Cats are one of the most common household pets in the world; however, not all cat breeds are quite so prevalent. So, which are the ten scarcest cat breeds in the world?
The rarest cat breed in the world is the Sokoke cat. These felines were once considered a hybrid, but that theory has been proven incorrect. However, while none are quite as uncommon as the Sokoke, there are many other unusual breeds such as the Devon Rex cat, Kurilian Bobtail cat, Norwegian Forest cat, and more.
Some of these cats are created in a lab as hybrids between other types of cats, and others are simply not bred very often.
Additionally, some cat breeds are only abundant in select parts of the world, while they are rarely seen in other areas.
In this article, we are going to delve into just what makes these cats so scarce, and other intriguing details about these ten captivating breeds.
12 Scarce Cat Breeds In The World:
Cats are immensely popular throughout the world. Chances are you either own a cat or know someone who does. In fact, you probably know several people who own cats!
It’s typical to see cats meandering around residential areas all the time.
Since we see cats everywhere, it is difficult to imagine that there are some cats that are so uncommon it is hard to find one, let alone get your hands on one.
But just what makes some breeds of cats so scarce?
Well, there are a couple of different ways a cat could be considered rare:
Some cats of certain pedigrees are considered exceedingly rare. Some cats can only be specially bred or made in a lab because of the type of hybrid they are, so there are only so many in existence.
If you aren’t too sure if your cat is considered rare, take a look at the CFA and TICA rare cat breed lists.
Whatever the reason, these scarce cats can make awesome pets or show animals, but they also tend to come with a rather hefty price tag.
Below are the 12 scarcest cat breeds in the world:
12-Turkish Van:
The Turkish Van cat is a treasure in its home country of Turkey, and their rarity is part of what makes them so special. It wasn’t until 1982 that the breed arrived in the United States due to the Turkish government limiting their export. Even in areas where they have been known for centuries, the CFA notes that they are still relatively rare. If you do get the chance to meet a Turkish Van, you’ll find that their intelligence, affection, and energy are bound to steal your heart. It’s hard not to fall in love with these distinctive cats – whether it’s their beautiful markings or their playful personalities that draw you in.
11-LaPerm Cat:
LaPerm cats are a truly special breed with incredibly unique-looking fur. Unlike most cats, LaPerms have loose and bouncy curls that give them a scruffy yet adorable appearance. Their fur is so light and airy that many owners can’t resist petting them any chance they get. These cats are playful and talkative, making them the perfect companion for those looking for an active and engaging pet. However, their rarity can make them difficult to find, as there only a few registered breeders that breed purebred Laperms. But if you do manage to find one, you will be rewarded with a companion that can weigh anywhere between 5 to 8 pounds and live for up to 15 years.
10-The American Bobtail Cat:
In the world of cats, the American Bobtail is truly one-of-a-kind. With its adorable, stubby tail, this cat stands out from the crowd of typical furry felines. Introduced in the 1960s, this breed is the result of a Siamese cat crossed with a male tabby with a bobtail. The result? A stunning cat with deep almond-shaped eyes and a tail that measures between 1-3 inches in length. But what the American Bobtail lacks in tail length, it makes up for in personality. These cats are known for being calm and friendly, making them quintessential lap cats. And with gorgeously striped or spotted coats that can be both long or short-haired, the American Bobtail is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Plus, if you’re ever in doubt as to what makes the American Bobtail stand out, just take a look at its rear legs: they resemble those of a bear!