As someone who owns a cat, I hold the view that every cat possesses its own unique beauty and charm. However, there are certain breeds that distinguish themselves through their exceptional coat colors, captivating characteristics, and remarkable abilities and behaviors. Here are a few of the world’s most distinctive cat breeds.
Sphynx
Some cats are gorgeous for their plush coats, but the Sphynx is unique for being hairless. That’s right. It has no fur except for the areas around the tail, ears, and toes. The hairlessness is a result of a genetic mutation. And they were first seen in Canada.
They also have a unique slender body, a strong bone structure, and the skin pigment determines the coat color. Even though they look a little alienish, Sphynx cats have a lovely personality. They’re very energetic, a little mischievous, and a bit childish. And they require regular grooming to clean the oils that may accumulate on their coats.
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a sleek-looking cat and one of the oldest breeds. There are mummified tombs of this cat in Egypt, which show that they once adored the breed. Often referred to as “Abys,” Abyssinian cats are also believed to be one the first breeds to be domesticated.
Besides being backed by a long history, Abyssinian are also the first cats to have the ticked tabby pattern before it spread to other breeds.
The Abyssinian is also the smartest cat breed I know. They’re confident, aware of themselves, and learn tricks really fast. They also seem to enjoy mental stimulation games compared to athletic games.
American Curl
Nature will never cease to surprise us when it comes to animal appearances and genetic mutations. American Curls got their name from their ears that curl back towards the skull at a 90 degrees angle. Interestingly, American Curl kittens are born with straight ears, but they start curling after a few days.
The first American Curl was a stray cat that appeared in Lakewood, California. The family named her Shulamith. And she eventually gained the interest of the Cat Fancier’s Association, breeders, and cat shows. A genetic mutation causes the curl, and it’s not associated with any health condition.
That’s why American Curls are some of the healthiest cats, at least healthier than the Scottish Folds, who also have uniquely shaped ears. Scottish Fold’s mutation is associated with cartilage abnormalities and defective bone development.
Selkirk Rex
If irresistible were a cat, it would be the Selkirk Rex. Characterized by a long plush curly coat, all you’d want to do is pick her up and snuggle. And the good thing is that they often will respond with affection. It is one of the most laid back cat breeds. However,they can be very persistent when they need something.
The Selkirk Rex differs from the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, which have little to no hair. The first Selkirk Rex was born to a rescue cat in Montana, USA, in 1987. She was then crossed with a Persian male.
There are long haired and short haired Selkirk Rex cats.
Fun fact – This is the only breed that’s actually named after a person. The unusual cat was adopted by Jeri Newman, a breeder, who called her Miss DePesto. And she gets the credit for the Selkirk Rex cats we see today. She named the breed “Selkirk” after her stepfather.
American Bobtail
American Bobtails are known for their short expressive tails and wild appearance. Perhaps that’s because they are a result of crossing a wild bobcat and a tabby cat.
Even though they share a name with the Japanese Bobtail, they are both bred differently. And the mutation that affects the tail development is unique to this breed.
Despite the rugged appearance, American Bobtails are social, moderately energetic, and quite playful.
And if Houdini were a cat, then he would be an American Bobtail. This is because they can escape secure cages and closed rooms.
Other Unique cat Breeds
Below are more cats with unique features;
- Bengal
- Minskin
- Ocicat
- Napoleon
- Singapura
Every breed has its own distinctive features, but I think we can all agree that these are by far the most unique cats on the planet.