14 Cat Breeds That Will Surprise You With Their Unique Features

There is a vast array of shapes and sizes when it comes to cats. They may come hairless or furry, independent or sociable, or affectionate and craving independence. Their beauty is captivating and they never fail to captivate and intrigue those who value their friendship.

There are many fascinating cat breeds in the world, each with their own unique characteristics and personalities. The International Cat Association (TICA) has officially recognized 73 breeds of cats. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most distinctive and exceptional feline friends that you may not have seen before.

#1. Norwegian Forest cat

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Thanks to its gorgeous long-haired coat, the Norwegian Forest cat is well-suited to withstand icy environments. Despite almost facing extinction in the mid-20th century, this breed was saved by a successful breeding program that increased their population. Today, this robust and sizable cat is highly sought-after in France, Norway, and Sweden. With long legs and an average lifespan of up to 16 years, it is a remarkable feline.

If you choose to adopt this breed, it is important to be mindful of potential kidney and heart complications that they may develop, as these health issues have been observed to be prevalent among Norwegian Forest cats.

#2. Himalayan cat

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Also known as the Colorpoint Persian, this breed closely resembles the Persian cat, but is distinguished by its blue eyes and colorpoint pattern, which features a light-colored body and darker face, feet, ears, and tail. Its body is somewhat rounded and it has short legs, making it less agile and unable to jump as high as other cat breeds. There are two varieties of this breed - the doll-faced and peke-faced (which have a more compressed-looking face). Himalayan cats first emerged in the United States in 1950.

Himalayan cats are known for their gentle, docile, and sociable nature, making them great companions. Although their coat is typically white, they can come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, lilac, chocolate, and red. However, producing chocolate and lilac Himalayans can be challenging, as both parents must carry the gene for the color and it is a recessive trait.

#3. Scottish Fold

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The defining characteristic of Scottish Folds is their adorable ears, which hang down instead of standing upright like those of other felines. This distinct feature is a result of genetic mutation. Scottish Folds are highly intelligent and enjoy playing with their human family members. Another unique trait of this breed is their ability to stand on their hind legs and attentively observe things that capture their interest.

#4. Peterbald

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Peterbalds, also referred to as Petersburg Sphynx, are sleek and graceful cats with slender bodies, elongated heads, and prominently large ears. Their bodies can either be hairless or covered in a fine fuzz. Known for their friendly and docile temperament, Peterbalds are easy to train and make excellent companions. They can be born with either a bald, brushed, or straight coat, and those born with fur may eventually lose it over time. This breed can come in a variety of colors.

Their temperament is characterized by sweetness, affection, tranquility, curiosity, intelligence, and energy. They enjoy the company of their owners and like to spend a lot of time with them. Typically, they get along well with other pets and tend to interact well with children.

#5. Egyptian Mau

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The physical appearance of these cats has remained relatively unchanged for over 3,000 years since their origins in ancient Egypt. Not only do they have a spotted coat, but their skin is also spotted. This breed has a somewhat muscular build, with back legs that are longer than their front, giving them a tip-toed appearance when standing upright. They are the fastest breed among domestic cats and have a distinctive long, dark stripe that runs from their head to tail.

Egyptian Mau cats are available in four colors: silver, bronze, black, and blue. In terms of temperament, they are extremely devoted, playful, and sociable creatures who enjoy being in warm environments. They shake their tails to indicate their territory and enjoy singing, producing bird-like chirping sounds with their peculiar voices. Their eye color can also alter depending on their mood, varying between green and blue shades.

#6. Maine Coon

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The Maine Coon is a breed of cat known for its substantial size, weighing between 11 lb to 33 lb (5 kg to 15 kg), and having a mature body length of up to 4 ft (1.23 m). Despite their imposing size, these cats have a kind, playful, and loving temperament.

#7. LaPerm

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The LaPerm is a distinctive breed that originated in the United States in the 1980s. These cats have curly hair that sheds very little, making them a good option for cat owners with respiratory allergies.

#8. Archangel Blue

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The British Shorthair is a highly sought-after breed, famous worldwide since the late 1800s. These cats have striking green eyes and come in a single blue color. They possess a double coat that is very thick and soft, and their tails have stripes, although they may not be very visible due to their dull colors. British Shorthairs are known for their curious, friendly, intelligent, and reserved personalities.

This breed is famous for their ability to play fetch and even open doors. They have a keen sense of their owners' emotions and are incredibly loyal to both them and other pets in the household. Although they may seem reserved around strangers, they are excellent hunters. Due to their high intelligence, they can easily become bored and require plenty of toys and playmates to keep them entertained.

Archangel Blues are known for their excellent memory, and they have been observed hiding their toys in the house and leading their owners to those hiding places when they want to play. They are also capable of recognizing familiar faces and greeting them, even after a long period of time without seeing them.

#9. Toyger

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The Toyger cat breed is named after the resemblance of its coat pattern to that of a tiger, and its founder created it with the aim of inspiring people to think about the preservation of tigers in the wild.

#10. American Curl

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In the 1980s, this cat breed was bred in the United States. Although newborn kittens closely resemble fully grown cats, their ears begin to curl back like little horns as early as their tenth day of life. This distinctive trait of the American Curl has captured the affection of numerous individuals worldwide.

#11. Bengal cat

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Bengals are the offspring of a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat crossbreed. These felines enjoy swimming and, despite their substantial weight (ranging from 8.8 to 17.6 pounds), they frequently perch on their owners' shoulders.

#12. Khaomanee

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The earliest known mentions of this feline breed can be traced back to Tamra Maew, also known as Cat Book Poems (1350-1767). In ancient Siam, Khaomanees were exclusive companions of royal families and were considered an emblem of prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. These cats possess a curious nature, are devoted, and exhibit intelligence. They have a fondness for playing fetch before snuggling with you in a cozy bed.

#13. Chausie

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The crossing of a domestic cat with a jungle cat gave rise to one of the most uncommon feline breeds. Chausies are highly sociable creatures and struggle with feelings of solitude. However, these cats delight in any form of companionship, be it from humans, felines, or even canines.

#14. Savannah cat

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By crossbreeding a domestic cat with an African Serval, this breed was created. Savannah cats are considered the largest of all felines, with an average weight of 33 pounds and a height of 1.9 feet when fully grown. These cats possess a remarkable level of intelligence, exhibit a relaxed demeanor, are inquisitive, and have a playful nature. They take pleasure in indulging in activities such as bathing, outdoor walks, and games. However, owning such a magnificent cat requires ample space for it to play.

Do you, by any chance, own a rare feline as a pet? If yes, what is life like with them at home?

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