10 Rarest Cat Breeds In The World
Cats may be one of the most common household pets, but some breeds are so rare that even lifelong cat lovers may never see one in person!
These elusive felines stand out not just for their unique appearances but also for their fascinating histories and temperaments.
From curly-coated wonders to wild-looking jungle giants, here are the 10 rarest cat breeds in the world, complete with details about their size, fur, and personality.
Top 10 Rarest Cat Breeds
Below are 10 of the rarest cat breeds in the world:
1. Sokoke Cat
- Fur Color/Coat: Short, glossy coat with a “bark-like” brown tabby pattern.
- Weight: 6-10 lbs (2.7-4.5 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Medium-sized, slender, length roughly 18 inches; height roughly 8-10 inches.
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, and highly social, they bond deeply with their families.
- Why Rare? Native to Kenya’s coastal forests, their natural population is extremely limited.
Hailing from Kenya’s Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the Sokoke maintains a wild, brindled coat with a distinctive, marbled pattern that camouflages in dappled forest light.
These cats were first introduced to the rest of the world in the 1970s and 80s, but only got their preliminary recognition from the GCCF in 2015, so they are still considered a relatively new cat breed.
These cats are energetic, curious, and highly intelligent – traits likely shaped by their forest heritage. Their rarity stems from a limited domain and few established breeding programs.
2. American Wirehair
- Fur Color/Coat: All colors possible; coat is springy, coarse, and crimped like steel wool.
- Weight: 8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Medium size; length about 15-17 inches; height about 9-11 inches.
- Temperament: Easy-going, affectionate, adaptable – true family cats.
- Why Rare? Developed in the 1960s in New York from a natural mutation, still scarce worldwide.
Born from a spontaneous mutation in New York in the 1960s, the American Wirehair features a dense, springy coat and curly whiskers.
The mutation is distinct from the Rex gene and, despite recognition, the breed remains extremely uncommon in the U.S.
3. Kurilian Bobtail
- Fur Color/Coat: Comes in all colors; semi-long or short-haired with a unique “pom-pom” tail.
- Weight: 8-15 lbs (3.6-6.8 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Medium-to-large build; length about 16-18 inches; height about 9-12 inches.
- Temperament: Gentle giants, excellent hunters, calm, and very loyal.
- Why Rare? Originating from the Kuril Islands of Russia, they remain mostly in Eastern Europe and Japan.
The Kurilian Bobtail is a rare cat breed that originated on the Kuril Islands between Russia and Japan. It is instantly recognizable for its pom-pom-like bobtail, which is natural and not the result of docking.
One interesting fact about the Kurilian Bobtail cat breed is that it continues to grow until five years old. And, they live up to 20 years of age (source 1).
This is a natural cat breed, which means it was developed without human assistance.
4. Korat Cat
- Fur Color/Coat: Shimmering silver-blue coat with large green eyes.
- Weight: 6-10 lbs (2.7-4.5 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Small-to-medium; length about 15-18 inches; height about 8-10 inches.
- Temperament: Sensitive, loyal, people-oriented, often chooses one favorite human.
- Why Rare? Native to Thailand, traditionally gifted as a symbol of prosperity, but it is rarely exported.
5. LaPerm
- Fur Color/Coat: Wavy or curly fur, can be long or short, all colors and patterns.
- Weight: 5-10 lbs (2.3-4.5 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Small-to-medium; length about 12-16 inches; height about 7-10 inches.
- Temperament: Affectionate, curious, playful, thrives on human interaction.
- Why Rare? Originated in Oregon in the 1980s from a genetic mutation; still rare outside the U.S.
This charming breed is instantly recognizable for its soft, curly coat – sometimes described as woolly or marcel-waved.
Originating in Oregon during the 1980s from a spontaneous mutation, LaPerms are still rare due to the small number of breeders dedicated to preserving their curly gene.
6. Tonkinese Cat
- Fur Color/Coat: Short, fine, silky coat; colors include mink, point, and solid patterns in cream, champagne, blue, chocolate, lilac, platinum, and seal.
- Weight: Males 8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg), females 6-10 lbs (2.7-4.5 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Medium-sized; length medium-long, muscular body; height 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, intelligent, social, vocal but gentle.
- Why Rare? Developed in Canada from Siamese × Burmese crosses; selective breeding maintains the distinctive eye color, coat, and personality traits, keeping them relatively uncommon.
The Tonkinese is a medium-sized, muscular, and elegant cat known for its affectionate and playful personality.
Developed from crossing Siamese and Burmese cats, Tonkinese cats combine the striking features of the Siamese with the sturdier body of the Burmese.
They are highly social, intelligent, and often form strong bonds with their owners.
Tonkinese cats are energetic but not hyperactive, making them excellent companions for families, singles, or other pets.
Their coat is short, silky, and lies close to the body, requiring minimal grooming.
They are also known for their unique “aqua” or teal eye color, which is especially prominent in the darker-toned cats.
7. Turkish Van
- Fur Color/Coat: Semi-long silky coat, mostly white with colored markings on head and tail.
- Weight: 10-18 lbs (4.5-8.2 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Large, length about 16-18 inches; height about 10-12 inches.
- Temperament: Energetic, water-loving, intelligent, sometimes strong-willed.
- Why Rare? Originating near Lake Van in Turkey, strict breeding programs keep numbers low.
The Turkish Van is a rare and ancient breed, originally from the Lake Van region of Turkey, and is often called the “swimming cat” because of its unusual love for water.
This breed is prized for its strength, beauty, and unique coat pattern.
Turkish Vans have a semi-long, soft, cashmere-like coat that is water-resistant and lacks an undercoat, making it easy to groom. Their signature “Van pattern” means their bodies are mostly white, with distinct color markings only on the head and tail.
Colors include:
- Red
- Cream
- Black
- Blue
- Tortoiseshell variations
Their eyes can be amber, blue, or odd-eyed (one of each).
The Turkish Van is a large, powerful, and muscular cat with a strong bone structure.
This breed is energetic, playful, and intelligent, often compared to dogs in their loyalty and willingness to play fetch. They are affectionate with family members but can be strong-willed and independent, preferring interaction on their terms.
8. Devon Rex Cat
- Origin: Devon, England (1960s)
- Weight: 6-10 lbs
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Length: 15-18 inches
- Colors: All recognized cat colors and patterns
- Coat Type: Short, curly, fine, low-shedding
- Eye Color: Varies widely depending on coat
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, intelligent, social
- Lifespan: 14-17 years
The Devon Rex is one of the most instantly recognizable cat breeds, known for its large bat-like ears, slender elfin face, and curly, wavy coat.
Often described as the “pixie cat,” the Devon Rex combines striking looks with a playful, affectionate, and mischievous temperament.
The Devon Rex has a short, soft, curly coat caused by a natural genetic mutation. Their fur can range from very sparse to plush waves, and they come in all colors and patterns, including:
- Solid
- Tabby
- Pointed
- Tortoiseshell
- Bicolor
They are slender, medium-sized cats with long legs, a fine bone structure, and a prominent chest. Their oversized ears and expressive eyes make them stand out.
Devon Rexes thrive on human interaction and are often described as “velcro cats” because they love being close to their owners.
These cats retain a kitten-like personality throughout life, enjoying games, climbing, and acrobatics.
They enjoy the company of children, other cats, and even dogs. Loneliness can stress them, so they do best in interactive households.
The Devon Rex can learn tricks, play fetch, and even solve puzzles, making them one of the most trainable cat breeds.
9. Chartreux Cat
- Origin: France
- Weight: 7–16 lbs
- Height: 9–11 inches
- Length: 15–18 inches
- Colors: Blue-gray only
- Coat Type: Short, dense, double coat (water-resistant)
- Eye Color: Gold to copper
- Temperament: Quiet, affectionate, intelligent, loyal
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
The Chartreux is a rare and ancient French breed, often described as a “smiling cat” because of its distinct facial structure. These cats are cherished for their silvery-blue coats, copper or gold eyes, and quiet, affectionate personalities.
The Chartreux has a short, dense, double-layered coat that feels woolly and water-resistant.
The only accepted color is blue-gray (ash to slate) with a soft sheen.
Their eyes range from gold to copper, standing out strikingly against their coat.
Chartreux cats are medium to large, muscular, and sturdy with broad chests and strong limbs. They often look “robust” but are incredibly agile.
Chartreux cats are loving but not overly clingy. They often bond closely with one person in the household.
They are famously quiet cats, meowing very little, and communicating more through body language and soft chirps.
10. Egyptian Mau
- Fur Color/Coat: Natural spotted coat (silver, bronze, or smoke).
- Weight: 7-12 lbs (3.2-5.4 kg).
- Size/Length/Height: Medium, length about 14-16 inches; height about 8-10 inches.
- Temperament: Loyal, athletic, intelligent, and known for being one of the fastest domestic cats.
- Why Rare? Ancient Egyptian lineage, but a small global breeding population.
The Egyptian Mau is one of the world’s oldest and most naturally spotted domestic cat breeds. Believed to descend from cats worshipped in ancient Egypt, this elegant breed is known for its exotic appearance and remarkable speed.
The Mau’s short, silky coat is famous for its natural spots, which are not man-made through breeding.
Common coat colors include:
- Silver
- Bronze
- Smoke
- Black
- Blue
The spots are randomly placed, making each cat’s pattern unique. Their eyes are a striking gooseberry-green, adding to their exotic look.
The Egyptian Mau is a medium-sized, athletic cat with a graceful but muscular build.
Unique Features:
- Fastest domestic cat breed, capable of running up to 30 mph (48 km/h) thanks to long hind legs and a unique skin flap extending from the flank to the back leg that increases stride length.
- Ancient heritage, often linked to depictions of spotted cats in Egyptian art.
- Distinctive spotted coat, making them one of the few naturally spotted domestic breeds.
