Chances are you either own a cat or know someone who does. In fact, you probably know several people who own cats! We are going to jump into what makes these cats so rare, and other interesting facts about these fascinating breeds. So, are you curious what the top 5 rare cat breeds you’ve probably never heard of? Lets get started!
Meet Our Fabulous Breeds
As of 2023, The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes 73 standardized breeds while other associations recognize as few as 45 breeds. These rare cats can make awesome pets or show animals, but they also tend to come with a rather hefty price tag.
Below are five of the rarest cat breeds in the world:
Sokoke Cat
Sokoke cats were only discovered in the 1970s in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kenya. The breed was only recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 2001.
They are also rare because their population is limited to their native region in Kenya. With only a few registered breeders they are not widely bred or exported to other parts of the world.
Despite their rarity, Sokoke cats are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful personalities, which have made them beloved by their owners.
Devon Rex Cat
This breed of cat originated in England in the 1950s when a curly-coated kitten was born in a litter of feral cats. The kitten was bred with other cats, including Siamese and British Shorthairs, to establish the Devon Rex breed.
Devon Rex remains a rare breed because of the specific genetic combination required to produce their signature curly coat. This genetic trait is caused by a spontaneous mutation that is not always passed on to offspring.
Their appearance is often described as resembling that of elves or even aliens, primarily due to their distinctive large eyes, expansive ears, and unique facial structure.
Kurilian Bobtail Cat
Despite their small and fluffy appearance, Kurilian Bobtail cats are actually quite muscular and can weigh up to 15 pounds! What’s more, these cats have the unique ability to continue growing until they reach five years old, which sets them apart from many other breeds.
As a natural cat breed, the Kurilian Bobtail developed without human intervention, making them an intriguing and distinct breed.
it originated from the Kuril Islands, a remote archipelago located between Russia and Japan. People tend to travel to Italy, Great Britain, or even Russia to buy one.
Norwegian Forest Cat
This breed was once at risk of extinction due to interbreeding with other cats in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as the destruction of its natural habitat in Norway. It is locally known as “skogkatt,” which directly translates to “forest cat.”
Despite this, the breed has a rich history and has been present in Norway for centuries. They are even mentioned in Norse mythology, where they are described as large, long-haired cats. Their impressive appearance and reputation in mythology have contributed to their popularity and beloved status among cat enthusiasts worldwide.
These cats have long, thick fur and are known for their love of climbing and exploring, which makes them a popular choice for cat lovers who want an active and engaging pet.
Minskin Cat
It was first developed in 1998 by breeding a Munchkin with a Sphynx, resulting in a unique combination of short legs and hairlessness.
This breed is not yet recognized by major cat registries. It can limit the breed’s exposure and popularity. However, the Minskin’s distinctive appearance, affectionate personality, and playful demeanor have won them a dedicated following among cat lovers, which has helped to increase their visibility and demand.
In Conclusion
Having an awesome and unique cat doesn’t necessarily mean getting one of the top five rarest cat breeds. Exploring these breeds can be a fun and an informative experience. Learning about the various factors that contribute to a breed’s rarity or value can be fascinating, including coat coloring, eye colors, or patterns that make certain cats within these breeds even rarer.
If you do decide that you want to own one of these rare cat breeds, it’s important to seek out reputable breeders. While there may be breeders in your area, it’s more likely that you’ll have to look out of state or even outside of your country to find the right breeder.
Once you’ve found a breeder, make sure to get your name on their waiting list as soon as possible. It’s common for these rare breeds to have limited availability, so it may take several years before a kitten becomes available for you. Nonetheless, the reward of owning a rare and beloved cat breed can be well worth the wait.
Don’t want to spend the big bucks for one of these cats? Adopting is a great option not only saving a life but provides a loving home for a furry friend in need. When you adopt a cat, you are giving them a second chance at life, often from a situation where they may have been abandoned, surrendered, or even facing euthanasia in a shelter.