Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, with an estimated 370 million living in households globally.1 But while breeds like the Siamese and Persian are well-known, there’s a whole world of rare and exotic felines out there that many people have never encountered.
From the curly-coated LaPerm to the wild-looking Sokoke, these uncommon kitties are sure to turn heads. Here are 15 of the rarest cat breeds on the planet.
1. Sokoke
The UK’s Governing Council of the Cat Fancy considers the Sokoke the rarest domestic cat breed in the world. (ref) These exotic-looking felines originated in the Sokoke forest of eastern Kenya. Their unique marbled tabby coat provides excellent camouflage in the wild.
Sokokes are known for being highly intelligent, active, and family-oriented cats. They form close bonds with their humans and other pets. These rare kitties have a distinctive tip-toe gait in their hind legs that becomes more pronounced when excited.
2. Minskin
The Minskin is a rare breed that resulted from crossing a Sphynx with a Munchkin cat. They inherited the hairless body of the Sphynx and the short legs of the Munchkin, making them resemble a smaller version of the well-known bald breed.
Minskins are known for being extremely affectionate and outgoing companions that love spending time with their families. They will often greet you at the door when you arrive home.
While playful, their short stature means they aren’t the most athletic felines out there.
3. Korat
The Korat is an ancient breed that originated in Thailand, where they were considered to bring good luck and were given to members of the Thai government. These cats lived in monasteries in the Kingdom of Siam as far back as the 14th century.
Korats have a stunning silver-blue coat that seems to shimmer in the light. Seeing one of these rare beauties in person is still thought to be a sign of good fortune. They are also known for being highly intelligent problem solvers.
4. Chartreux
Sometimes called the “smiling blue cat of France,” the Chartreux is the national cat of France but is still quite uncommon worldwide. Legend has it these cats were brought to French monasteries by Crusaders and lived a peaceful life with the monks.
The Chartreux made its way to the United States relatively recently, so they remain a rarity outside of Europe. These cats nearly went extinct after World War II but were saved by the efforts of dedicated breeders. They are known for being affectionate, quiet companions.
5. Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is an ancient breed that originated in the Eastern Anatolia region, where they’ve existed since at least the Middle Ages. The isolation of the area allowed these cats to preserve their unique traits like their distinctive pattern.
Turkish Vans are born swimmers with a water-resistant coat that allows them to take a dip. Around 100 Turkish Van kittens are born in the US each year, making them one of the rarest breeds in the country.
All Turkish Vans can trace their ancestry back to two kittens brought from Turkey to England in 1955.
6. Burmilla
The glamorous Burmilla sports a shimmering coat that resembles eyeliner on fabric. These rare cats originated in England as the result of an “accidental” cross between a Persian and Burmese.
While Burmillas have been gaining popularity in Great Britain, they remain very uncommon in the United States. These kitties are known for being quiet yet playful and active companions.
7. Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail is native to Russia but is a rare sight in North America with less than 100 cats of this breed living in the US. These felines are believed to have originated from bobtailed cats living on the Kuril Islands over 200 years ago.
As their name suggests, Kurilian Bobtails have a distinctive short, pom-pom like tail that can be kinked or spiral shaped. They are highly intelligent cats that are easy to train but their long coats do require frequent grooming.
8. LaPerm
The LaPerm’s unique curly coat is the result of a spontaneous natural mutation that was discovered in the 1980s. These kitties can have either long or short curly hair that doesn’t shed much, making them a good choice for some allergy sufferers.
LaPerms are known for being quiet but playful and active cats. They are also highly intelligent and even enjoy learning tricks. This breed remains quite rare, consistently ranking low on popularity lists.
9. American Wirehair
The American Wirehair began from a spontaneous mutation in a litter of kittens in upstate New York during the 1960s. Their unique wiry coats are the result of a gene so rare that it hasn’t occurred naturally anywhere else in the world.
American Wirehairs were accepted for registration by the CFA in 1967 but have remained at the very bottom of the popularity lists ever since, making them the rarest breed. They are prized for their calm, adaptable temperament.
10. Singapura
The Singapura originated in Singapore, as evidenced by their name. They are the smallest cat breed, with males weighing no more than 8 pounds. But they pack a lot of personality into their tiny bodies.
Singapuras adore their humans and love to “help” with everything from folding laundry to preparing meals. They have high energy levels and enjoy perching up high to survey their domain. Less than 7,000 are currently registered with the CFA.
11. Peterbald
The rare Peterbald originated in Russia from crossing a Donskoy and Oriental Shorthair. Most have very little to no hair, giving them a unique appearance. But unlike other hairless breeds, their skin can be totally bald or peach fuzz.
Peterbalds are extremely social and active cats that don’t like to be left alone for long. They will entertain themselves by learning tricks and mastering puzzle toys. The small number of breeders makes them one of the rarest cats worldwide.
12. Havana Brown
The Havana Brown stands out for its rich, chocolate-brown colored coat. They were created by crossing Siamese with black domestic cats to achieve their distinctive coloring and appearance.
Havana Browns are intelligent, curious, and playful companions. They love to spend time with their favorite humans and even enjoy playing fetch. Their unique look and devoted but small fanbase make them a very rare breed.
13. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is the only domestic cat with a naturally spotted coat. Their exotic appearance is characterized by their unique markings along with their graceful, athletic build.
Fewer than 7,000 Egyptian Maus are currently registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association, making them one of the rarest breeds. These loyal but active kitties love to climb, leap, and even learn tricks.
14. Tonkinese
Tonkinese were developed in Canada by crossing Siamese with Burmese cats. They are intelligent, social, and talkative kitties that quickly bond with their families.
Tonkinese have a moderate appearance that makes them resemble their Siamese ancestors without the extremely slender body type. Their stunning aqua-colored eyes are one of their most striking features. This breed remains quite rare outside of Canada.
15. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is an ancient breed that originated in Turkey, where their striking mostly-white coats made them a favorite among royalty. They are one of the rarest breeds today, in part due to their declining numbers in their homeland.
Turkish Angoras are known for being affectionate, loyal companions with a playful streak. They get along well with everyone, including children and other pets. These active, athletic cats need plenty of stimulation and room to roam.
These 15 rare cat breeds showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of the feline world.
While they may not be as well-known as their more popular counterparts, these uncommon kitties are sure to capture the hearts of cat lovers everywhere with their unique appearances and endearing personalities.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.