5 of the Rarest Cat Breeds
There are many cat breeds that you can choose from, and some are much more common and easy to find than others, including in shelters and rescues. Rarer cat breeds, such as those listed below, are harder to come by. They might not be as well-known or as popular as other breeds, and there may not be as many breeders as a result. Once you get to know the defining characteristics and features of these breeds, though, you might want to find a way to bring one into your family.
1. Turkish Van
Though similar, the Turkish Van is different from the Turkish Angora. This rare cat breed is from Turkey, and these are large cats, with males weighing as much as 20 pounds. They have a beautiful longhair coat that’s described as feeling like soft cashmere. And they have a distinct coat pattern, known as the Van pattern, with color on the tail and head and a white body.
Even though many cats don’t like water, Turkish Vans are known for playing with water and swimming—according to The International Cat Association (TICA), this is even referred to as “the swimming cat.”
Another interesting characteristic is the fact that Turkish Vans continue growing until they are 3 to 5 years old. And even though they might not like being held, you might be able to train this smart, dog-like cat to play fetch.
2. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a strikingly beautiful cat, and the only domestic cat breed with a naturally occurring spotted coat, which can be silver, smoke, or bronze in color. They also have an “M” on their head, which is called the mark of the scarab.
These athletic shorthair kitties are devoted and gentle, and bond strongly with their family, so you should include them in your daily activities. You can train this intelligent kitty to walk on a leash and play fetch, and you can have a lot of fun with them. Also, because they like to jump and be up high, giving them some tall cat trees and high perches can keep them happy.
The Egyptian Mau is the fastest domestic cat breed and is referred to as the feline Greyhound, according to Guinness World Records. If you give them space to run around the house, they’re sure to impress you with their speed and agility.
3. LaPerm
The LaPerm is a unique cat breed because it has a soft, curly coat that’s the result of a natural mutation. The coat can be long or short in length, and can come in various colors and patterns. LaPerms don’t shed much, and their coat is considered low-maintenance, but you should still gently comb them on a regular basis.
These loyal and cuddly cats don’t like being alone. They want to be shown plenty of attention and affection, and they’re playful and like to follow you around the house. Therefore, they make lovely pets for individuals and families who have the time to devote to them.
This is also a newer breed, originating in the 1980s, and it took until 2000 for The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) to accept it for registration. Because this breed is rare, with few breeders, it may be difficult to get one of these distinctive felines.
4. Somali
If you’re familiar with cat breeds, you have probably heard of the gorgeous Abyssinian. The Somali is basically a longhaired Abyssinian that comes in multiple ticked coat colors (ruddy, fawn, blue, cinnamon). When looking at a Somali, you might think that they resemble a little fox, especially because of their plumed tail, so it’s no wonder their nickname is “fox cat.”
These playful, affectionate, and intelligent cats enjoy interacting with you. They are also curious and energetic, so enrich their environment and give them a variety of toys, including mentally stimulating puzzle toys, to play with.
Grooming these kitties isn’t difficult. Using a product like the JW Gripsoft Cat Comb, which is designed for medium and long hair, can help remove loose hair, prevent mats, and keep your Somali cat’s coat looking perfect.
5. Burmilla
The Burmilla is another newer cat breed that dates back to the 1980s when a Chinchilla Persian mated with a European Burmese. Burmillas can have long or short hair in various colors, such as black shaded silver, cream chinchilla silver, blue tortie shaded silver, and seal sepia shaded golden. These stunning cats also have dark lines around the eyes, nose, and mouth, referred to as “makeup lines.”
Burmillas boast more than just good looks, as they have a balanced personality. They are described as gentle, sweet, outgoing, and loving. They can make great companions for families with kids and other pets, and because they can learn tricks and remain kitten-like even as adults, they can be loads of fun.
Like other kitties, Burmillas enjoy running, climbing, and jumping. Give them toys that are physically and mentally stimulating, along with perches and cat trees, so they can keep themselves entertained even when you aren’t home.
Rare Cat Breeds Are Harder to Find
If you discover that one of the rarer cat breeds is right for you, start by searching for reputable breeders and breed-specific rescues. Bear in mind that you might need to wait for one of these kitties, and you might need to have them transported to you if there aren’t any local breeders. Plus, the rarer the breed, the more expensive they may be, so getting one can be a challenge.
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Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.
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