15 rare cat breeds from around the world

Few people know that the feline family, like dogs, has its own breeds. The belonging of a cat to a particular breed is determined by external data, character traits or the small number of representatives of the species. Some cat breeds have been known for centuries, while others are the result of the labors of modern breeders.

15. Laperm

The name of this breed translates as "wavy and flowing", which is due to the unique spiral and wavy structure of the coat of these cats. The color of the representatives of the feline of this breed can be quite varied. Cats of the Laperm breed are distinguished by high intelligence and it is quite easy to train them to walk on a leash.

Lapermas are overly active and enjoy spending time outdoors. The average weight of a cat of this breed is 2.5-3.8 kilograms, and they usually reach sexual maturity by three years.

14. Napoleon

This cat breed is also known under the name "Passes" and is considered a relatively young breed, obtained by crossing the Persian cat and the Munchkin cat breed. Napoleon is a medium-sized fluffy cat, the adult of which reaches 2.3-4.1 kilograms. Representatives of this breed are human-oriented, very intelligent and inquisitive.

Breeders agree that because of their special affection for humans, Napoleon cats are ideal for a large family. The Napoleon breed appeared in the United States in the mid-90s. Napoleons are distinguished by enviable health and rather long life expectancy - on average 12-14 years.

13. Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins are known for their friendly and cheerful nature as much as their "rabbit" coat. They have rather large eyes, which is a distinctive feature of the representatives of this breed. Ragamuffins were bred in America by crossing ragdolls with other felines and since 1994 have been made into a separate breed.

This breed is ideal for families with small children or other pets due to its soft, docile nature. Ragamuffins are not made for street life due to their naivety and gullibility.

12. Korat

These felines are representatives of perhaps the oldest breed presented. Korats have a gray-blue coat and are rather heavy for their standard size: this is due to highly developed muscles and a small amount of body fat. These felines moved to England back in the 1800s and are called "Blue Siamese", although they have nothing to do with the Siamese breed.

Korats are known for their extraordinary intelligence and the ability to strongly attach to a person. A distinctive feature of these felines is their heart-shaped head and large green eyes. Korats are also known as "good luck" cats: it is customary to give them to newlyweds on their wedding day or to high-ranking officials.

11. Sokoke

Representatives of this breed of felines are well-built, medium-sized, reaching 2.5-3.8 kilograms and have an elegant, sophisticated appearance. This is another representative of the feline world, which has traits of "canine" behavior and is easy to train.

Sokoke is known for his intelligence, affection for home and unrelenting enthusiasm, which is easy to see when playing or when the cat greets its owner in the evenings. The combination of all these character traits in this breed makes it an ideal pet. Sokoke's fine, short coat does not require much maintenance.

10. Burmilla

This breed of feline appeared by chance, by crossing representatives of Burmese and Persian breeds in England in the early 1980s. The breed gained its popularity in 1987. The Burmilla cat is of medium size, usually weighing from 3.6-4.5 kilograms. This breed is distinguished by a playful disposition.

She easily gets along with children and other pets, and is also strongly attached to the owner. Since Burmilla is the result of crossing long-haired and short-haired cats, cats of this breed can have different coat lengths.

9. American Wirehaired

The American Wirehaired is considered the rarest cat breed in the world. The coat of these cats is tough and elastic, which determined the name of this breed. The American Wirehaired is the result of genetic mutations in the litters of common farm cats.

As a separate breed, the American Wirehaired was formed by the mid-1960s in America. Representatives of this breed are easily adaptable, playful, amusing and moderately active. The American Wirehaired Lives between 14 and 18 years old.

8. Ojos azules

Felines of this breed reach medium size in adulthood and differ from other breeds in their stunning blue eyes. This breed was discovered in the 1980s in Mexico among wild cats. Ojos azules is a rare breed. She is known for her child-friendly attitude.

Their average weight ranges from 4 to 5.5 kilograms. Grooming of this breed of felines is not difficult, thanks to the short coat. Unlike many felines, which are white and blue-eyed, Ojos azules are not deaf. Cats of this breed are capricious and independent and do not require much attention.

7. Scottish Fold

The appearance of the Scottish Fold cat resembles an owl or a teddy bear due to its small, folded ears. The breed originates in Scotland in the 1960s. One day, a local farmer saw a cat with unusual ears and decided to fix this random mutation. These cats are very attached to their owners and, like most felines, are extremely loyal to one of the family members.

Cats of this breed can reach 4-6 kilograms, and the weight of a cat varies between 3-4 kilograms. Scottish Folds are adaptable and very good-natured.

6. Colorpoint shorthair

Colorpoint Shorthair is a type of Siamese breed created in 1940 by crossing shorthaired cats with representatives of the Siamese and Abyssinian breeds. Felines of this breed love extraordinary toys and interesting, unusual for other cats, games.

Despite the fact that the cat is active and open with its owner, it will not make contact with a stranger. But as soon as the colorpoint is alone with the owner, it immediately begins to meow, thereby attracting the attention of the owner.

5. Cornish Rex

Representatives of this breed of felines have canine habits, which is reflected in the ease of training these cats and their love to carry toys in their teeth. This breed appeared in Cornwall (England) in the early 1960s. Cornish Rex are incredibly playful - in their behavior they remain kittens until very old age.

Cats of this breed are human-oriented, they love to sit on their arms and flatter and hug with their owner. They easily open wardrobes, dressers and doors and easily climb to the highest places in the house.

4. Peterbald

Peterbalds are a relatively young and contented rare breed bred in Russia. Representatives of this breed can have a completely different appearance: there are both long-haired and short-haired with a soft, downy coat, and absolutely bald Peterbald. These cats are incredibly smart, affectionate and playful.

Peterbalds live in harmony with other pets, get along easily with children and remain loyal to their owner throughout their lives. Cats of this breed are very popular all over the world due to their unique character.

3. Sphinx

The Sphynx is perhaps the most famous and recognizable breed due to its appearance. Sphynxes have almost no wool cover. The first sphinxes appeared as a result of selection in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. A cat with almost no wool, crossed with a short-haired cat, gave a litter of absolutely "naked" kittens. This is how the breed of "bald" cats first appeared.

Sphynxes are very sensitive to bright light and low temperatures, so they need sunscreen and clothing during the cooler months in hot, sunny weather. Due to the lack of fur, which protects the sphink's skin from pollution and the secretion of the sebaceous glands, a cat of this breed needs constant bathing.

2. Devon Rex

This cat breed originated in England in the 1960s due to a genetic mutation in the litter of ordinary yard cats. A distinctive feature of the breed is its large ears and outstanding intelligence, as well as high jumping ability. Due to their unique appearance - huge eyes and wide skull bones, they were nicknamed "aliens".

Representatives of this breed choose one owner for themselves, towards whom they show all their affection and express full confidence. Devon Rex can be taught many tricks: he can walk on a leash, bring toys thrown to him, and even play catch-up.

1. Norwegian forest cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is large with medium to long fur. They are distinguished by a harsh disposition, but nevertheless they prefer to spend time in the company of people or other pets. The weight of a cat of this breed ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms, and cats can weigh from 5.5 to 7.5 kilograms. The origin of this breed follows from the name (Norway). These cats are extremely popular in the Scandinavian countries, and since 2003 have conquered their niche in France.

The Norwegian Forest Cat is not very active and spends most of its life sleeping. The ancestors of these cats are known for their travels with the Scandinavian Vikings to the shores of England 1000 years ago.