You may not have heard of all these rare cat breeds before, but trust us, they are all absolutely adorable—and perfect!
Khao Mani
These Snow Whites are from Thailand. Their name means "white gem," though they are also called Diamond Eyes due to their unique eyes. Loyal to humans, they are quite popular among royals and celebrities in Asia.
American Curl
While most cats accidentally turn their ears inside out, this cat is known for its shell-shaped ears. When they're young, their ears are actually straight, but over time, they gradually curve!
Devon Rex
Their name refers to their place of origin—these cats hail from Devon, England! They appear hairless, but they actually have very fine, soft fur. They are incredibly intelligent, playful, and are often called "monkeys in a cat suit."
Selkirk Rex
Originating in Montana, this breed has been around for over 30 years. They have long, curly fur, a thick body, and a large head. The Selkirk Rex traces its roots to a single cat named Miss DePesto.
Munchkin
They are rightly called "quiet" due to their short legs, high enthusiasm, and wobbly gait. Their nickname, understandably, is "sausage." The name "munchkin" comes from L. Frank Baum's novel "The Wizard of Oz."
Sphinx
They were accidentally bred in Canada in the 1960s. Their skin can vary in color and pattern where fur should be—if there is any! They are named after an Egyptian statue—half cat, half human. Perhaps because of their almost human-like skin.
American Wirehair
They may look like a regular, run-of-the-mill cat, but their fur has a different texture from that of the domestic shorthair. In 2002, only 39 of these kittens were registered, and in 2018, there were only 22!
Scottish Fold
These guys are plump, fluffy, and quite adaptable—just look at those little ears! They're often compared to owls because of their eyes and ears, and they're incredibly friendly.
Ukrainian Levkoy
This breed is virtually unrecognized by any major international cat collecting and breeding organization, other than Ukrainian and Russian clubs. What makes them truly unique is that female cats are very different from male cats.
Cornish Rex
Instead of a regular coat, this breed has a fluffy, down-like coat, but they lose hair as they age, just like humans. They are similar to the Devon Rex, except they have different genes and originate from Cornwall, England. They can also live longer than most other breeds.
Japanese Bobtail
Their small tail is genetically determined and unique to each cat, like a fingerprint. Although most cats need a tail for jumping, this breed is incredibly athletic and agile. This makes them prime contenders for prizes at cat shows, which are quite popular in Japan.
Donskaya
This is a new breed, recognized by the World Cat Federation in 1997 and the International Cat Association in 2005. Despite their hairlessness, they require frequent grooming. But their friendly demeanor makes it worth it.
LaPerm
The breed emerged in the early 1980s as a spontaneous mutation of cats bred to control pests in Oregon. They may be extra fluffy, but these sweet little buns are actually hypoallergenic.
Lykoi
Also known as werecats, the Lykoi have become a champion breed. Their bodies are mostly covered in fur, but their faces are partially hairless. Scientists from the University of Tennessee have tried to determine the cause, but the Lykoi's coat pattern remains a mystery.
Lambkin
The breed's name derives from their short-legged cousins, the Munchkins, and the fact that their fur resembles lamb's wool. The breed didn't exist until 1990, so they remain extremely rare.
Minskin
This Sphynx crossbreed was created (after many, many attempts) by Paul McSorley in Boston, Massachusetts. By early 2005, there were approximately 50 cats that matched Minskin's vision and were registered with the International Association.
Pixie-bob
In 1986, a woman in Washington rescued a very large cat with a bobtail, reportedly fathered by a bobcat. When he mated with a neighbor's cat, she kept one of the kittens and named him Pixie—hence the breed's name.
Persian cup
This miniature version of the Persian cat is so small that they can fit into a teacup like kittens. They are not officially recognized as a separate breed. These little creatures are very difficult to find, making them a rather rare breed. But be careful—these little pets can have health issues!
Peterbald
This long-eared cat has a special hair gene; kittens can be born bald or furry. Those born with fur may eventually go bald.
