If you’re a cat lover, you know that there are different breeds out there. Not just a few – there are hundreds of types of cats that have different characteristics. Some are cute and cuddly, some are a bit aggressive, and others are…well, strange. Of course, they’re all adorable in their own ways.
In this article, we’re going to show you the strangest types of cats with unique characters or visual features. These cat breeds are pretty odd and stand out from the crowd, but are still special in their own kind of way.
Strangest Types of Cats
Sphynx
Is there a stranger cat breed than the sphynx? The hairless and wrinkled cat looks pretty alien-like, and although many believe the hairlessness is caused by a genetic mutation, it’s not. The sphynx was developed through selective breeding since the 1960s.
This type of cat can look terrifying to some people, but it’s not aggressive at all. It’s a very acrobatic cat who will follow her humans around the house like a pup. It’s one of the types of cats that lives the longest, with an average lifespan of 8 to 14 years. Its striking appearance and sleek looks make it a very unique cat and a favorite of many cat lovers.
Peterbald
A Russian cat breed that originated in St Petersburg in the early 90s, Peterbald is a mix between the Oriental Shorthair and the hairless Donskoy. It can come in bold variant or with a bit of hair. This breed’s coat can change in the first two years of its life. The texture can either be lost, gained, or altered, so your Peterbald kitten may be very different in a few years.
This breed is very loyal and will always stay by your side. The Peterbald is a loving and social cat that will require your full attention.
Japanese Bobtail
A medium-sized cat breed, the Japanese Bobtail comes in short and long-haired varieties. These slender cats have highly developed muscles that help them jump and climb high. What’s surprising about the Japanese Bobtail is its triangle head with tall ears standing upright. They are a bit tilted forward with the cheek bones very prominent. Another exclusive feature is the short tail that’s a visual standout feature you can recognize the breed for.
In terms of personality, the Japanese Bobtail is very easygoing. They adapt to a routine and require a bit of playtime. While not lap cats at all, they want to be close to their humans and will sit next to you and sleep with you every day.
Devon Rex
More like T-Rex, we’d say. Along with the Cornish Rex, these types of cats have short, curly, and soft hair with a tiny snout and big ears. The fur pattern comes in many varieties and their broad chest is another feature specific to the breed. A Devon Rex’s fur should never be brushed as its too fragile. This is a cat with very low grooming needs and perfect for those who hate shedding.
Despite its unusual appearance, the Devon Rex is a very energetic and athletic breed. It’s a very playful cat who rewards her humans with loving attention.
Pixiebob
Of all the types of cats that are closely related to their wilder relatives, the Pixiebob bears the closest resemblance. This breed originated in the USA in the 1980s and looks like a cross between a North American Bobcat and a domestic cat. Interestingly, it is called Pixiebob because the original kitten of this breed was called Pixie.
This is a confident type of cat with a very social and active character. The Pixiebob is a somewhat talkative cat too, although some can be shy. The short-haired coat is easy to care for. Pixiebobs have a distinct bobbled tail which resembles the tail of bobcats.
Khao Manee
The Khao Manee breed comes from Thailand and is one of the oldest breeds in Asia. It is characteristic for its white coat and bright eyes that are usually blue, gold, or green. Due to Thailand’s warm temperatures, this breed has no undercoat. More often than not, Khao Manee cats have two different eye colors.
This is a very playful, social, and curious cat. It requires regular grooming (~1 time per week) and needs some outdoor space. It’s a very elegant cat breed whose lineage can be traced back thousands of years back.
Savannah
The Savannah is yet another cat breed that bears strong resemblance to wild cats. It’s a cross between a domestic cat and a serval (African wild cat) which gives it its pointy ears and large size. Of all the types of cats, this one’s the tallest.
If you think that the Savannah cat looks like a cheetah, you’re not wrong. However, while it is as adventurous as wild cats, this is a very playful breed that can even be trained to walk on a leash. Keep in mind that these cats have strong hunting instincts, so they’re not suitable for your home if you already have a hamster or fish.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold is one of the cutest types of cats and quite a unique one at that. This breed has bent ears with round faces and circular eyes They kind of resemble an owl and come from Scotland, of course. The breed was first recorded in the early 1960s and has recently became very popular around the world thanks to the cutesy appearance.
Just like its looks, the Scottish Fold is a loving and very social kitty.
Teacup Persian
Remember those pics of cute kittens in teacups you’ve seen online? Well, that’s not photoshopped. It’s one of the rarest types of cats known as Teacup Persian. Just like the name suggests, it’s a variety of the Persian breed bred to grow extremely small.
While these tiny kittens look gorgeous, the intentional breeding has resulted in a slew of health problems. They have loving personalities but require a lot of grooming just like a Persian does. No one can doubt their cuteness, though – they’re so fluffy we’re all going to die.