Buzz
Cats have been living alongside humans for over 9,500 years, making them the most popular pets in the world. While cat owners know their pets can be both affectionate and a bit feisty, the world of cats is far more fascinating than just admiring kittens. Through selective breeding and genetics, some truly extraordinary and unique cat breeds have emerged. Here are the 10 most unusual breeds according to the author of this list.
10. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a relatively recent breed, first emerging in the 1960s. Genetic evidence shows they are not related to either the Cornish or German Rex breeds. What sets the Devon Rex apart is the absence of 'guard hair'—the stiff, coarse, and waterproof hairs that are present in most mammals. Instead, they mainly have soft, fine undercoat fur, called 'down hair.' Their down hair is also curly, making them even more distinctive. The breed is characterized by large eyes and big, low-set ears. Devon Rex cats are known for their playful and friendly personalities, often enjoying being perched on their owners' shoulders like parrots. They are also very intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks like fetching or walking on a leash.
9. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold, also known as Coupari in Canada, is a breed characterized by a dominant genetic mutation that causes the cartilage in their ears to fold, sometimes even forming two or three folds! This gives their ears a unique forward-flopping appearance. The more folds they have, the closer their ears sit to their head. Initially, their ears look straight and normal at birth, but around 21 days, they start to fold. Scottish Folds are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they get along well with other pets. They are also fond of sleeping in what’s known as the 'Buddha position,' sitting with their legs extended and their back upright, much like a human.
8. Japanese Bobtail
Japanese bobtails are born with a unique, rabbit-like puff tail, and some even hop like rabbits rather than running! In 1602, the Japanese government ordered that all cats be released to help protect valuable silkworm fields from rodents. Buying and selling cats was illegal at that time, so Japanese bobtails lived as street cats. Bobtails come in various colors, but the calico, known as 'mike' in Japanese, is the most popular. Many people have seen at least one version of the bobtail, especially the famous 'Maneki Neko' or 'beckoning cat,' which features a Japanese bobtail sitting with one paw raised, serving as a good-luck charm. Odd-eyed bobtails, with one blue and one amber-yellow eye, have also become popular in Japan, though they don't carry the same legends as the Khao Manee and are more expensive.
7. Khao Manee
I actually own a Khao Manee, which is what inspired me to write this list. While Siamese cats with blue eyes and point coloration are the classic Siamese in the U.S., in Thailand and surrounding regions, the Khao Manee is the true Siamese breed. The Khao Manee, also known as the 'White Jewel,' was the royal cat of Old Siam. According to legend, stealing a Khao Manee was punishable by death. These cats are pure white with 'silver and gold' eyes, although the 'gold' eye is usually amber-green instead of pure amber-gold, as described in the previous entry about Japanese Bobtails.
This breed is especially significant because many Indonesian cultures view the Khao Manee as a symbol of luck. Until 1999, no true Khao Manee cats were found outside of Thailand. That year, breeder Colleen Freymuth imported two Khao Manee cats, becoming the first person outside Thailand to breed them. The earliest mention of the breed dates back to the Tamra Maew, or 'Cat Book of Poems,' from 1350. This means that the Khao Manee had been bred exclusively in Thailand for nearly 650 years before being introduced abroad! Due to the luck associated with them, Khao Manee cats are incredibly expensive, with kittens in the UK selling for eight to ten thousand dollars.
6. Savannah
Savannah cats are fascinating creatures, resulting from the crossbreeding of a standard domestic cat and the African wild cat known as the serval. The first Savannah cat had a Siamese mother, but as long as there is a serval ancestor, it qualifies for the breed. These cats often have wild-looking patterns, such as spots, stripes, and markings, which vary based on the domestic cat breed used in the mix. Generations are classified by 'filial numbers,' indicating the degree of relation to the serval. An 'F1' Savannah has a serval parent and a domestic cat parent, while an 'F2' Savannah has a serval grandparent, and so on. Savannahs with a serval father and a domestic cat mother are 50% serval, and they can be bred back to servals, producing kittens that are 75%, sometimes even 87.5%, serval. Savannah cats are generally very large, with F1 cats weighing up to 30 pounds. Subsequent generations are smaller, with later filial numbers resulting in smaller cats.
Savannah cats are often compared to dogs for their loyalty, as they tend to follow their owners around the house, play fetch, and can even be trained to walk on a leash. They greet people by head-butting, though some may pounce instead. These cats have a love for water and will happily jump into the shower to join their owners. Savannahs also have a peculiar habit of playing with their water bowls, often batting the water out until the bowl is empty. Known for their remarkable jumping ability, Savannahs can leap up to 8 feet straight into the air from a sitting position. They are also quite vocal, chirping, meowing, and hissing. Their hiss, a remnant from their serval ancestry, is more reminiscent of an angry snake than a typical cat sound.
[JFrater: I’ve included a YouTube clip to showcase the amazing jumping ability of this cat! If you can't view YouTube (perhaps at work), here is a photo instead. Here is another video of a cat jumping 7 feet!]
5. Teacup Persians
Teacup Persians are an increasingly sought-after breed, especially with the rise in popularity of smaller living spaces like apartments and townhouses. These cats are not the result of a strange genetic mutation, but are bred selectively for their small size. Despite being only a fraction of the size of regular Persians, Teacup Persians still share the same luxurious long fur and distinctive flat faces. They are typically 8 inches tall and never exceed 6 lbs for females or 7 lbs for males, while standard Persians weigh anywhere from 10 to 13 lbs. Even though they are smaller, Teacup Persians are still vulnerable to the same health issues as their larger relatives, such as urinary tract infections, lupus, and various types of cancer.
Munchkin cats are characterized by a genetic mutation that causes them to have notably short legs, a condition known as achondroplasia. Despite their small legs, Munchkins are still able to run and jump with ease. The main issue with Munchkin cats lies in their genetics; kittens inheriting two copies of the Munchkin gene are not able to survive. Because of this, the Munchkin breed is not officially recognized by many cat breeding organizations, as their short legs are considered a genetic defect. In addition to their shorter limbs, Munchkins are also at a higher risk for spinal deformities and sunken chests. While Munchkins are indeed considered a breed, they often exhibit traits from other breeds, such as Devon Rex or Burmese, resulting in a cat that looks like its primary breed but with the distinct short legs and large head.
Munchkin cats are distinct due to a genetic mutation that causes their legs to be much shorter than normal, a condition known as achondroplasia. This trait doesn’t impact their ability to move around, run, or jump. However, the gene responsible for their short legs can lead to serious health problems. Munchkin kittens with two copies of the gene do not survive, which is why many cat breed societies do not recognize them as an official breed, considering the trait a genetic defect. These cats are also prone to other physical issues, including sunken chests and spinal deformities. Although they are recognized as a breed, Munchkin cats often have traits of other breeds, such as the Burmese or Devon Rex, which gives them the look of those breeds but with the iconic short legs and large heads.
The Sphynx, also known as the Canadian Hairless, is a unique breed of cat that is born without any fur. This breed traces its origins back to 1966, but due to the difficulty in breeding them, it was initially very rare. The first Sphynx cat, named Prune, unfortunately passed away before having the chance to produce any offspring. In 1967, however, a mother Sphynx and her kittens were successfully rescued. After another successful litter, two of the kittens were sent to London, where the Sphynx breed truly began to take shape. Despite the common belief that they are completely hairless, Sphynx cats actually have an incredibly short and soft coat that feels like peach fuzz. Some Sphynx cats may even grow whiskers and eyebrows.
The Sphynx, or Canadian Hairless, is a fascinating breed of cat that was initially quite rare. The breed's story began in 1966, but it wasn't until 1967 that a mother Sphynx and her kittens were saved and the breed truly took off. Despite popular belief, Sphynx cats aren’t completely hairless. They have an incredibly fine, short fur, often likened to peach fuzz. Their appearance is striking, and they are sometimes able to grow whiskers and eyebrows, making them even more distinctive. The breed's origins in Canada, combined with its unique coat, set it apart from other cats.
Sphynx cats require frequent bathing, usually around once a week. Without fur to absorb the natural oils from their skin, these oils tend to accumulate on the skin and can create a strong odor. Bathing helps to remove these oils and keep the cat clean. Despite being hairless, the breed is not hypoallergenic, as they still produce the proteins in their skin oils and saliva that can cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to these substances.
The Minskin is a unique and fascinating breed of cat that combines the features of both the Munchkin and Sphynx cats. Known for their small stature and short legs, the Minskin has a distinctive appearance. Their bodies are typically hairless, similar to the Sphynx, with a soft, velvety skin that feels like peach fuzz. This breed is quite rare and is celebrated for its affectionate nature and easygoing personality.
The Minskin cat is a breed that falls under the category of 'dwarf breeds,' resulting from the mating of a Munchkin cat with other breeds. Specifically, the Minskin came about by breeding a Sphynx cat with a Munchkin that carried the coat characteristics of the Devon Rex. These cats look like miniature Sphynx cats and share similar grooming needs. The Minskin is a very recent breed, having only existed since 1998, with the first standard Minskin being born in 2000. By 2005, there were only fifty Minskins. It's important to note that Minskins are distinct from Bambinos, which are a cross between a Munchkin and a Sphynx, but do not always carry the fur traits of a Devon Rex.
Pixie-Bob cats are a relatively large breed, though they are fully domestic. Their appearance, however, makes them resemble a small bobcat. These cats were developed from a mix of exotic stray and wild cats, rather than actual bobcat hybrids, as the original breeder had once claimed. Pixie-Bobs don't have a unique personality that defines the breed, but one fascinating trait is that they rarely, if ever, meow. Instead, they communicate using chirps. They are also known for following their owners around the house, displaying a high degree of attachment. Pixie-Bobs are incredibly smart and enjoy activities like walking on a leash and playing fetch. Some of them are even capable of understanding human words and commands.
Pixie-Bob cats are a breed known for their size and wild appearance. While they are fully domestic, they resemble a small bobcat, even though they are not hybrids with wild bobcats, as initially claimed by the original breeder. This breed doesn't have a unique personality, but what stands out is their tendency to rarely meow. Instead, they communicate through chirping sounds. Pixie-Bobs are highly intelligent cats that enjoy being around their human companions and will often follow them throughout the house. They can also be trained to walk on a leash or even play fetch. Some Pixie-Bobs can understand simple human commands and words, adding to their charm.
