Rare Cat Breeds
Some breeds are rarely seen outside the show world. If you fall for one, expect a waiting list and a lot of questions from the breeder.
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1. Egyptian Mau
Naturally spotted and said to be the fastest domestic cat.
Medium · Usually 12 to 15 years
Read the Egyptian Mau guide → -
2. Turkish Van
A swimming cat with an auburn cap and tail.
Large · Usually 12 to 17 years
Read the Turkish Van guide → -
3. Snowshoe
A pointed cat with four white socks.
Medium · Often 12 to 17 years
Read the Snowshoe guide → -
4. Havana Brown
A chocolate-brown cat that explores with its paws.
Medium · Often 12 to 15 years
Read the Havana Brown guide → -
5. Nebelung
A long-haired, silvery-blue “creature of the mist”.
Medium · Often 12 to 16 years
Read the Nebelung guide → -
6. Chartreux
A smiling, blue-grey French cat.
Medium to large · Often 12 to 15 years
Read the Chartreux guide → -
7. Turkish Angora
An ancient, silky-coated breed from Ankara.
Small to medium · Often 12 to 18 years
Read the Turkish Angora guide → -
8. Japanese Bobtail
A lucky tricolour cat with a pom-pom tail.
Small to medium · Often 12 to 16 years
Read the Japanese Bobtail guide → -
9. Khao Manee
The ancient Thai “white gem”.
Medium · Often 10 to 15 years
Read the Khao Manee guide → -
10. Lykoi
The young, werewolf-looking breed.
Small to medium · Not well established, as the breed is very young
Read the Lykoi guide → -
11. Peterbald
The slim, Russian hairless cat.
Small to medium · Often 12 to 15 years
Read the Peterbald guide → -
12. American Curl
The cat with ears that curl back.
Medium · Often 12 to 16 years
Read the American Curl guide →
Breed is only part of the story: every cat is an individual, and most cats in the UK are moggies. Meet the cat before you decide, and think about rescue cats too. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
What is the rarest cat breed?
It depends on the registry and the country, but the Havana Brown, Nebelung and Egyptian Mau are among the less common breeds.
Is a rare cat a good idea?
Only if the breeder health-tests and you can wait. A rescue cat is also a wonderful choice.
