly animals.
Russian Peterbald
Another hairless cat breed, this one hailing from St Petersburg in Russia. They’re the offspring of Don Sphinx and Oriental Shorthair cats. Many people love them and find them to be particularly good with children.
Khao Manee
Khao Manee cats from from Thailand and they date back a long, long time. Their name roughly translates as “white jewel” and it’s easy to see why. Good luck getting hold of one though – as one of the rarest cat breeds in the world, they’re incredibly expensive.
Siberian
Siberian cats came from the forests of Siberia, and centuries later they were bred into being cute and fluffy feline companions. They’re great at jumping, they don’t mind the water, and their personality is friendly and loyal. All in all they’re an excellent choice for a family cat.
American Shorthair
American Shorthair cats are thought to be the descendants of the ship’s cats that were on board when Europeans first colonized America. As they were originally bred to catch rats, they’re agile and powerful, but they’re also very affectionate and friendly.
Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are the largest breed of cat out there, and some people have compared them to dogs. If they are like dogs, though, they got all the dog’s best qualities – they’re sweet-natured, intelligent, and loyal to their owners.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds have “folded” ears, which gives the breed their distinct look. However, they’re another breed thought to have come into the world via irresponsible practices. They all have osteochondrodysplasia, and thus breeding them is banned in some countries.
Serengeti
People saw how cool servals were and decided to try and breed themselves a cat that had all its main characteristics, but less danger. That’s how we ended up with the Serengeti. They’re a rare breed that will cost you a lot of money if you end up purchasing one.
Burmilla
Apparently, these cats were created totally by accident. Two cats, with the magnificent names of Jamari Sanquist and Bambino Lilac Fabergé, were left alone when a cleaner left the door open. The cats mated, and their kittens created the Burmilla breed.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue cat is thought to come from Arkhangelsk in Russia, hence why they’re also sometimes called Archangel Blues. They have the beautiful eyes of an angel, as well. Russian Blue cats are energetic and can be taught to do basic tricks.
Ragdoll
These fluffy cats are called Ragdolls because when they’re picked up, they have a tendency to go floppy like a ragdoll. People love them for many reasons, but one of their best characteristics is their bright blue eyes.
Sphynx
The Sphynx cats are named after a legendary creature, but one look at them and you might think you’re in the presence of a legendary creature yourself. They’re stunning-looking animals that are known for being loyal, intelligent, and high-energy.
Kurilian Bobtail
These cats got their name from their short tails. They hail from Russia, where the breed has long been noted for its rat-catching and fishing abilities. A Kurilian Bobtail makes a great pet, but because of the rarity of the breed, they don’t come cheap.
Norwegian Forest Cat
These kitties nearly went extinct during World War II, but thank god they didn’t. They survived to become a cat that’s both an efficient hunter and a friendly, albeit attention-seeking, family pet.
Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are a cross between the Siamese and Burmese kitties, and their color and patterns depends on which set of genes are strongest. They’re very energetic cats that need their humans to spend a lot of playtime with them.
Korat
Korat cats come from Thailand and they haven’t changed all that much over the centuries. The Thai people believe the cat brings good luck, and they’re often given as gifts. Your Korat cat may or not bring you luck, but it’ll certainly bring you a lot of love.
Chartreux
Chartreux cats are particularly beloved because they always look like they’re smiling! And they have plenty to smile about. They have a pedigree and show up in many fine works of art. Nobles of times past must have loved them, because they’re quiet cats who are seen and not heard.
Turkish Van
Turkish Vans have the “van pattern” where all their color is on their head and tail and everything else is white. They’re energetic animals – they like to climb, leap, and dart around. They’re considered very good working cats because of this.
Sokoke
The Sokoke cat comes from Kenya (doesn’t it look a lot like African wild cats?) and it’s one of the rarest cat breeds in the world. They have a love of climbing and a loud meow, which may not suit everyone, but they’re great around children and bond deeply with their favorite humans.
