Top 10 Rare and Exotic Cat Breeds, Both Wild and Domesticated

From the fluffy Norwegian Forest Cat to the pretty and cute Turkish Angora, we are going to discuss 10 of the most rare and exotic cat breeds, both wild and domesticated, found in the world today.

10. Norwegian Forest Cat

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This domestic cat breed originated in Northern Europe. It was almost declared extinct back during the 2nd World War but was brought back from near-extinction thanks to the Norwegian Forest Cat Club's breeding program. These cats were officially declared a breed during the 1970s and are popular in Western Europe.

They are very similar to another cat breed known as the Maine Coon. They are known to suffer from kidney and heart disease. Life expectancy is between 14 to 16 years.

9. Devon Rex

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This breed of cat has quite a few nicknames as it's also referred to as Pixie cat, Alien cat, and Poodle cat. They are relatively new compared to other breeds as they have been around for the last 56 years and are fom the U.K. These cats have 3 different hair types. These 3 variations are known as guard hair, awn hair, and down hair.

These cats are known for being playful and unlike other cats who are anti-social, they like to be around people. They can even learn tricks.

8. Chartreux

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Originating from France, this rare breed of cat is not actually recognzed as its own breed by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCF) in the U.K. because it resembles the British Shorthair and the Russian Blue. These cats tend to keep a low profile without making any noise and some are actually considered mute.

These non-aggressive cats make good family pets that they get along with children very well.

7. British Shorthair

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One of the most ancient cat breeds to exist, the British Shorthair remains as the most famous pedigreed breed in all of the U.K. This was the cat that inspired the classic book Alice in Wonderland’s very own Cheshire Cat. British Shorthairs usually are seen having a blue-gray coat, but other variations such as tabby and colorpoint are known to occur, and the famous copper eyes.

6. Tonkinese Cat

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These little cats are a crossbreed between a Siamese and a Burmese cat. Their coats are known to come in 4 base colors; natural, champagne, blue, and platinum. They are known by their aquamarine-colored eyes. The Tonkinese is now recognized officially as a natural cat breed as it was discovered that they have existed since the 14th century.

This breed is especially playful and lively and should only be considered by those who want an interactive cat companion.

5. The Caracal

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This rather difficult to observe, secretive wild cat can be found living in Africa, India and the Middle East. These cats are mostly nocturnal (active at night) and typically live alone or sometimes in pairs. Caracals live off of a diet of birds and small mammals but unfortunately, their habitat is being threatened by agricultural expansion and the expanding desert, which is why they're classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

Female caracals can give birth to a litter of around 1-6 kittens that usually go on their own at 9 to 10 months, however, some females will stay behind a bit longer.

4. Egyptian Mau

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This short-haired breed of cat is famous for its spots which make it one of the very few cat breeds that have natural occurring spots. Egyptian Maus are the fastest breed of domestic cats and they have been recorded at running up to speeds of up to 30 mph! Not only that but they’re known for having a musical voice and friendly personality.

Being rare means that in 2006 that there's only a total of 6,742 Maus that were registered with the Cat Fancier’s Association.

3. Kurilian Bobtail

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This furry little breed originates from the Russian tundra. They can either have a short coat or a long coat that is always shedding. Grooming them is a high maintenance chore. Just like the Egyptian Mau, the Kurilian Bobtail is considered to be loudly vocal and is often heard meowing throughout the night. These cats make good pets as they are fairly affectionate with people but still like to make time for themselves.

These cats are a mostly healthy breed but pet owners should watch out for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and diarrhea. Other than that, these cats can be expected to live around from 14 to 20 years.

2. Turkish Angora

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Hailing from Turkey, the Turkish Angora has been around since the early 17th century. It is believed that they are the origin of the long hair and the white color pattern found in cats today. Pet owners know just how much these cats like people's attention and it's suggested that these cats not be left alone for more than 4 to 8 hours daily.

These cats behave well around people and their life expectancy is around 15 to 18 years. These social and intelligent pets are also known for having heterochromia, a mutation that gives them 2 different eye colors.

1. Sphynx Cat

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The Sphynx Cat was created through selective breeding back in the 1960s. Not really “hairless”, their skin is covered in fine hairs that are said to feel like chamois leather. Because of this, they lose more body heat than other cat breeds.

The Sphynx has been described as being more dog-like because of their friendly attitude towards strangers and they greet their owners at the door. They can live to 13 to 14 years old and require a bath every 1 or 2 weeks because the oils on their body build up.

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Sources:
http://www.cat-breeds-encyclopedia.com/Rare-cat-breeds.html
https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caracal

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