As pet lovers, we like to think that every cat is unique in their own right. Even so, we’ll be the first to admit there are certain cat breeds that stand out from the pack in a major way. These cats are eccentric. They’re quirky. They’ve got distinct looks that will stop you in your tracks. Some are unusually bubbly. Others have peculiar skill sets (have you ever seen a LaPerm on the hunt? Pretty spectacular stuff.)
So here they are—the world’s most unique cat breeds. We can’t get enough of these hilariously offbeat felines, and we suspect you’ll be equally smitten.
1. Ocicat
If you’re drawn to the exotic markings of cats in the wild, check out the magnificent Ocicat. This feline is the best of both worlds: his striking feral-esque patterns resemble a wild ocelot, and yet his temperament couldn’t be further from these fierce predators. In fact, The Cat Fanciers’ Association likens this breed to a devoted canine who is happiest in the company of his family.
The Ocicat’s wild look is the result of interbreeding between Abyssinians, Siamese cats, and American shorthairs. These spotted cuties are as strong as they are lovely, and they are natural-born athletes. Confident and poised, it’s not unusual to witness an Ocicat leaping to great heights to retrieve a toy. These brainiacs can even master basic commands.
2. Selkirk Rex
Here’s a cat you won’t be able to resist snuggling up to. And chances are, the curly-haired Selkirk Rex will happily oblige you. These cats, who can have short or long coats, are one of the more mellow fellows of the cat world. They enjoy a good play session as much as the next cat, but they also like to just chill out on their owner’s lap.
We dig this easygoing cat’s scruffy bedhead look, which by the way, is surprisingly low-maintenance—a Selkirk Rex’s coat doesn’t require frequent brushing.
3. Sphynx
This bald feline is easily one of the most unique-looking breeds in the world. The result of a genetic mutation, the Sphynx’s hairless body feels like a soft peach to the touch. While their wrinkled mug may express worry or apprehension, these cats are actually clownish comedians who love being the center of attention. The Sphynx is an affectionate, intelligent, and energetic feline who, according to Cat-World, has been described as “part cat, part dog, part monkey, and part child.”
4. Minskin
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAbL-MAHfDC/
If the Sphynx cat isn’t unique enough for you, take a look at the diminutive Minskin. This breed is achieved by crossing hairless Sphynx with adorable Munchkins, resulting in a short-legged, bald feline—kind of like the dachshund of the cat world.
These social butterflies have no trouble making friends, and they get along beautifully with children and other pets, including dogs.
5. Singapura
Originating in Singapore, the Singapura didn’t arrive stateside until the 1970s. The distinguishing feature of this breed is its small size—these teeny felines usually clock in at a delicate 4-8 pounds. Their small size, along with their large ears and massive eyes, makes the Singapura particularly cute.
Personality-wise, these frisky kitties are in a league of their own: Singapuras are wildly curious extroverts who love to interact with people. They have a habit of getting into things, whether it’s your kitchen cabinets or knick-knacks placed on a high shelf.
6. Napoleon
If there’s one thing most of us can remember from our history lessons on the military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, it’s his extremely short stature. It’s no surprise, then, that a Napoleon cat’s main physical characteristic is his teeny legs. Also called the “minuet cat,” this breed is the result of mixing the compact munchkin with the luxurious Persian.
Friendly and active, these furballs don’t like being left alone for too long. Not that you’d have to twist our arm to spend time with these darlings!
7. Peterbald
It’s unlikely you’ll encounter many of these peculiar cats in your lifetime. These fascinating creatures are among the rarest cat breeds in the world because there are so few Peterbald breeders.
Originating in Russia, the Peterbald can be either completely hairless or have short hairs resembling “peach fuzz.” These quirky kitties are said to have a dog-like disposition and enjoy following their owners from room to room so they don’t miss a thing.
8. LaPerm
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBUnfNdJneL/
This one-of-a-kind breed’s kinky curls are reminiscent of the popular 80’s hairstyle, the perm. Their slightly unkempt appearance makes the LaPerm especially endearing. With roots as a working barn cat, PetMD informs us that LaPerms have zero trouble transitioning from focused mouse-hunter to docile lap cat. These cats are also known to be mischievous felines who have a hard time understanding the concept of “boundaries,” so owners of the breed will quickly learn to stow any delicate objects out of reach.
9. Khao Manee
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBa3R0nHXhM/
Hailing from Thailand, the Khao Manee’s name translates literally to “white gem,” which makes sense given their brilliant white coat. This rare breed is also called the “Diamond Eye Cat,” and it’s not hard to see why. The breed’s most striking feature is, without a doubt, their distinct eye color. A Khao Manee can have two blue eyes, two gold or green eyes, or even one of each color!
10. Lykoi
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTg1mNqFusk/
A cat that looks like a werewolf? It doesn’t get more unique than that.
According to Cat-World, the intriguing Lykoi gets his wolf-ish look from a recessive mutation that results in fewer hair follicles. PetMD points to the Lykoi’s feral origins as an explanation for the breed’s strong prey drive. These are friendly cats, but they’re also busy cats. Don’t expect a Lykoi to sit still for very long.
Whatever their individual characteristics, these show-stopping cats have one thing in common: they’re all pros at winning over our cat-loving hearts.
Featured image via Pixabay
Find out which breed your cat is in this quick video:
