15 Rare Cat Breeds That Are Unique

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Many cat lovers know what a normal Siamese cat with blue eyes, or tabby looks like. However breeds like Soloke, Tonkinese, and Minskin are much less common. 

There are some of the rarest cat breeds in the world which are so rare that you may not have ever heard of them before. These rare cat breeds are not only rare but unique and extremely distinctive some don't have just one color to go by. Therefore, let's go deeper to get to know some of the rarest cat breeds in the world. 


1. Burmilla

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This rare feline breed Burmilla is as glamorous as it sounds. It has silvery markings across a shiny coat resembling eyeliner across the fabric. Their large and expressive eyes can range from gold to green, adding to their allure. 

They were an accidental breed developed in England when a Persian cat was mixed with a female Lilac Burmese when she escaped. They are rare in the United States but have gained popularity in Great Britain. Despite their elegant looks, Burmillas are known for their playful and mischievous nature. This breed is intelligent and curious, always eager to explore their surroundings. Also, they form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being part of the household.  

2. Korat

The Korat cat breed has left its mark on ancient history. They formerly lived in monasteries in the Siam Kingdom in Thailand during the 14th century and were considered as good luck. They were reserved for only the members of the Thai government as a big honor to own. Due to their ancient roots and specific breed standards, Korats remain relatively rare.

These cats possess a beautiful coat that shines blue and silver. If you see a Korat in person, you are considered lucky as it's historical significance makes it highly sought after. Their striking silver-blue coat has a shimmering halo effect with the large and emerald green eyes adding to their enchanting look. 

3. Ragamuffin

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The Ragamuffin breed is relatively new and have been introduced in 2003. They have bigger eyes and thick, soft coats, and are often mistaken as Ragdolls. With their plush, luxurious coats and expressive eyes, Ragamuffins are as visually striking as they are charming.

They originated from the street cats and are an offshoot of the popular Ragdoll breed. The breed is surprisingly low-maintenance and despite having their long-haired style, they are not prone to matting or clumping. They are also intelligent and playful. Ragamuffins are known for their large size, friendly behavior, and strength, and are still a very uncommon breed to see. These cats have dense and silky fur that comes in various colors and patterns and also posses a broad chest, and large head with expressive eyes. 

4. Devon Rex

Devon Rex cats earned their name from their place of origin, Devonshire, England. They are truly distinctive felines, setting them apart with their elfin appearance. These cats are known for their large ears, prominent cheekbones, and a unique curly coat.

With their large ears and playful mug, it's no wonder the Devon Rex has earned the monikers "Pixie Cat" and "Alien Cat." They are known for their silliness and love to play and interact with people. These cats are not just rare, but also remarkably captivating in both appearance and temperament. The genetic mutation responsible for their curly coat is a key factor in their scarcity. Their playful and intelligent nature mirrors their extraordinary looks.

5. Turkish Van

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The Turkish Van didn't arrive in the United States until 1982. As per the Cat Fanciers Association, this rare breed is known as the "regional treasure" in their Turkish homeland, prompting the government to limit exports of these cat breeds to other countries. 

If you are lucky enough to meet a Turkish Van, you will find them an affectionate, intelligent, and energetic breed. They are a long-haired beauty that loves water and you can see them taking a dip in the river. They are known for their striking red color on their tails and heads and pure white bodies, contrasted by vivid markings. Due to their specific genetic traits and limited geographical origin, Turkish Vans remain a relatively rare breed, adding to their allure and desirability for cat enthusiasts

6. Kurilian Bobtail

While popular in its originated place, the Kurilian Bobtail is rarely found in North America. There are less than 100 Kurilian Bobtails in the United States, per the International Cat Association.

Whether their coat is long or short, it's going to require more maintenance than the average house cat. These stub-tailed beauties are well worth the effort. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, playful spirit, and excellent companions. Their adaptability and strength developed over the centuries in extreme weather conditions make them easygoing pets. They are incredibly gentle and affectionate and are difficult to see in person. 

7. Sokoke

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Sokoke is considered the rarest domestic breed in the world and originated in the forested Soloke areas of eastern Kenya. Their friendly and energetic traits can trace their ancestry to Asian cats who were the descendants of the wild cats of Arabia. They have a tip-toe gait in the rear that becomes more pronounced when they are excited. Leggy, with large upright ears and lithe, graceful movements, somewhat active and easy to keep.

It is a lean, medium-sized, ticked modified classic tabby cat and is found as a naturally occurring native breed in the greater Arabuko-Sokoko forest. They are a peace-loving keenly aware and intelligent shorthaired breed, who is playful and family-oriented forming close bonds with the family members. The Sokoke is unique in that it has a see-through ticked tabby pattern, ticking in the ground color and pattern itself, even including the tail tip. 

8. Minskin

The Minskin cat breed is a very unusual animal and is distinguished by kindness, affection, and the ability to make friends with almost any animal. Although the Sphynx is well known, along with the Munchkin, their cross is incredibly rare. They have the hairless body of the Sphynx, mixed with the short stature of the Munchkin.

The first kitten appeared in 2000 and was named Rory. They were rare in 2012, with about a hundred of these pets around the world. They are very focused on the people they live with and try to spend as much time as possible with their owners. They love to play various games and willingly spend time with children. They make friends with almost any pet, as long as it does not encounter aggression.

9. Norwegian Forest Cat

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Nearly declared instinct during the Second World War, these cat breeds possess a thick and waterproof coat that protects them against the freezing winters of Scandinavia. They have a large and hardy stature, which looks imposing, and are a social and people-oriented breed. They have a loyal fanbase in Europe but is rare in the United States. 

These cats are generally bigger than average felines with regal features and semi-long-haired coats. Their larger builds and rugged looks lead many to assume these cats live fully outside but they enjoy human companionship. They have either blue orange or green colored eyes and have a long and thick coat which requires frequent brushing. 

10. LaPerm

This rare breed had humble beginnings with a barn cat named Curly. They are known for their soft and wavy coat, similar to poodles. They are great companions that can be present in any color. The name "LaPerm" means "wavy and rippled" which is fitting due to their unique coat that can feature ringlet curls or long corkscrew curls. 

This breed is intelligent and many can be taught to fetch or walk on a leash due to their excessively active and enjoying being in an outdoor environment. These cats can weigh between 5-8 pounds and usually reach full maturity by the age of 3. 

11. Chartreux

The Chartereux cats are the rare French breed known for their wooly blue-gray double coats and Chesire cat-like smile. They were first imported to the United States during the 1970s. These cat barrels show a charming, intellectual and have loyal and playful characteristics similar to dogs. 

These cool cats are rather quiet but when they do make noise and more likely to sound like a chirp instead of a distinct "meow." These felines are known as superb hunters and also very loyal companions. They are also known as the "smiling blue cat of France," this rare breed has a history steeped in legend. They’re playful and in some cases have been known to play fetch

12. The Egyptian Mau

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The Egyptian Mau is a captivating breed that possesses ancient roots, making them the rarest and most unique cat breeds. They are known to be one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds and carry the genetic imprint of their wild ancestors. These cats first made their way to several European countries including Italy, France, and Switzerland but were later affected by the Second World War and were nearly extinct at the end of the 1940s.

They have slender and athletic bodies and striking green eyes and show an air of exotic elegance. This rare cat breed is a speed demon with speeds recorded up to 30 miles per hour. They are known for their intelligent, playful, and affectionate nature, making them treasured companions for those fortunate enough to share their lives with these extraordinary creatures. 

13. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex is a result of a genetic mutation and has curly coats and are active cats with strong hunting instincts. Sometimes confused with the Devon Rex, these cats require a lot of mental stimulation. 

It is also important to keep in mind that due to their short hair, the Cornish Rex is susceptible to sunburn during the summer months and should be properly cared for during this time of year. They will still be classified as a rare breed although their popularity is increasing throughout the world. Their most striking feature is their lack of guard hairs, resulting in a uniquely curly, almost hairless coat that feels like soft velvet. Combined with large, expressive eyes and elongated limbs, the Cornish Rex has a captivating exotic look.

14. Tonkinese

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Hailing from Canada, the lovely and uncommon Tonkinese cat is a cross between the Burmese and the Siamese. They are the mix of these two breeds creating a line of cats that are intelligent, engaging, and vocal. Eventhough they are active, intelligent, and athletic, they are vulnerable to being mischievous especially if bored. They are touted for having the smartness and inquisitiveness of a Siamese with the laid-back personality of the Burmese. 

Their extravagant appearance and great character have delighted many Felie fans who have gotten to know them. With a sleek, medium-length coat in a range of captivating colors, the Tonkinese is visually appealing. Their almond-shaped eyes, often a striking blue-green, add to their charm. They are social butterflies, thriving on human interaction and making devoted companions.

15. Peterbald

The purebred Peterbald is a cat breed from Russia with very large ears. The breed's most notable feature is its lack of fur; some Peterbalds have no hair at all, while others have coats as soft as peach fuzz. 

These cats, who are well-known for having extraordinarily big ears, are examples of the inventiveness of nature. Their athleticism and very insatiable curiosity are the only things that can rival their brilliance. Their lack of fur, together with their elongated body and remarkable characteristics, makes them incredibly fascinating pets. They have a devoted following among cat lovers all around the world because of their very different and unusual looks and lively, loving disposition.

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