Rare Cat Breeds

  Selecting a breed of cat can be a challenge due to the many types available and their differing needs and personalities. When it comes to rarer breeds, they are hard to find and potentially more expensive. But you could be helping a breed that may be danger of extinction to find a home and maybe even to breed. Here are a look at a few. There are many breeds of domestic cats found around the world that have a huge variety of colors, patterns and quirky features. Most people recognize famous breeds such as the Siamese, Persian and the American Shorthair. But which breeds are the rarest?

American Curl
The American Curl receives its name from the strange curling of its ears that is caused by a genetic mutation. When kittens, their ears appear normal, but after around a week or two, they begin to curl backwards, though the curl doesn't affect their hearing.

These cats have a long or short haired coat, but it is always smooth and very silky, without an undercoat, that means they need some grooming. They can come in most colors and patterns, but white and silver is the most common.

Personality of these cats is described as being kittenish and very sweet. They are a little needy of attention from their owners, but are also very intelligent and cheerful. They bond well with all members of the family and will be happy around children as well as other cats and dogs.

Bengal
The Bengal is a cross between the domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat, though these direct crosses are far less common now and breed has become more variable due to further crossing with other breeds. This hybrid nature means they are not always suitable for houses with children or other pets and it is advised to spend time around this type of cat before considering giving a home to one.

These cats are very clever and almost dog-like in their ability to learn tricks and understand commands. They are very active, large sized cats that are extremely active and strong-willed who enjoy exercising their hunting instincts around the house. They need plenty of stimulation as well as companionship or can become destructive.

Devon Rex
The Devon Rex has a unique look with large, low set ears and huge, round eyes. It has a curly coat of very soft fur that make them feel delicate but they are strong boned and solid. They are very affectionate cats that love nothing better that to sit on their owner’s shoulders or have a cuddle and don’t have any fear of being close to someone’s face. They also like to sit up high, using the top of units or shelves to get a high vantage point.

Their coats come in a variety of colors and patterns and they don’t shed very much. This means they can be suitable for people who are allergic to cat fur and dander, though they are not hypo-allergenic as some people think.

Havana Brown
The Havana Brown was nearly extinct, but a group of breeders in England saved them in the 1950s, though they are still rare. They are a form of Siamese where the coat color is a universal brown instead of the point colors that are now popular.

These cats don’t like to be left alone so they aren't suitable for homes where everyone is out all day. Their personality is outgoing and they are very active cats with dog-like traits such as following their owners from room to room, carrying toys and fetching items. They are also good at getting attention, sitting beside people, then tapping them with their paw. They are good with children and are an excellent family pet as long as they are included in whatever is going on.

Munchkin
The Munchkin is a slightly controversial breed. They have a genetic mutation that means they have short legs that leads some people to see breeding them as cruel. However, it seems to be a natural mutation that isn’t connected with any other health problems. The biggest problem is that the gene pool is limited, leading to crosses with other breeds to keep them healthy.

The coat of the munchkin comes in a range of colors and patterns and can be long or short haired. Despite their small legs, they are very active with strong rear legs for running and jumping. Nor do they suffer any of the other problems connected with dwarf cats, such as their head being too large. These are great family cats that bonds well with people and retained a kittenish playful character all through life.

Peterbald
The Peterbald is a new breed of cat created by a crossing of a Don Sphynx and an Oriental Shorthair in 1994 in St Petersburg. The look of the cat won’t be one for everyone as it is almost hairless. There are three variations of the breed: velour where they have a velvety, fuzzy coat; brush cats have a fire wiry coat and nude where they are truly hairless.

Despite their unique look, these cats are typical in many of their behaviors: they are outgoing and energetic, athletic and very affectionate. They like to cuddle with their owners and bond well. They do require regular bathing to avoid skin conditions due to their lack of fur and this also means they may not be the best around children as can be vulnerable to rough handling.

Choosing a breed
When it comes to selecting a breed of cat, sometimes your choices can be limited by what is available and these rare breeds will be harder to find. No matter whether you are getting a pedigree, a rare breed or a cross breed cat, make sure you know what you are getting involved in and what it means to live with a cat.

Before you get your cat, also read up on the essentials needed for your pet’s happiness. This is a range of things from food and water bowls, cat litter trays, cat beds and toys. With the right equipment and an understand of the breed you have chosen, you will have a wonderful member of the family settled in to your home in no time at all.