When it comes to cats, what most of us think of is a fairly generic-looking animal. But in fact, every cat is unique with its own looks and personality. Most of us may be familiar with common cat breeds such as Persian and Domestic cats. But did you know that there are also strange looking cat breeds out there such as those with folded ears and curly hairs? Some also appear to look like extraterrestrials. If you’re a cat lover, here are some of the strange and unusual cat breeds that you might also love.
1. Sphynx
This is perhaps one of the most well-known of the bizarre cat breeds. This cat breed looks like it lacks coat, however, it is not truly a hairless breed of cat because it has a very thin layer of down fur. It also has a unique skin color with patterns. It accidentally came about in Canada in the late 1970’s and was named after the ancient Egyptian sculpture. Sphynx is a highly sociable cat which is great because its appearance can attract a lot of attention.
2. Scottish Fold
A Scottish Fold is a breed of cat that has ears which are folded forward. This look totally adds to their personality. But according to breeders, you must not breed two folded cats together because the can result into a more severe mutation in the offspring. However, not all Scottish Folds have folded ears.
3. LaPerm
The reason behind the name of this cat breed is obvious, because it looks like it just had a perm. They are a breed of rex that have tight curly coats which come in a wide variety of colors. They also have been shown to be a hypoallergenic breed because of their coat.
4. Devon Rex
This breed was discovered in Devon, England in 1959. It has large ears and a noticeable long neck. It was originally thought to be a Cornish Rex but later on, it was decided it was its own breed. The Devon Rex breed was fully recognized in 1979.
5. American Curl
This cat breed originated in California. It was a result of a random mutation in a litter of domestic house cats. It is called American Curl because of its ears. You will need to take special care for their ears to not be damaged because they are composed of delicate cartilage.
6. Ukranian Levkoy
This is one of the strangest looking cat breed you will see. It lacks hair and has an inward folding ears. It is only recognized in Ukraine and Russia and they were selectively bred to create their fascinating look. Even though they are bred in Ukraine and Russia, they do not do well in cold weather because of the lack of fur.
7. Maine Coons
Maine Coons are known for being large, affectionate feline companions who thoroughly enjoy engaging in playtime and simply hanging out with their human counterparts. Despite their imposing size, which can reach up to a remarkable 40 inches in length, Maine Coon owners hold a special appreciation for these cats due to their loving nature as cherished family pets.
Interestingly, Maine Coons have gained surprising popularity, especially considering that at one point, this breed teetered on the brink of extinction. They claim the title of the largest domestic cat breed, with their substantial size being one of their most distinctive physical features. Typically, a Maine Coon stands at a height of 10 to 16 inches and can weigh between 8 to 18 pounds. Their muscular bodies are marked by broad chests and robust legs.
In addition to their robust build, the Maine Coon’s generous fur coat adds to their majestic appearance, making them appear even larger. Their long, silky coat is especially prominent, tapering shorter near the shoulders. Maine Coons exhibit a range of colors and patterns. Despite their imposing stature, it’s important to remember that deep down, Maine Coons are gentle giants who have a soft spot for spending quality time with their human companions. They truly consider themselves part of the family and aren’t particularly concerned about personal space or privacy.
When considering Maine Coon kittens, keep in mind that their primary requirement is a loving, affectionate family willing to invest time in play and integrate them into every aspect of daily life. These patient pets are great with children, dogs, and other cats, making them wonderful additions to households that appreciate their loving, inclusive nature.
8. Selkirk Rex
Unlike other cat breeds that have less fur or none at all, the Selkirk Rex on the other hand has a thick, full coat. It has a very long and curly hair but it has also been developed in both a long and short-coated variety.
9. Munchkin
This cat breed is called Munchkin because it has short legs. They look unique and adorable. They got their unique appearance from a genetic mutation which causes dwarfism. There were short-legged cats that have been bred in the past years but it wasn’t until recently that breeders began creating a Munchkin breed.
10. Khao Manee
This cat breed was hailed from Thailand. It has the unique quality of having two different eye colors usually blue and copper. They are friendly to people and devoted to their owners. In fact, they are thought to be a favorite pet among royal palaces.
11. Cornish Rex
This cat breed has big ears, short curly coat, and a thin but elegant appearance. Though they look a bit scary, they are a sturdy breed and also quite active. In 1950, they first appeared as barn cats in Cornwall, England.
12. Exotic Shorthair
This breed is also named The Lazy Man’s Persian. It looks like a Grumpy Cat but this breed is much more affectionate in spite of how it looks. There’s also minimal shedding for this cat breed, meaning, it’s very easy to care for.
13. Egyptian Mau
This cat breed hails back to ancient Egypt and they were once worshipped by kings and pharaohs. Egyptian Maus are quite intelligent and they have a fierce loyalty to their owners. Their exotic appearance makes them more attractive to prospective cat owners.
14. Norweigan Forest Cat
This cat breed looks fierce but fluffy. They are also known as Skogkatt in Norway. They are shielded with a double coat that helps them endure the harsh winters in their native country.
15. Ocicat
This cat breed was accidentally bred in 1964. It is known for its striking look and spotted coat. Ocicats look like a temperamental breed but they are actually tame and loyal to their families.
16. Minskin
This is a new breed of hairless cat with small legs. Though it is hairless, there are some Minskins that have fur on their faces. This cat breed is playful and affectionate. They are friendly to kids and intelligent as well because they can come up with unique ways in solving problems.
17. Savannah
This is a cross-breed between an African Serval and a domestic cat. It has a large body, unique ear shape, and leopard spots that make it look handsome and mesmerizing. Savannah cats can grow up to 25 pounds.
18. Lykoi
This is a very strange looking cat. It is shocking to look at the first couple of times that you’ll see it. It’s because they have a wolf-like appearance which earned them the name from the Greek word “Lycos”, meaning wolf. This breed is cautious to a fault but they eventually warm up to humans.
19. Donskoy
This cat breed is hairless and wrinkly which looks like an alien from another planet. It is a Russian breed that was first found by Elena Kovaleva in 1987 from boys who had the cat in a bag and it was beaten around. She took the cat home and it eventually had kittens.
20. Japanese Bobtail
The most noticeable thing about this breed is its lack of a tail. But it still has a tiny tail that is quite unique to each cat like how fingerprints are unique to us. Japanese bobtails are agile and active. They can leap through hoops and run courses easily.
21. Peterbald
This is another hairless cat that has a small head and big ears. It was first discovered in 1998 in Russia. It does not always come as hairless and can also have a coat depending on each cat. However, its hairlessness is considered to be a dominant gene. Peterbald cats are known to be intelligent and affectionate. They want to be near their owners at all times.
These are certainly strange and unusual cat breeds. But no matter how they look like, whether they are very adorable or just plain unattractive, they are still one of the best pets that you can have.